While studying at university, Mobolaji Owoade decided a career as a presenter might be just the ticket. But it was a training debut that gave him his professional break.
Mobolaji Owoade is a training adviser at Complinet, a London-based company which specialises in the provision of online financial compliance services.
What does your job involve?
Analysing learning needs, designing and delivering training and managing, and administering the in-house training function at Complinet.
What courses and events do you organise?
Theyinclude IT-related coursessuch as HTML, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office, as well as those on team leadership, time management, and presentation skills.
How and why did you get into training/learning & development?
I found that I enjoyed presenting while studying at university. But I got a training job while working at a Jobcentre in London,and I’ve loved this careerever since.
What did you study at university?
I studied geography for a first degree at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Then I did a masters in geographical information systems at the University of Greenwich.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m trying to ensure that the whole company works with the PRINCE2 project management methodology. I’m also implementing a company-wide development plan.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Working as a learning and development manager and running my own online learning and development company.
What’s the best or most memorable training event you’ve ever attended?
Training to achieve the Certificate for Training Practice, which I undertook in 2001-02.
And the worst?
Health and safety training when I worked for the Jobcentre.
How do you measure the impact of the training you deliver/organise?
Through evaluation after the course and then by speaking to the delegates about two or three months later to assess the impact of the training.
What actions would you take if delegate feedback fell below standards or expectations?
I would talk to the delegates personally to find out why they gave such feedback.
When you were young, what did you want to be?
A lawyer.
What’s your biggest bugbear?
People who don’t appreciate learning.
What advice would you give to someone embarkingon a career in training/L&D?
Take opportunities to practise – even if it means doing it on a voluntary basis – and do the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s Certificate for Training Practice with a good provider.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
I’m not sure about that, to be honest.
What’s your favourite film?
Gladiator. I think it gives some great lessons on leadership development.
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How do you like to relax?
Reading a good book, watching a nice movie or sight-seeing.
