How I Built a 10-Year Career in Corporate Training

When I left the public sector as Director of Corporate Communications in May 2014, I had no idea what was next. Starting a Digital Marketing Agency and becoming a Corporate Trainer wasn’t even in the picture.

But here I am, more than 10.5 years later, about to hit the milestone of training close to 7,000 learners.

This career shift was more serendipitous than strategic. Thanks to God my Jehovah Jireh, I could carve out a dual-track career in digital marketing and training.

In this article, I'll share some of my experiences as a trainer and facilitator, and provide some tips for those of you who aspire to follow this career.

Why I Love Being a Trainer

What I enjoy most about being an educator is seeing learners grow in confidence as they pick up new skills. It’s great to know that what I share can help them improve their work, careers, and even their lives.

It is a privilege for me train people from all walks of life—MNC executives, SME owners, public officers, and even students. Each group brings its own energy and challenges.

One of my most memorable stints was as an adjunct lecturer at Republic Polytechnic, where I taught marketing and communication modules. RP students were often cheeky, sometimes rambunctious, but always full of life. Their humour and curiosity kept me on my toes—cute and funny, they taught me as much as I taught them.

My Track Record and Credentials

It all started with blogging in 2005, when I launched Cooler Insights, and experimented with social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (now X), YouTube, Tumblr, and Pinterest. Over time, this expanded to include TikTok (close to hitting 1,000 followers).

I was fortunate to begin at a time when social media was still in its early stages. What started as a passion project turned into a full-fledged career and business. (These days, the social media space is far more crowded and competitive.)

My corporate training journey was built on 30 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and strategic planning. Since 2014, I’ve conducted 388 workshops, training 6,953 participants from sectors as diverse as MNCs, SMEs, government agencies, and educational institutions.

On top of that, I got an ACTA certification and a Master’s in Arts Management (First Class). Thanks to my senior management roles in crisis communication, policy development, and digital strategy, I could share real-life lessons with my learners, ensuring that what I teach is practical and relevant.

How to Sustain a Career in Training

Building a lasting career in training isn’t easy, but there are several principles that have guided me over the years.

1. Pick the Right Niche: Focus on a niche where you have genuine expertise and interest. Avoid trendy topics like AI unless you truly know the subject well. The right niche should align with your strengths and passion.
2. Balance Demand with Competition: Look for areas with sufficient market demand but less saturation. It’s easier to stand out and find clients in spaces that aren’t overcrowded.
3. Keep Learning and Experimenting: Stay updated with industry changes—algorithms, tools, and trends are constantly morphing. Try out the different methods and strategies yourself before teaching them to others.
4. Be Patient and Empathetic: Every learner is different. Understand their needs and adjust your approach where possible. Patience and empathy go a long way in building trust and rapport.
5. Go Beyond Certifications: While degrees and certificates add credibility, they’re just the starting point. Consistent practice and real-world applications will help you to build true mastery.
6. Learn from Your Learners: Some of my best insights come from my learners’ questions and perspectives. They challenge you to think differently and improve your own understanding.
7. Be Practically Proficient: Knowledge alone isn’t enough—you need hands-on expertise. In digital marketing, this means being able to analyse data, optimise campaigns, and troubleshoot effectively.
8. Eat Humble Pie: Don't ever consider yourself as a master, guru or expert. You should always be learning. Acknowledge when you are wrong, and update your materials regularly.

Concluding Remarks

So, what have I learned throughout my 10-and-a-half year journey?

First, adaptability is everything. Both training and digital marketing change quickly. To stay useful and relevant, you need to keep learning, adjust your methods, and be open to trying new ideas.

Second, relationships matter. Training is not just about teaching skills—it’s about understanding people and building trust. When learners feel supported, they gain confidence, and the experience becomes more rewarding for everyone.

Third, never stop practising. Whether it’s testing new strategies or sharpening old ones, consistent effort helps you improve and stay ahead. A curious mindset goes a long way in keeping your work fresh and practical.

Fourth, patience pays off. Not every learner picks things up at the same pace, and not every strategy works right away. Similarly, you need to spend time honing your materials before you can achieve mastery.

For those thinking of a career in training, know this: it’s not easy. There are literally 10s of thousands of ACTA and ACLP-certificate holders out there.

Standing out takes more than just qualifications. You need to bring unique value—real-world experience, practical insights, useful materials, or a relatable approach that learners love.