Groundbreaking, globally recognized, certified and accredited course, that offers intensive and interactive executive level training to EAs around the world.
Own Your Success is delighted to bring you the 'Bitesize Masterclass' with Sophie Chapman. Not everyone has the flexibility to step away from the office for in-person events or dedicate extended periods from their packed schedules for full or half-day sessions. So we've put together our 'Bitesize Masterclasses' to help assistants develop and learn from professionals such as Sophie - shorter sessions, same big impact! Bitesize Masterclass with Sophie Chapman Sophie Chapman EA to Steven Bartlett Although Sophie initially aspired to be a talent agent, she swiftly realised that her career passions lay within the administrative/operational aspects of working life. Following her graduation in Entertainment Management from LIPA in 2008, she gained extensive work experience across renowned entities such as Sony BMG and Sky One, operating within the spheres of TV, music, radio, and the events industry. Her pivotal entry into a PA role came while supporting musician Eliza Doolittle. After five years, Sophie opted to move home to Liverpool and accept a contract supporting Sir Dave Brailsford of Team Sky. Once complete, Sophie received an offer for a position based in the US with an A-list musician. However, her journey led her to discover her "forever role", providing support to Steven Bartlett. Steven, the Founder and former Group CEO of Social Chain, is a multifaceted individual—a published author, podcaster, entrepreneur, and presently, the youngest-ever Dragon on BBC's Dragon's Den. Sophie has been instrumental as Steven's Executive Assistant, operating on a global scale, in both private and corporate realms for six years. Kate Wood Masterclass Facilitator Kate will aid the facilitation of this Bitesize Masterclass, ensuring that crucial topics are covered while prioritising an environment where every participant feels acknowledged, valued, and heard throughout the session. Kate is a business owner, qualified coach, consultant, facilitator, trainer, podcaster and public speaker with a background in learning & development, employee engagement strategy, continuous improvement, communications and marketing. After 25 years working across the board in blue-chip, non-profit and civil service organisations she now provides support to businesses looking to evolve and become great places for people to work in and with. Having worked with a wide variety of clients from school-age students to senior executives, she has been designing and running workshops, seminars and classes in person or via web events since she left long commutes and corporate roles behind in 2014 when she created her first two businesses. Her passion is improving working relationships between roles and functions and supporting people to discover their best selves at work. She does this in the automotive industry, financial services, medical teams, charities, global media, retail, education systems and the arts. When she’s not working, she and her classic car Monty Morgan can be found zipping around the English countryside. Session topics: How to establish your self-leadership position in your EA capacity Transition from a PA to EA Career development Boundary setting and wellbeing Q&A with the audience - Open-Book Q&A What is a Bitesize Masterclass? Short burst session. Keynote speakers discuss key themes/topics they are passionate about. Q&A with the audience attendees - ask the questions you don't usually get to ask! Run time of 90 minutes (max 2 hours) - we block out two hours in case we overspill on questions. 😊 Virtually delivered - attend from anywhere that's convenient for you! Packed with content, tips and tricks and from industry professionals who can share their experiences with you. Who will attend? PA's EA's Administrative roles --------------------------- At Own Your Success, we strongly believe in fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and discrimination of any form is unwelcome. We welcome attendees from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or any other characteristic. Discrimination has no place in our workshops, and we are committed to creating a respectful and supportive space for all participants to learn and grow together. ---------------------------
Ready to stop sending your resume into the void? It’s time to master a fundamental life skill for every ambitious administrative professional: crafting a resume that doesn’t just list your entire work history, but actually it gets you interviews. Join us for an intensive workshop where we reveal the industry secrets behind the art and science of standout resumes.
Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce the Elite EA/PA Forum for ANZ will be on the 25th of September 2025. Our workshop aims to: Enhance your influence and impact by mastering assertive communication, negotiation, and self-advocacy skills. Stay composed and solution-focused in high-pressure situations with practical tools for crisis management and clear decision-making. Embrace evolving technology by understanding how AI and automation can streamline your role and boost efficiency. Future-proof your career by building strategic value, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-changing professional landscape. Keynote Address with Q&A from the audience: What to expect from Sam's Keynote: With over 30 years supporting leaders at the highest levels, Sam Cohen brings a wealth of insight, experience, and stories (the kind she can share) to the stage. From 18 years serving within The Royal Household - including as Deputy Private Secretary and Press Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - to working with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, running the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street, and serving as Chief of Staff to the global CEO of Rio Tinto, Sam’s career is a masterclass in discretion, diplomacy, and delivering at the top. In this exclusive keynote, Beyond the Role, Sam will explore how Executive Assistants don’t just support leaders - they shape leadership, drive strategy, and build legacy from behind the scenes. Join us for this rare opportunity to hear from someone who’s been at the epicentre of power - and bring your questions! The keynote will include a live Q&A, where you can ask Sam about her remarkable career, leadership insights, and how to truly excel in high-performance environments. (Don’t ask her what the Queen kept in her handbag - she’s not telling.) Sam Cohen Career Bio: Sam Cohen has spent the last 30 years working to support leaders in the public and private sectors. Sam spent 18 years serving The Royal Household, as Deputy Private Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Press Secretary to The Queen. Sam also served as Private Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Following this time, Sam worked as Director of the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street under Boris Johnson and, most recently, was Chief of Staff to the global CEO at Rio Tinto. Source: ABC News - YouTube Channel. Facilitator - AM: The Future-Proofed Assistant: Speak Up, Stand Out & Shape Your Career Path How to reimagine your Assistant role in 2025 and beyond - How the EA role is evolving (and what Executives now expect) & why Assistants who think like strategists will be indispensable Assertiveness as an Assistant – The key to retaining your role & the difference between being ‘helpful’ and being ‘heard’ Self-Advocacy as a Career Growth Strategy – The importance of advocating for your career development, workload boundaries and recognition Own Your Professional Future - Map your career development. Whether you're an EA for life or looking to a role beyond in the future, this is for you. Ruth Kilah Career Bio: Ruth is an international executive career coach and founder of Hoxton Hyde – Executive Career Coaching & Mentoring, delivering 1:1 and group programs for experienced Executive Assistants. She specialises in helping EAs step into higher-level roles, increase their income, and expand their professional impact. With 14 years’ experience supporting C-suite executives in Australia and the UK, Ruth brings deep industry insight and a strategic approach to career development. She empowers Assistants to gain clarity on their next move, adopt a strategic mindset, communicate their value effectively, and lead their own growth conversations with confidence. A former EA turned Stakeholder Relations and Project Manager, Ruth launched Hoxton Hyde in 2018 after spotting a clear gap in the market for tailored coaching for career-driven EAs. She is a recognised member of the World Administrators Alliance and a respected thought leader in the EA space, regularly sharing insights via LinkedIn and Instagram. Ruth is also a certified fitness and wellness coach, passionate about helping Assistants achieve long-term career fulfilment through intentional development and well-being. Panel: Crisis Mode: What to do when everything goes wrong Master a step-by-step approach to prioritising and problem-solving under pressure. Strengthen emotional resilience and calm decision-making during unexpected disruptions. Learn how to communicate clearly and lead from behind in high-stress situations. Emma-Kate Bos Bio Emma-Kate works alongside the CEO at Squadron Energy, one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies. With over 28 years of experience in Executive Assistant and Operational roles supporting business leaders in professional services, politics, membership industries, sporting and not-for-profit organisations, Emma-Kate has a deep understanding of business support roles and has managed large teams of assistants and receptionists. She is passionate about developing and mentoring team members Emma-Kate holds an Associate Degree in Law, Mini MBA and Certificate in Public Relations. Facilitator - PM: AI & Automation: How Technology is Changing the Assistant’s Role Understand the latest AI tools reshaping administrative and operational support. Identify which tasks can be streamlined or delegated using automation. Reframe your role by leveraging technology to add strategic value and stay future-ready. Who will attend this event? Executive Assistant (EA) Personal Assistant (PA) Virtual Assistant (VA) Legal Secretary Legal Executive Assistant Administrative Assistant Office Manager Health Care Office Manager Chief of Staff Additional roles may be relevant depending on role responsibilities along with development opportunities. This workshop is open to females, male including trans women/males and non-binary professionals. Group Rate Discounts: To discuss our group rates in more detail, please email support@elite-forums.com and provide the following: Group Number (How many would like to attend) Event Date (If numerous dates, please advise if we are splitting attendees across multiple dates) Attendee Contact details (Or request our Group Rate Document. Complete and return - we'll sort the rest.) Group discounts are on request - see below group rate discount brackets: 🧩 You just need one piece to come together - to unlock your Elite Potential. 🔑
Course Overview: This Personal Productivity Course is designed to equip learners with the essential skills and techniques to enhance their productivity, both personally and professionally. Covering key principles of time management, goal setting, and focus, the course provides valuable strategies to help individuals manage their tasks more efficiently, reduce distractions, and achieve their goals effectively. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of how to prioritise, manage workloads, and stay motivated, all while cultivating a mindset for continuous improvement. Upon completion, learners will be able to apply these skills to increase productivity and performance in various aspects of life and work. Course Description: The Personal Productivity Course delves into essential topics such as setting achievable goals, mastering prioritisation, eliminating distractions, and fostering self-motivation. Learners will explore strategies to optimise their time management, cultivate focus, and develop a systematic approach to tackling tasks. With practical insights, the course will guide individuals in overcoming procrastination, managing stress, and ensuring long-term success. The course is suitable for beginners and professionals alike, providing the foundation for enhanced productivity and a more balanced, goal-oriented life. By the end of the course, learners will have the skills to effectively plan, execute, and measure their productivity in both personal and professional settings. Course Modules: • Module 01: Introduction • Module 02: Core Principles of Focus & Productivity (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to improve their personal productivity. Professionals aiming to enhance career development through better time management. Beginners with an interest in learning productivity techniques for professional or personal growth. Anyone looking to optimise their focus, organisation, and performance. Career Path: Personal Assistant Project Manager Executive Assistant Operations Manager Team Leader Entrepreneur Administrative Coordinator Freelance Consultant
Course Overview Master the art of professional communication with our Email Writing: Styles and Templates course. This programme is designed to equip learners with the techniques and understanding needed to craft clear, concise, and impactful emails in any business or personal context. Covering everything from structuring emails and using the right tone, to managing inboxes and recognising email etiquette, this course enhances both written clarity and communication confidence. By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify different writing styles, adapt their tone to suit the audience, and apply best practices when communicating via email. Whether writing to clients, colleagues, or superiors, learners will leave better prepared to communicate effectively in the digital workplace. Course Description This course delves into the essentials of modern email writing, providing a thorough exploration of communication styles, tone, email structure, and content refinement. Learners will discover how to organise their emails logically, maintain professional standards, and ensure clarity in various types of written correspondence. The course also highlights key strategies for managing email flow and avoiding common mistakes, as well as guidance on email etiquette and the risks of digital communication. With real-world examples and scenarios, learners will be exposed to a variety of writing situations, gaining the ability to adapt their messaging to suit different audiences and purposes. Each module builds towards enhancing writing proficiency for formal and semi-formal settings. Course Modules Module 01: E-Mail Communications Module 02: Fundamentals of Writing Effective E-mails Module 03: Manage Your E-mail Module 04: Writing Styles and Tone Module 05: Additional Tips for Writing Effective E-Mail Module 06: Exercise Caution (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to improve their professional writing style. Professionals aiming to enhance their communication within workplace settings. Beginners with an interest in business writing and corporate communication. Administrative staff, customer service representatives, and team leaders responsible for written correspondence. Career Path Administrative Assistant Office Manager Customer Support Agent Executive Assistant HR Coordinator Content and Communications Executive Client Relationship Manager
Course Overview This Personal Assistant (PA) course is designed to provide learners with essential skills and knowledge to excel in a variety of administrative roles. Covering everything from business communication to organisational skills, this course ensures learners are equipped to manage office duties efficiently, support executives, and contribute to the smooth running of an organisation. By completing this course, learners will gain a solid understanding of the core functions of a PA, enabling them to confidently take on responsibilities in any professional setting. Course Description The course delves into key areas including business telephone etiquette, managing travel arrangements, organising meetings, and developing effective communication skills. Learners will explore the nuances of record-keeping, minute-taking, and scheduling, essential for ensuring a well-structured office environment. With a strong emphasis on time management, organisational skills, and business writing, this course prepares learners to confidently manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in fast-paced work environments. By the end, learners will have developed the ability to enhance productivity and support executive operations effectively. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction to Personal Assistant Module 02: Business Telephone Skills Module 03: Representing Your Boss and Company Module 04: Mail Services and Shipping Module 05: Travel Arrangements Module 06: Organising Meetings and Conferences Module 07: Time Management Module 08: Record Keeping and Filing Systems Module 09: Business Writing Skills Module 10: Organisational Skills Module 11: Communication Skills Module 12: Customer Service Module 13: Effective Planning and Scheduling Module 14: Invoicing/Petty Cash Module 15: Introduction to Minute Writing Module 16: Preparation for Minute Taking Module 17: The Meeting Structure Module 18: Minute Meeting, Decision and Action Module 19: Roles and Responsibility of Minute Taker Module 20: Tips for Minute Taking Module 21: Technology in Minute Taking Module 22: Building Confidence (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to enhance their administrative skills. Professionals aiming to advance their career as a Personal Assistant. Beginners with an interest in office management and administrative roles. Anyone interested in developing organisational and communication skills. Career Path Personal Assistant Executive Assistant Administrative Assistant Office Manager Office Administrator Executive Support Specialist
Course Duration: Half-day or full-day (can also be delivered as a 3-part virtual workshop series) Target Audience: Professionals in non-technical roles (e.g. executive assistants, HR, marketing, project managers, operations staff, trainers, and admin support) who want to use generative AI to enhance their work—without needing coding skills. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what generative AI is and how it works in plain language. Identify use cases relevant to their role or industry. Use popular generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) confidently. Write effective prompts to get better, more relevant results. Apply AI ethically and responsibly in the workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Demystifying Generative AI What is generative AI? (Plain language explanation) How AI models like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini work Examples of what generative AI can (and can’t) do Myths, risks, and benefits of AI in non-tech roles Module 2: Everyday Use Cases for Professionals Time-saving applications: Drafting emails, reports, meeting summaries Creating checklists, plans, or SOPs Enhancing creativity: Brainstorming ideas for events, campaigns, or training Writing social media posts, newsletters, or job ads Organising information: Summarising documents Structuring spreadsheets or creating templates Supporting communication: Improving tone and clarity Translating or simplifying content Module 3: Prompting Essentials What is a “prompt” and why does it matter? How to write clear, specific, and effective prompts Prompting frameworks (e.g., “Role–Task–Goal” method) Live practice: transforming a vague prompt into a powerful one Troubleshooting: when AI gives poor answers and how to improve them Module 4: Hands-On Exploration Try-it-yourself exercises using ChatGPT or Gemini (guided) Real workplace examples and team challenges Create an AI-generated email, checklist, or idea list Optional: use industry-specific examples (e.g., HR, admin, events, comms) Module 5: Responsible AI Use at Work Understanding AI limitations and biases Protecting privacy and sensitive data When not to use AI Workplace policies and guidelines (customisable for your organisation) Ethical use: attribution, transparency, and human review Module 6: Getting Started in Your Role Tools overview: free vs paid options (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini) Building your own AI toolkit Tips for staying up to date as tools evolve 30-day challenge: how to build AI into your daily workflow Delivery Style Highly interactive, practical, and low-jargon No coding or tech background required Hands-on demos, guided practice, and scenario-based activities Group discussion and peer learning Course Materials Provided Quick-start guide: Top 10 prompts for non-tech roles AI Prompt Library for your job type Do’s and Don’ts for ethical use of AI at work “AI in Action” workbook with examples and checklists Personal AI Action Plan Optional Add-ons Team-based AI hackathon (mini workplace challenge) Tailored follow-up webinar for Q&A and deeper use cases Co-branded playbook for organisational AI use Integration with digital transformation or innovation initiatives