For too long, we've been told that innovation must look a certain way—foreign, high-tech, and often disconnected from our roots. But what if we've been looking in the wrong place? In this vibrant talk, Oyinlade challenges the notion that culture is a barrier to progress. Drawing on rich examples from everyday Nigerian life—from the genius of a market woman to the hyperlocal logistics of a motorcycle taxi rider—she argues that our traditions, customs, and communities are not just relics of the past but a powerful toolkit for the future.By weaving together the wisdom of ancient practices with modern technology, we can build solutions that are not only innovative but also authentic, sustainable, and deeply human. This talk is a call to recognize and leverage the genius that already exists in our own cultural backyard. Oyinlade Ojesanmi is a product innovator and cultural advocate passionate about driving impactful change at the intersection of technology and human experience. As the Growth Lead and Co-founder of Radii, she helps retailers turn fragmented data into actionable insights. She also brings her expertise to Paystack as a Developer Relations Specialist, connecting people, products, and possibilities.With a background in software development, entrepreneurship, and broadcasting, Oyinlade believes in innovation that goes beyond surface-level solutions and leverages culture to inspire creative problem-solving and meaningful transformation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx