Elizabeth Abati is a technology professional with over 5 years of experience across product strategy, mobile app ecosystems, sustainability regulatory response, and building market strategies for developed and growth markets.
As Strategy Manager for Platforms and Ecosystems at Google, she works on Android product strategy and sustainability, second-hand smartphone market, as well as regulatory response to sustainability regulations.
Elizabeth started her career at Shell on the Business Technology Graduate Scheme, where she worked on projects building and refining retail market strategies for UK & South Africa, as well as enhancing consumer experiences and value propositions via the Shell retail app.
Elizabeth’s passion and commitment for social impact has led her to actively participate in projects and movements that drive progress in gender equality and climate action. She is currently a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and has previously served as a ONE Youth Ambassador. She is also an active participant in the international advocacy space, and has represented youth perspectives as a delegate at esteemed forums like the UN Economic and Social Council Youth Forum, World Bank Youth Summit, and UN Commission on the Status of Women high-level sessions.
Elizabeth is a recognized thought leader in sustainability, and contributed to public discourse through her previous role as an Editor for the Republic Journal. She has commissioned articles on climate change, amplifying the voices of young African climate leaders, and interviewed influential figures like Vanessa Nakate to foster dialogue around critical climate issues.
Elizabeth Abati holds a Bachelor of Law with First Class Honours from the University of Bristol and a Master of Law from the University of Cambridge, coupled with multiple certifications in technology and project management.
Tell us about your background. With a background that includes product development, mobile app ecosystems, sustainability regulatory response, and market strategies, what inspired you to pursue such a diverse career path?
Growing up, I didn’t have a specific job in mind. I just knew I wanted to influence how the world worked. Later, I realised that public and international policy-making was the way to do that. I ended up studying law mostly because my dad wanted me to. But I was genuinely interested in it. I had to choose between law and economics and picked law, knowing either one would get me closer to my goals.
After graduation, I started my career at Shell in the Business Technology Graduate Scheme. It was a great opportunity to dive into technology and business strategy. I worked on retail strategies for the UK and South Africa and later on the Shell Retail app. This experience fueled my passion wanting to understand better, how technology can influence consumers and the environment.
As I learned more about different job roles, I got really into strategy and policy. I saw myself working on big-picture solutions. That vision hasn’t changed. Now, as a strategist, I’m building the skills and experience I need to move into global public policy, aiming to shape and implement policies for positive change.
Please elaborate on your job as a Strategy Manager for Platforms and Ecosystems at Google, with a particular focus on your role in shaping Google product strategy and sustainability initiatives.
My role is focused on the Android division, and it centers on sustainability and regulatory response. My responsibilities involve building strategies around three key areas – manufacturing devices sustainably, extending device lifetime including reselling second hand where possible, and ultimately disposing of devices sustainably or recycling. I play a role in influencing executive decisions to ensure the sustainability of our products throughout their lifecycle.
As an experienced professional, what obstacles have you faced in your career journey, and how have you overcome them?
My biggest letdown was also one of the greatest challenges I’ve faced to date: navigating my first “big girl” job, which was part of a graduate scheme. I joined the company midway through the year, and as a newcomer to the workforce, I didn’t fully grasp what was expected of me. It was a tough period, and after about six months, I received a performance rating that left me very disappointed.
This experience taught me valuable lessons about the corporate world. I realized that success isn’t just about my work output but also about how I navigate the corporate environment. I learned the importance of building relationships, documenting my work, setting clear goals, and tracking my progress towards those goals. Since then, I have not received a disappointing performance rating and am committed to maintaining this standard.
Another significant challenge was building a financial model. Coming from a law background, I was comfortable with numbers but lacked quantitative training. Tackling this task without prior experience was daunting. However, I reached out to my network for support. A friend who studied economics helped me understand the necessary steps to build the model, allowing me to overcome this challenge.
These are just a few examples. What I am really trying to say is that regardless of the challenges I have faced, I have always faced it head on with a positive can do attitude. This has always helped me jump the various hurdles at each point.
What methods do you believe are most valuable for promoting awareness about gender equality and climate action, particularly among younger generations?
I believe influencing public policy is one of the most effective ways to create meaningful societal change. To this end, I actively participate in summits and forums that address these issues. For instance, I’m a proud member of the WEF Global Shaper community, where I collaborate with young people worldwide to tackle global challenges. I’ve also served as a delegate at the UN Commission on the Status of Women high-level sessions.
I also use media platforms to educate and inspire. In my previous role as Editor at the Republic Journal, I contributed to the discourse on climate change by commissioning thought-provoking essays on economic and gender issues and interviewing prominent climate activists like Vanessa Nakate.
Beyond promoting ideas through media, I believe in direct, hands-on efforts to help individuals. I love mentoring young girls and women, assisting with college application reviews, and connecting them to professionals in my network. I also help women with CV reviews for job applications and similar needs.
When it comes to climate action, it can be harder to reach people individually, but I believe change starts with me. I strive to minimize my environmental impact and do my part to address climate issues affecting the world today.
How do you see platforms and ecosystems growing to drive sustainability initiatives across the technology industry, and what opportunities do you see in this regard?
I believe platforms can facilitate the integration of sustainability considerations into the design and development processes of technology products and services. This includes incorporating eco-friendly materials, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing waste throughout the product lifecycle. It is a field where there is room for lots of research and growth.
