THE PROGRAM LAYER
ACADEMY
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Upskill the people who connect technology to the world.
An exclusive cohort-based masterclass for non-engineering tech professionals and those breaking in. Grounded in |.
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🏒 Decade+ at Meta & Google🀝 Private CommunityπŸ“š Frameworks & Templates🎯 1:1 Mentorship⏱️ Built for Busy ProfessionalsπŸ† 14+ Years of ExperienceπŸŽ“ Certificate of CompletionProgram LeadershipAI for Business ProfessionalsCareer GrowthCommunity BuildingData-Informed Decision Making
Why The Program Layer Academy
AI is redefining how organizations build, operate and grow.
Team working together with The Program Layer Academy branding

Technology doesn’t create impact on its own. People do.

The professionals who will thrive are those who can combine leadership, business strategy, operational excellence and AI fluency to create real-world impact.

Yet while countless learning platforms focus on engineers and product managers, very few are dedicated to the professionals who connect technology to the world β€” the leaders driving programs, operations, partnerships, communities, product marketing and ecosystem growth.

The Program Layer Academy exists for them.

I’m here to deposit in you all the applicable wisdom I’ve learned working across Google, startups, Meta, and running my own company β€” and to chip in life lessons too, as a father of two and someone deeply involved in community building and projects.

What You’ll Learn
Rather than teaching job titles, I develop the capabilities that help professionals create greater impact.
Every framework, playbook and lesson is shaped by real-world experience across Meta, Google and Andela β€” plus collaborations with the Anita Borg Institute, Microsoft and the African Development Bank.
🧭Program Strategy, Design and Management
Design programs from the ground up and run them with clarity and rigor.
πŸ€–AI for Business Professionals
Use AI tools practically to work faster and make better decisions.
β™ŸοΈStrategic Thinking and Design
Frame problems clearly and design solutions that actually move the needle.
🌐Community Building and Designing Scalable Systems
Build communities and systems that grow without breaking.
🀝Partnership Strategy
Structure and manage partnerships that create real mutual value.
πŸ“£Product Marketing & Go-to-Market
Plan and execute launches that land with the right audience.
βš™οΈOperations Excellence
Streamline how work gets done so teams move faster with less friction.
πŸ”—Cross-functional Leadership
Lead initiatives across teams you don’t formally manage.
🎀Executive Communication
Present ideas and updates that land with senior stakeholders.
⚑Influence Without Authority
Get buy-in and drive outcomes without needing the title.
🧩Systems Thinking
See how the parts connect so you can fix root causes, not symptoms.
πŸ“ˆCareer Growth
Build the visibility and track record that gets you promoted.
πŸ“ŠData-Informed Decision Making
Use the right data to make faster, more confident calls.
🌍Ecosystem Strategy
Grow and manage the network of players around your product.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ«Coaching & Mentorship
Develop others while sharpening your own leadership.
πŸš€Change Management
Roll out change that people actually adopt, not resist.
Who I Serve
Designed for professionals across the business, operations and ecosystem side of technology.
πŸ“‹
Programs
Program Managers Β· Technical Program Managers Β· Project Managers Β· PMO Professionals
βš™οΈ
Operations
Business Operations Β· Strategy & Operations Β· Operations Managers Β· Chief of Staff
πŸ“£
Marketing & Growth
Product Marketing Managers Β· Go-to-Market Managers Β· Growth Managers Β· Developer Marketing
🌐
Community & Ecosystems
Community Managers Β· Ecosystem Managers Β· Developer Relations Β· Creator Partnerships
🀝
Partnerships
Strategic Partnerships Β· Business Development Β· Partner Managers Β· Alliance Managers
🎯
Customer Success
Customer Success Managers Β· Solutions Consultants Β· Enablement Leads Β· Adoption Managers
🧠
AI & Innovation
AI Program Managers Β· AI Adoption Leads Β· Innovation Managers Β· Digital Transformation Leads
πŸ‘₯
People & Talent
People Operations Β· Talent Partners Β· L&D Managers Β· Culture & Engagement Leads
From the Founder
Chimdi Aneke, Founder of The Program Layer Academy

Hi, I’m Chimdi Aneke.

Why Learn From Me?

0.5M
Creators & developers reached through programs I drove or managed
14+
Years of tech industry experience
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
UK Global Talent Endorsed
🎀
Spoken at dozens of tech events
2Γ—
Founder
🌍
Experience across Africa, EMEA and Global
πŸ’°
Investor in startups
150+
Cross-functional partners & stakeholders led
50%
Drove program course completion rate β€” up to 10Γ— industry standard

Over the last 14+ years, I’ve had the opportunity to, amongst many other things:

πŸš€Scaled programmes at Meta, Google & Andela β€” 500,000+ creators & developers.
🌍Designed and led a learning program for 9,500+ developers, 79% skill improvement.
πŸ’°Led a $7.5M creator incentive programme across 208 creators, impacting hundreds of thousands of players.
πŸ‘₯Grew communities of 130,000+ members.
⭐In 8 years at Meta, consistently earned "Exceeded" or "Greatly Exceeded" ratings β€” except when too new to a team to be rated.
πŸ’ΌCreated employability initiatives generating 260+ opportunities, lifting participation by 400%.
πŸ’‘Raised over $500,000 in partnerships to drive Program & Developer Training.
πŸŽ“Built one of Africa’s largest dev communities β€” 100,000+ learners β€” the Andela Learning Community.

My hope is simple: to pour out all that I’ve learned so you don’t have to go through the pain or challenges I have gone through β€” helping you accelerate your career, expand your impact, and become one of the people who connect technology to the world. I’m excited to build with you.

β€” Chimdi Aneke
Founder, The Program Layer Academy
Learn by Building
The best way to learn is by doing.
Capability Building
Hands-on AI Upskilling
Real-World Build Challenges
Community Learning

Each week you’ll complete practical Build Challenges inspired by real projects, programs and initiatives I’ve led over the past 14+ years.

These are not academic assignments or hypothetical case studies β€” they’re built to fit around the life of a busy professional, so you can apply what you learn in your own role immediately.

By the end of every Track, you’ll leave with practical assets, frameworks and work products you can immediately use in your career.

Learning Tracks
Choose the Track that best aligns with your career goals.
Prices shown in GBP
Β£186.99
Β£149.99
-20%
Now Open
30 slots max
Big Tech Playbook Track
Ever wonder how the people at Google, Amazon or Meta actually think and work? This Track breaks it down β€” so you can borrow what works, wherever you sit.
You’ll learn
βœ“How Big Tech really operates day to day
βœ“Thinking strategically under pressure
βœ“Speaking up and being heard in the room
βœ“Getting comfortable making calls with incomplete information
βœ“Working like an AI-first team
βœ“Walk away with your own Playbook β€” the systems and habits you can start using Monday morning
Β£311.99
Β£249.99
-20%
Now Open
30 slots max
Early Program Leadership Track
For Program, Ops, Community and Product Marketing Managers, GTM leads, ICs designing and executing programs with partners, and anyone eyeing a move into Program Management β€” this Track gives you the confidence and the playbook to lead with clarity.
You’ll learn
βœ“What great program leadership actually looks like
βœ“Planning work that actually gets done
βœ“Managing stakeholders without the stress
βœ“Building a program plan from scratch
βœ“Using AI as your planning sidekick
βœ“Leave with your own stakeholder maps, charters and comms plans β€” ready to use in your role
Β£436.99
Β£349.99
-20%
Now Open
30 slots max
Mid-Career Program Leadership Track
For Program, Ops and Product Marketing Managers, GTM leads and other experienced operators ready to lead bigger, messier programs and step into senior leadership β€” this Track is your next jump.
You’ll learn
βœ“Leading programs at a strategic level
βœ“Managing up and across the executive suite
βœ“Driving change people actually get behind
βœ“Leading initiatives across time zones and teams
βœ“Using AI to automate the busywork
βœ“Work through real executive-level scenarios and build the artefacts for your next cross-functional initiative
Β£311.99
Β£249.99
-20%
Now Open
30 slots max
Community Leadership Track
For Community, Developer Relations and Advocacy Managers β€” and anyone building a community from scratch β€” ready to turn members into a thriving, self-sustaining engine for growth.
You’ll learn
βœ“Designing community strategy and structure
βœ“Building engagement that lasts beyond the launch
βœ“Growing and retaining an active member base
βœ“Measuring community health and impact
βœ“Using AI to scale community operations
βœ“Build your own community playbook β€” programs, rituals and metrics for your organization
Coming Soon
AI for Business Professionals Track
Leverage AI to become a more productive, strategic and future-ready professional.
Join the Waitlist
Coming Soon
Strategic Partnerships Track
Build partnerships that accelerate growth and create measurable business impact.
Join the Waitlist
Coming Soon
Product Marketing & Go-to-Market Track
Position products, drive adoption and execute successful launches.
Join the Waitlist
Coming Soon
Operations Excellence Track
Build systems, processes and operating models that help organizations scale.
Join the Waitlist
Every Track Includes
βœ“Four weeks of live learning
βœ“Weekly 2-hour interactive sessions
βœ“Two live session options each week
βœ“Practical frameworks & playbooks
βœ“Hands-on AI upskilling
βœ“Real-World Build Challenges
βœ“Templates & resources
βœ“Private community
βœ“Office Hours
βœ“Certificate of Completion
Founding Cohort
Applications are now open.
Be among the first professionals to join The Program Layer Academy and help shape a new generation of leaders who connect technology to the world.
πŸ“…
Starts Monday, 3 August 2026
⏳
4 weeks, 2 hours of live learning per week
πŸ”
Every session delivered twice β€” pick the time that fits
🌍
Live online
πŸ‘₯
Limited to 30 participants per Track
How It Works
From application to graduation.
1
Choose your Track
Select the Track that best aligns with your career goals and current experience.
2
Pay the Track fee
Secure your seat with a one-time payment for your chosen Track.
3
Join the private community
Get access to your cohort’s private space ahead of week one.
4
Attend your weekly live sessions
Every session is delivered twice β€” choose the time that works best for you.
5
Complete your weekly Build Challenges
Apply what you learn immediately through practical, real-world exercises.
6
Graduate
Leave with practical frameworks, work products, AI skills and a network of professionals committed to your growth.
Each weekly session is delivered twice, giving you the flexibility to choose the time that works best for you.
Join the Founding Cohort
The inaugural Tracks begin Monday, 3 August 2026. 30 places available per Track β€” applications are now open.
Apply to a Track
Other Services
Executive Advisory & Consulting
Need personalized guidance? Book a private session on whichever topic matches your challenge right now.
Prices shown in GBP
Program Strategy & Execution
βŒ„
Design, launch, and scale high-impact programs with confidence.
Community & Ecosystem Growth
βŒ„
Build thriving communities, partnerships, and ecosystems that drive lasting engagement.
How to Work in Big Tech
βŒ„
Learn the frameworks, culture, and habits that help you thrive inside a large tech organisation.
New to Tech and Early Career Mentorship
βŒ„
Guidance for those breaking into tech or navigating the first steps of their career.
Vision & Leadership Advisory
βŒ„
A confidential strategic thinking session for leaders navigating complex decisions and defining what’s next.
Open Strategy Session
βŒ„
Not sure where your challenge fits? Bring your questions, ideas, or opportunities β€” I’ll find the best path forward together with you.
General Career Advisory
βŒ„
Purpose & calling β€” step back and get clarity on the direction you want your career to take next.
Choose a Session Type
Quick Consult 1:1 Session
Β£124.99
Β£99.99
-20%
30 minutes
Stuck on one decision and need an outside perspective, fast? Bring the exact thing keeping you up at night β€” or whatever topic you want to talk through β€” I’ll help you unpack it and get you moving again.
βœ“Pre-session questionnaire so I hit the ground running
βœ“30-minute live 1:1 session β€” no fluff, straight to your issue
βœ“A clear recommendation you can act on immediately
Book This Session
Once payment is made, the calendar becomes available to you.
Core Advisory 1:1 Session
Β£249.99
Β£199.99
-20%
60 minutes
For the challenge that needs more than a quick fix β€” a stalled program, a tricky stakeholder, a role you’re not sure how to grow into, or any topic you want to bring. I’ll work through it with you and build a real plan.
βœ“Pre-session questionnaire so I hit the ground running
βœ“60-minute live advisory session with me, 1:1
βœ“Key recommendations and a concrete next-steps plan
βœ“Curated resources picked for your specific situation
βœ“One follow-up email within 7 days to keep you accountable
Book This Session
Once payment is made, the calendar becomes available to you.
Strategy Intensive 1:1 Session
Β£436.99
Β£349.99
-20%
90 minutes
For your highest-stakes moment β€” a big promotion case, a program in crisis, a career pivot, or whatever’s top of mind for you. A full 90 minutes to think it through properly and leave with a plan you’re confident to execute.
βœ“Pre-session questionnaire so I hit the ground running
βœ“90-minute live 1:1 strategy session with me
βœ“A personalised, step-by-step action plan
βœ“Curated resources and frameworks picked for your situation
βœ“One follow-up email for clarifying questions within 7 days
Book This Session
Once payment is made, the calendar becomes available to you.
FAQ
Common questions.
Who is The Program Layer Academy for?
βŒ„
For anyone in program design, operations and management roles or moving into them β€” Program, Ops, Community and Product Marketing Managers, GTM leads, and ICs designing and executing programs.
Do I need a technical background?
βŒ„
No. The Academy is built for non-engineering professionals who connect technology to the world β€” no coding experience required.
How much time does each Track require?
βŒ„
About 2 hours of live learning per week over 4 weeks, plus practical Build Challenges you can fit around your job.
What if I can’t make the live sessions?
βŒ„
Each weekly session is delivered twice, so you can pick whichever time works best for your schedule.
Is there a certificate or deliverable at the end?
βŒ„
Yes. You’ll leave with practical assets, frameworks and work products built during the Track that you can use immediately in your role.
How do I book a 1:1 Advisory session?
βŒ„
Choose a session type in the Advisory section above and book directly β€” no need to wait for a cohort to start.
Will I have support beyond the live sessions?
βŒ„
Yes β€” every cohort member joins a community channel on Slack where you can raise questions, discuss challenges and get answers from me and your peers throughout the Track.
Β© 2026 The Program Layer Academy. Develop the people who connect technology to the world.