My Experience at the Global Leadership Program: Exploring the Future of Technology and Innovation

Silicon Valley has long been the cradle of innovation, a place where ideas don’t just grow—they revolutionize industries and touch lives globally. As a participant in the Global Leadership Program (GLP), in partnership with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, I had the rare privilege of stepping into this world of boundless creativity and learning from the best minds across industries. Over the course of my journey, I visited some of the most influential companies, where I gained invaluable lessons that reshaped my understanding of technology, collaboration, and purpose while focusing on three critical issues; Affordable Health, Smart Agriculture, The Future of Education, Government and Politics. Here are some of the unforgettable highlights of my journey:

Coursera: Reimagining the Future of Online Learning

Coursera’s headquarters in Mountain View buzzed with innovation, and the energy was palpable. It wasn’t just a workplace—it was a melting pot of ideas. Guided by Sedinam Worlanyo, a Senior UX Researcher, we delved into a design challenge that pushed us to rethink online education.

Our design challenge revealed the nuanced barriers faced by online learners: the isolation, difficulty grasping complex topics, and declining motivation. As a team, we conceptualized Peer Learning Circles—a virtual space for collaborative problem-solving and discussions, powered by smart-matching algorithms and gamified engagement. Presenting our ideas to Heather Emerson, Coursera’s Head of Design, brought a layer of realism that made the experience deeply impactful.

This exercise taught me that designing for education isn’t just about creating functional platforms. It’s about understanding the human side of learning: fostering connection, enhancing inclusivity, and keeping users engaged in ways that truly matter. My time at Coursera was a profound reminder of how technology can humanize and democratize knowledge.

Google: Dream Big, Act Bigger

Walking into Google’s Mountain View campus felt surreal. Here, innovation is a way of life. Listening to African Googlers share candid tales of their paths to Google, underscoring the company’s inclusive culture.

From Adedayo Adepoju, a Security Engineer, to Grace Kihumba, a Technical Program Manager, each speaker emphasized that diversity in skills and backgrounds fuels Google’s success. Carlos Rodriguez led us through a resume workshop that hammered home the importance of telling your story effectively—showcasing measurable outcomes, transferable skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

Google reminded me that innovation thrives at the intersection of perspectives, and the key to standing out isn’t just about mastering technology but also about embracing one’s unique journey.

Amazon: Innovating with the Customer in Mind

At Amazon, the philosophy of "Working Backwards" reframed the way I thought about problem-solving. This approach prioritizes the customer’s needs, with every product or service designed to address a well-defined problem.

In our sprint, we explored the challenges faced by small-scale farmers, identifying gaps in financial literacy and security. Through this lens, we crafted solutions aimed at improving their sustainability, guided by insights from leaders like Elizabeth Fastiggi and Lorraine Bassett.

The overarching lesson was that true innovation doesn’t start with a product—it starts with empathy. By deeply understanding the end user, we can create solutions that are both impactful and sustainable.

Netflix: Adapting to Stay Ahead

Netflix’s story is one of perpetual evolution. From its humble beginnings as a DVD rental service to its current status as a global streaming giant, it embodies the mantra of adapt or perish.

Sitting in the room with Reed Hastings, I was captivated by his recounting of the company’s journey. Netflix’s success wasn’t just about foresight; it was about listening to users, learning from data, and embracing risks. Their focus on personalization—tailoring the user experience to individual preferences—is a testament to their commitment to customer-centricity.

Beyond the technical innovations, what struck me most was Netflix’s storytelling ethos. They don’t just create content; they build connections. Their relentless pursuit of quality is evident not only in the immersive stories they tell but also in the meticulous systems they’ve built to ensure excellence. Touring the campus, I was fascinated to learn about their state-of-the-art quality control measures, including dedicated screening rooms and advanced testing environments where content is evaluated for visual and audio precision. These checks reflect Netflix's commitment to delivering a flawless viewing experience, ensuring that every frame resonates with audiences as intended.

Another fascinating thing that stood out for me during the visit was that the design of the space reflects the company’s ethos: bold, innovative, and deeply user-focused. From open, collaborative workspaces to cozy corners designed for brainstorming, every detail of the campus seemed to encourage creativity and connection. One of the highlights was the Netflix memorabilia collection curated by Michael James, which felt like a time capsule celebrating the company’s evolution. From iconic props to unique gifts from partners across the globe, it told a story of how far Netflix had come—and the incredible journey that lay ahead.

Reflections of Gratitude

As I wrap up my reflections on the Global Leadership Program, I am filled with immense gratitude for the breadth of insights and inspiration gained from the many remarkable individuals and organizations we had the privilege to engage with. From the visionary leadership of Laurene Powell Jobs at Emerson Collective to the groundbreaking innovation discussed by Astro Teller at Google X, every interaction left me more inspired to think big and act purposefully.

Hearing from Nick McKeown at Intel about the future of hardware innovation and brainstorming with creative minds like Will Totimeh and Sasha Orewa at IDEO reaffirmed the importance of diverse perspectives in solving complex challenges. Leaders like Don Gips at the Skoll Foundation and Amanda Goltz at Amazon encouraged me to see how technology and philanthropy can intersect to create real-world impact.

These experiences, coupled with the support and wisdom shared by incredible mentors like Kechy Eke, have left me with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility to use what I’ve learned to make meaningful contributions. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to have been part of this journey, one that has profoundly shaped my outlook and aspirations.

Here’s to taking these lessons forward and creating a future as innovative and impactful as the leaders and companies who inspired me!