The experience kicked off with the signature OLxD blend of games and networking. Participants got to relax, connect, and have fun before diving into more structured group discussions. One of the highlights was a breakout challenge where participants, grouped into small teams, were asked to design a corporate learning academy for a 500-person company. In 15 minutes, each group presented a brand name, key focus areas, and a measurable way to prove business impact. The creativity and confidence in those presentations were both impressive and energizing — a live example of collaborative learning at its best.

The central learning session was facilitated virtually by Oluwaferanmi Owolabi, Vice Chancellor of Purple Academy. Although remote, her presence filled the room with clarity, confidence, and warmth. Participants remained glued to their seats throughout. One of them remarked, “Feranmi’s remarks were great. Everyone handled logistics well for her to present remotely, and she did a good job engaging the room.” Her presentation walked us through how Purple Academy was built — not just as a training department but as a strategic vehicle for business growth.

She emphasized the importance of starting with the right questions, designing with empathy, and building learning systems that align with business goals, culture, and people. Her breakdown of design thinking in L&D — empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test — struck a deep chord with attendees. She also introduced a powerful framework using the acronym ACADEMY: Align with strategy, Create identity, Apply design thinking, Drive culture and change, Engage people, Measure impact, and You transform. The audience responded with active note-taking, nods of agreement, and thoughtful questions during the Q&A that followed.