OSANDI SEKOÚ R.

Osandi Sekou R. has extensive work experience in various roles related to design, product development, and user experience.

Starting in 2008, Osandi worked at Apple as a Mac desktop and iOS mobile device expert, handling hardware and software repairs with high success rates. OSANDI SEKOÚ also served as a UX Researcher for internal applications in Apple Retail.

In 2012, Osandi joined Square Inc. as a Product Insights Analyst, leading research initiatives to improve UX prototyping. OSANDI SEKOÚ collaborated with cross-functional teams, developed vendor relationships, and contributed to brand evangelism.

From 2013 to 2014, Osandi worked as a freelance consultant, specializing in UX research and design. OSANDI SEKOÚ worked with companies like Intuit, Direct TV, AT&T, and Belkin, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, designing wireframes and site maps, and providing marketing strategy support.

In 2013, Osandi also founded VNYLST, a web and mobile application that connected vinyl record enthusiasts. OSANDI SEKOÚ led the design, product development, and branding efforts and managed a team of remote engineers.

Osandi joined Ubiquiti Networks in 2014 as a Mobile Product Designer. OSANDI SEKOÚ implemented measurable and validation-driven design processes and improved collaboration between designers, developers, and product leads.

OSANDI SEKOÚ then worked at Blinkist from 2018 to 2019, where they served as the Principal Product Designer and Squad Lead. OSANDI SEKOÚ led design efforts for iOS and Android applications, focusing on the retention stream. Osandi developed UX briefs, conducted usability testing, and utilized customer feedback and data to guide design decisions.

From 2020 to 2022, Osandi worked as the Director of User Experience and Product Design at BlockFi, contributing to the user experience and product design of the company's offerings.

Most recently, starting in 2022, Osandi joined the a16z Stealth Startup as the Head of Design. In this role, they led product design and prototyping efforts, defined the product development cycle, and incorporated agile and scrum methodologies. OSANDI SEKOÚ also played a role in hiring and defining roles and accountabilities within the product domain.

Overall, Osandi has a diverse background in design, product development, and user experience, with experience in both freelance consulting and leadership roles within various companies.

Osandi Sekou R. pursued an education focused on entrepreneurship and business operations. They first attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 1999 to 2003, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business. In 2016, they furthered their education by attending General Assembly for a UX Design Immersive program. Moreover, they also completed courses at Harvard Business School Online, specializing in Design Thinking and Innovation and Entrepreneurship & Innovation within Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations.