At first glance, it looked like a baking challenge.

In reality, it was enterprise training in action.

During a recent PAYRISE session at WAYFYNDERS East, cadets were given a task: create a cookie brand and pitch it as “The Greatest Cookie Ever.”

Working in small teams and under time pressure, they had 45 minutes to develop a concept, define a value proposition, design a brand identity, and prepare a short pitch explaining their product.

Every team member held a defined role. Ideas had to be shaped quickly, decisions made collectively, and the final concept presented clearly.

Exercises like this mirror the environments young entrepreneurs often face — limited time, competing ideas, shared accountability and the need to communicate effectively.

Through activities like these, rangatahi practise collaboration, leadership, problem-solving and creative thinking — skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Sometimes the most powerful learning doesn’t look like training at all.