“True impact multiplies when skills are shared” — Violet Johnson on the human side of tech

The impact of tech is no longer measured by what one person can build alone, but by how many people can grow because of the knowledge that was shared. As more women enter the tech ecosystem, their influence is being felt not just through the roles they hold or the skills they possess, but through the people they teach, mentor, and open doors for. 

This is the philosophy guiding Violet Johnson, who believes that true impact multiplies when skills are shared, and knowledge becomes a bridge for others to succeed. At AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, where she serves as Head of Data Analytics & Business Support, she has turned this philosophy into action. 

Beyond leading data teams and building complex systems, Violet has created learning communities, mentored colleagues, and championed programs that extend access to tech skills far beyond her immediate circle. Her approach demonstrates that influence and leadership are amplified when knowledge is multiplied.

During an interview with Technext, Violet emphasised that her work focuses on two interconnected challenges: access and understanding. 

“Right now, I am most focused on solving the access and understanding problems in tech. Within AXA Mansard, we are focused on protecting what matters by driving insurance through technology. This involves building seamless, data-driven systems that help individuals and businesses understand why insurance matters, access the right products, and stay protected with minimal friction,” she said.

Violet added that a key part of her work is bridging the insurance knowledge gap in Africa by clearly communicating her purpose and using technology to simplify complex processes.

In Africa, talent is abundant, but access to affordable and relevant tech education remains limited. This gap affects employability, innovation, and long-term economic growth. This is why, through her work in insurtech, edtech, and AI-driven automation, she focuses on building systems that translate learning into real-world opportunities. 

Beyond the corporate space, Violet is deeply focused on access to quality digital skills, data literacy, and practical learning opportunities.

While talent abounds, access to affordable, relevant tech education remains limited—a barrier that slows innovation, employability, and long-term growth.

“Through a recent partnership with DataCamp that provided free licenses, we have been able to extend high-quality learning to people who otherwise could not afford it. Addressing these access and knowledge gaps matters because Africa’s tech ecosystem can only thrive when people are both digitally skilled and economically protected,” Violet said.

Read also: From founder to fixer: How Amanda Etuk of Cascador is rethinking startup growth

Violet’s journey started in tech

Violet’s career has been defined by curiosity, resilience, and a desire to solve real problems with data. She began at AXA Mansard as an intern in the Tech Partnerships team, where she discovered how technology can drive business growth. 

From there, she moved into Business Transformation and Data and Process Reengineering for the Life Business, gradually building the expertise that would allow her to influence strategy and decision-making across the organisation.

Her background in Mathematics gave her a strong analytical foundation, but the real growth came from applying those skills in high-impact business environments. 

Over time, she transitioned from executing analytics to leading data-driven decisions, working closely with underwriting, operations, sales, and leadership teams. 

This is how Violet is challenging the misconceptions that women in tech are either not technical enough or must choose between being technically strong and leading effectively. Through her work, she has been able to show that women can build complex systems, make data-driven decisions, and still lead with empathy and clarity.

“My journey demonstrates that women can thrive across technical, strategic, and leadership roles while driving meaningful impact at scale. I also challenge the idea that women need to fit a narrow profile to succeed in tech,” she said.

A defining moment in Violet’s journey came when she began building automated systems to replace manual processes within her organisation. What started as a technical fix quickly became a turning point. The new systems didn’t just reduce errors; they changed how decisions were made. 

With the real-time reporting framework she later designed, leadership no longer had to wait for end-of-month reports to understand performance or identify risks. They could see what was happening as it happened and act immediately. 

For Violet, it was the moment she saw how technology could move from being a support tool to becoming a decision-making engine.

But her growth in tech has never been tied to one achievement. Learning, for Violet, has always been a continuous process of staying curious, testing ideas, and refining her thinking. She takes courses and certifications, but just as importantly, she teaches and mentors others — a process she says sharpens her own skills and forces her to keep learning in public, not in isolation.

Beyond formal learning, Violet credits much of her growth to the communities around her. The mentors, peers, and even the people she has trained. She explains that the community has helped her learn faster, stay grounded, and continuously refine her 

Final thoughts

The decision that shaped Violet’s career most profoundly was stepping into a Business Support role while leading the data analytics team. 

“Looking back, the decision that had the biggest impact on my career was stepping into a Business Support role alongside leading the data analytics team within the Life Business. This shift allowed me to see data beyond analysis and reporting, and instead use it to drive recommendations, influence strategy, and improve real business outcomes. It changed how I approached problem-solving and positioned me as a trusted partner in decision-making,” She said.

For women starting their journey in tech, Violet’s advice is simple: Start where you are, stay curious, and do not wait for permission to begin. Build strong foundational skills, seek out learning opportunities, and surround yourself with a supportive community.

Do not let your background or current circumstances define your limits. Be consistent, ask questions, and keep showing up; progress matters far more than perfection over time.

Read also: From learning to building: How the PalmPay Purple Woman Program helped Yetunde Folarin break into the fintech sector

The post “True impact multiplies when skills are shared” — Violet Johnson on the human side of tech first appeared on Technext.