Thinking in Systems: Bolaji Olajide on the Future of Programming and Digital Ecosystems

In a world where software code governs finance, logistics, and even legal processes, the profession of software engineer is no longer purely technical. Today, it is the role of a systems architect whose decisions influence economic stability and the quality of human decision-making.

Bolaji Olajide is a software engineer with more than five years of international experience, a specialist in building scalable digital systems, and a founder of technology products at the intersection of engineering, economics, and infrastructure. His professional path combines engineering rigor, systems thinking, and a deep sense of responsibility for the consequences of the technologies he creates.

Bolaji, you often say that your interest in technology began in childhood. What was the starting point of this journey?

— My first real sense of wonder was connected to the radio. As a child, I couldn't understand how different people could speak from a small box. At first, I thought they were literally inside the device. Later, I realized that the same signal could be heard by thousands of people simultaneously, and that completely changed how I saw the world.

That realization sparked a desire to understand how things work. I started taking apart devices, including my father's radio, and putting them back together. That process of exploration, mistakes, and restoration shaped my way of thinking. That's where the desire was born, not just to use technology, but to create it.

Today, you work with Go, TypeScript, and Python. How do you choose a technology for a specific project?

— I often compare programming languages to spices in cooking. Different dishes require different flavor highlights. Sometimes spices are interchangeable, but in the end, the choice depends on the team's experience, the maintainability of the solution, and the long-term sustainability of the product.

You can write perfect code, but if the team doesn't understand it or can't maintain it, that's a failure. Technology should serve people, not the other way around.

Which approach to development do you consider the most mature?

— I work at the intersection of agile and lean principles. Before writing code, I conduct research: I identify known and unknown variables and surface questions that don't yet have answers. This helps eliminate risks at early stages.

I pay special attention to testing. Good tests are a form of professional respect for your future self and for the team. They help catch errors earlier and prevent product development from turning into constant firefighting.

You actively participate in code reviews. How do you maintain high standards without putting pressure on the team?

— Code quality can't be imposed; it has to be a shared value. When a team agrees on standards upfront, most conflicts disappear. For me, the key criterion is readability. I often ask, "will I be able to understand this code in two years?" As one of my mentors once said, code is read far more often than it's written. And of course, tone matters. Respectful, clear, and constructive feedback turns reviews into a tool for growth rather than control.

How do you prioritize in conditions of limited resources and high responsibility?

— I start by assessing risks and impact. Which tasks are critical? Which depends on others? Which could lead to serious consequences if postponed?

At the same time, I maintain constant communication with stakeholders. Transparency is one of the key factors of resilience in complex systems.

There is a lot of discussion today about ethics in programming and AI. How do you define an engineer's responsibility?

— With the ability to create comes responsibility. We must think about security, proper data handling, accessibility, and user experience. Products shouldn't be built on a "launch and forget" principle. Development must begin with empathy. Only then can technology truly serve people rather than replace their judgment.

You served as a judge in debates on AI and law. What did this intersection of technology and jurisprudence give you?

— It was a very valuable experience. We discussed AI ethics, copyright, and the legal consequences of using generated content. It reinforced my belief that engineers must understand the legal context of their decisions. Technology has long ceased to exist in a vacuum.

One of the key projects in your career is ChainForce. What is its idea and mission?

— ChainForce is a digital supply-chain coordination platform for small and medium-sized manufacturers and distributors in the United States. More than 65% of these companies still operate without integrated digital tools, which leads to delays, cash-flow gaps, and inventory management errors.

We are creating a single source of trust that includes: a digital registry of suppliers, automated workflows based on smart contracts, and a flexible communication system that works even in low-connectivity environments, via SMS and USSD.

The project uses blockchain and embedded financial tools. Why does business need this?

— Blockchain in ChainForce is not hype—it's a tool for building trust. It records every transaction, contract terms, and delivery confirmations in a secure distributed environment, reducing disputes and administrative costs. Embedded financial solutions, such as factoring and accelerated payouts, allow businesses to access liquidity up to 15 days earlier. All financial flows remain within the U.S. ecosystem, strengthening the national economy.

What goals do you set for ChainForce over the next five years?

— From a pilot with 100 manufacturers to more than 10,000 businesses nationwide and international scaling, we aim to reduce administrative costs by 30–50%, decrease inventory shortages, and increase the resilience of regional supply chains. I see ChainForce as an example of how engineering thinking can directly impact economic stability and job preservation.

What advice would you give to aspiring engineers?

— Master the fundamentals. The field rewards those who understand the basics. Take breaks when you're stuck, and never stop learning. And most importantly, write. Document your thoughts. Writing helps you understand yourself and your decisions more clearly.

How do you see the future of technology?

— Artificial intelligence will change our everyday lives and make education more accessible. This will lead to new tools, ideas, and ways to improve quality of life. But the key element will remain the human being—our values, responsibility, and ability to think systemically.