Effective communication in the workplace is part and parcel of our daily lives, but not everyone is a natural. Do you find it tough standing up in front of people? Does the thought of engaging with audiences in any setting fill you with anxiety? Is doing a remote video message to colleagues on Zoom or Teams a tough call? Do you do it regularly but need some professional guidance on whether it’s working? At CoComms we can improve every aspect of your performance and offer a range of tips and techniques to help manage these environments and keep your audience engaged and interested. Public Speaking and Presentation Training In a professional setting it’s vital to come across as dynamic, trustworthy, credible and real. You want people to trust you and in turn get behind your vision or plan or proposal. If you can achieve this you can improve your confidence, your engagement and your prospects. Our training is designed to hone your presentation skills so whether you are pitching for work, taking colleagues through change or speaking to a new audience, you can do it with a clarity and confidence that makes your messages clear and insightful. The training includes: Perfecting your slides Working to produce a clean, easy to navigate slide deck that give logic and flow to your presentation. Developing your storytelling We use our journalistic techniques to show you how to build a story to keep your audience engaged with a well-structured and entertaining presentation. Calls to Action Make sure it is clear what you want to achieve and what you want from your audience. Rehearse and Review We film and then playback a range of practical presentation exercises so we can review your performance and work to make any improvements. Conference and Panel Training The audience at a conference may be a captive one, but that doesn’t mean they are always listening and engaging with what you have to say. We can make sure your keynote speech or panel contribution is memorable, appreciated by your audience and beneficial to your business. Our training looks at preparing for and delivering a speech from start to finish and includes: Defining your big ideas What is it you want to say and what do you want your audience to remember? Develop your narrative and script How can you get across your message using storytelling. Choosing the right language How vibrant and energised language can make the difference in your speech. The tips and tricks to make sure your speech is memorable How vocabulary and delivery techniques ensure your words are heard. Controlling the message How to deal with unhelpful questions and return to the main aspects of your story. Stakeholder Communication Training Engaging effectively with stakeholders with clarity and confidence can make all the difference to your relationships. A successful “town hall” meeting can win over your sceptics, convince those who are unsure and build a common goal between your business and stakeholders. Our stakeholder communication training prepares you for these vital meetings and includes: Focusing the meeting We look at how to control the meeting so the important business is covered and how to prepare for any questions or comments you may receive. Keep control of the conversation We teach you conversational techniques to focus on the main points without being too assertive or dismissive. Rehearse and Review We use video and practical role-play exercises to assess your performance and look for ways to improve. Breaking down the information We look at how to present facts and figures without overwhelming (or boring!) your audience. Our techniques will help you narrate the message in a clear and comprehensive way. Making an impact Using our journalistic experience we will work with you to develop your presentation skills to make the biggest impact and demonstrate credibility and authority. Video Calls for Business The world has changed. Now is the time to ensure your business is changing too. Many in-person meetings, conferences, networking events and clients hosting are, for now, a thing of the past. These face-to-face interactions have been replaced by video calls, webinars and online events. So, how do you develop contacts, maintain relationships and manage your team in this new virtual world? How do you look and sound confident, be heard, and build trust and credibility through a computer screen? At CoComms, we are online communications experts and our years of experience in broadcasting mean we understand how to engage a virtual audience. Interactive and practical training We work with you through a variety of scenarios to analyse your performance on video calls. Feedback on your performance We offer supportive, positive feedback and share our tried and tested techniques so you can improve. Make Video Calls work for you Through our training you will become more confident, more productive and more dynamic on video calls. Contact us If you have a query regarding any of our services or would like to book a consultation for free initial advice and guidance please get in touch
The market for professional services is becoming increasingly competitive, with some firms and individuals becoming very effective at winning new work, leaving others lagging way behind. Given the choice between spending time on client work and business development work, we all tend to choose that which we feel to be easier, more attractive and more aligned with our image of ourselves. We stay within our comfort zones, we focus on client work, and we only resort to business development work when we have to, which can also lead to 'feast or famine' syndrome. The programme will help participants: Understand the professional business development approach and the style that is appropriate for their business and their clients Follow a process to guide their conversations and business development meetings Prepare thoroughly for a business development meeting/contact with a client to ensure they use their time efficiently and maximise results Create a great first impression and professional opening to a conversation Ask open questions and listen effectively in order to spot opportunities, understand needs and progress the opportunity Identify and understand buying and decision-making processes and criteria Skilfully and confidently handle questions and objections Sell the benefits of their services and approach over those of their competitors Progress the sale by agreeing next steps and gaining commitment appropriately 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the programme Personal introductions and objectives Workshop overview 2 An introduction to business development and selling for professionals What is selling? Who are you selling to? The buying experience What clients want The four-step business development process The business development cycle and pipeline management Upselling and cross-selling as well as winning new clients 3 Networking and generating leads What is networking? Networking objectives It's not what you know but who you know Asking for referrals and introductions Making appointments from networking activity 4 Opening the sales relationship/sales meeting What potential customers are thinking Judging first impressions Creating positive first impressions Building rapport and creating interest and impact Earning the right 5 Core communication skills for professional selling Overcoming barriers to listening The art of listening Questioning refresher Types of questions Questioning funnel 6 Understanding and identifying needs and opportunities Identifying the questions to ask to identify needs and opportunities Questions to move us through the buying and selling process Understanding their buying processes Asking questions that position you as a 'trusted adviser' The questions that give you a competitive advantage Knowing when you have asked enough questions 7 Introducing solutions Tailoring your 'pitch' to the client Speaking the client's language Using features and benefits Applying the benefit cycle 8 Handling objections and concerns Identifying the typical objections and concerns Understanding why clients raise objections and concerns Following a structure for handling objections Handling the price objection 9 Gaining commitment Knowing when to close The art of checking Recognising buying signals Small c and big C 10 Putting it all together Personal learning summary and action plans
Agile project management, already widely used for software development, is increasingly recognised as having much more general application. Continuous improvement programmes, business change projects, new technology development, research and development and a variety of other scenarios characterised by rapid change and high uncertainty can all benefit from an Agile approach. This programme presents the concepts and methods of Agile project management, and shows how to apply them to a range of project and change management situations. Participants will learn: how Agile project management can help with project and change management the 4 values and 12 principles of the Agile 'manifesto' and the range of Agile methodologies how to apply Agile project management methods and techniques in a range of project scenarios alternative Agile project management methods and how they can be applied and adapted what makes Agile project teams succeed the key roles and responsibilities needed to enable Agile project teams to work effectively how to encourage an Agile mindset within their organisation and how to move toward an Agile approach to managing projects 1 Introduction to Agile project management Overview of 'classical' project management and methodologies The link between project success and management performance Limitations of classical approaches and the need for Agile methods The 4 values and 12 principles of the Agile manifesto explained Agile project management values:Individuals and interactions over processes and toolsWorking outputs over comprehensive documentationCustomer collaboration over contract negotiationResponding to change over following a plan The cultural challenges of using Agile project management Choosing when and how to adopt Agile project management 2 Initiating a project using Agile project management Some key Agile methodologies explained: SCRUM, XP, Crystal Identifying and engaging project stakeholders; defining roles and responsibilities Setting the project vision and goals; defining project scope The Agile approach to requirements capture and elicitation of needs Tools and techniques for capturing and characterising requirements The role of documentation, reporting and process management 3 The Agile approach to definition and planning Understanding Agile planning; the 'planning onion' concept Developing the culture needed for collaborative involvement and iterative planning Defining project deliverables; the 'product backlog' concept Tools and techniques for defining and prioritising requirements in Agile projects Understanding and applying Agile estimating techniques Dealing with uncertainty and managing risks 4 The Agile approach to execution and delivery The results orientated, fast adapting culture of Agile teams The monthly 'Sprint' process for project planning and review The disciplines needed for effective daily SCRUM meetings Reviewing progress, managing change and project reporting Testing, completing and handing over of work packages Managing the interface between the project team and the business 5 Leadership and teamwork in Agile project teams Why Agile teams are different: the importance of individuals and interactions The skills and attributes needed to lead an Agile project team The challenges faced and skills needed by Agile team members Recognising team development needs; adopting the right leadership style Making the transition from project manager to Agile coach Key coaching skills explored: mentoring, facilitating, managing conflict
Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for business users, educators, students, and knowledge workers in a variety of roles and fields who want to be able to use the apps included in Google Workspace to create and manage various types of files and communicate and collaborate with colleagues. Overview In this course, you will use the various apps included in Google Workspace to work productively as part of a team. You will: Navigate the Google Workspace environment and use Gmail to send and manage email correspondence. Manage schedules using Google Calendarâ¢. Communicate with colleagues over text, voice, and video using Google Chat and Google Meet. Store and share files using Google Drive. Collaborate on documents using Google Docs, Google Slidesâ¢, and Google Keepâ¢. Collaborate on data using Google Sheets and Google Formsâ¢. Collaborate on websites using Google Sitesâ¢. The core productivity apps that make up the Google Workspace? suite enable users to work together on a variety of projects and tasks across many different industries and job roles. This course will teach you how to work efficiently and effectively in apps like Gmail?, Google Drive?, Google Docs?, Google Sheets?, Google Meet?, Google Chat?, and more?all while participating in a collaborative team environment. Lesson 1: Getting Started with Google Workspace Topic A: Navigate Google Workspace Topic B: Send and Manage Email Using Gmail Lesson 2: Managing Schedules Using Google Calendar Topic A: Create and Manage Events Topic B: Customize Calendars Topic C: Create and Share Calendars Topic D: Create and Manage Tasks Lesson 3: Communicating Using Google Chat and Google Meet Topic A: Chat Using Google Chat Topic B: Participate in Meetings Using Google Meet Lesson 4: Storing and Sharing Files Using Google Drive Topic A: Add Files and Folders Topic B: Manage Files and Folders Lesson 5: Collaborating on Documents Using Docs, Slides, and Keep Topic A: Create and Edit Documents Using Google Docs Topic B: Design Presentations Using Google Slides Topic C: Take Notes Using Google Keep Lesson 6: Collaborating on Data Using Sheets and Forms Topic A: Create and Manage Spreadsheets Using Google Sheets Topic B: Design Surveys Using Google Forms Lesson 7: Collaborating on Websites Using Sites Topic A: Create and Edit Sites Topic B: Share and Publish Sites Additional course details: Nexus Humans Google WorkSpace training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Google WorkSpace course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.
This programme has a simple objective: to help a sales team create and implementa comprehensive account development plan. If you want to earn strategic partner or preferred supplier status with your clients and customers then you need to add value to their business, consistently, and you can only do this if you have a plan - a key account management plan. This programme will help participants: Discover opportunities - through a deeper understanding of the customer's business Develop partnership - through a better 'value proposition' for the customer Increase repeat business - based on higher customer satisfaction Improve synergy - by getting everyone to 'sing from the same hymn sheet' Develop a collaborative account plan - validated by the customer and their own management Secure resources - management will align resources to execute soundly based account plans Win an increased share of 'customer wallet' - through systematic account development 1 The six principles of strategic account development Introduction to the PROFIT account development model:- Performance- Relationships- Objectives and goals- Feedback- Integration- Teamwork Practical account development strategies: overview and case studies 2 Performance Use practical tools to help you manage and measure account performance and success Design and build a monthly account dashboard for all sizes of account Prioritise and manage accounts and customers pro-actively and successfully, using proven planning tools Develop a cross-selling strategy to integrate products or solutions into the customer's business as closely as possible 3 Relationships How to build and manage key relationships within an account Qualifying and managing key influencers accurately Producing a 'relationship matrix' for each account quickly and easily Approaching and developing new contacts strategically Tools and techniques for successful tracking of contacts and call-backs Developing a coach or advocate in every customer organisation pro-actively 4 Objectives and goals Where are you now? - how to establish your competitive position within an account Know how to set, monitor and track key objectives for accounts over the short, medium and long term Selling against the competition - developing both long- and short-term sales strategies 5 Feedback - building loyal and satisfied customers The correct way to manage customer expectations and create listening loops within an account How to monitor and track your customer's perception and satisfaction with your organisation Building a personalised satisfaction matrix for each account Customer review meetings - best practice in building loyalty by regular joint planning events Understanding the concept of long-term customer value and the importance of adapting a customer-focused attitude 6 Integration How to integrate your products or solutions with the customer's business needs and processes Spot and react to early warning signals that may cause an account's loyalty to fade, reduce revenue or switch to a competitor Developing a loyalty strategy for key accounts or groups of smaller accounts Getting your message and strategy across to C-level contacts 7 Teamwork Working with others to achieve your account goals Gaining internal commitment from your organisation Managing and working with a virtual team Creating cross-departmental communication loops 8 Putting it all together Personal account reviews Personal learning summary and action plans
Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce the Elite EA/PA Forum for the UK & Ireland will be on the 30th of October 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 (1 of 2): 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 - Monika Turner The Confident Assistant - Speak Up, Go After What You Want & Create The Future You Deserve: Develop practical strategies to negotiate workload, boundaries, and career growth with confidence. Learn assertive communication techniques to handle challenging conversations effectively. Build self-advocacy skills to articulate your value and influence outcomes in the workplace. Monika Turner Career Bio: Monika Anna Turner is an ICF-certified Leadership and Executive coach with over seven years of experience helping professionals unlock their confidence, elevate their voice, and lead with authenticity. Before stepping into coaching, she built a successful career as a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, and ultimately Chief Of Staff —giving her a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of support roles. Originally from Poland, Monika knows firsthand what it’s like to question your voice and your value—especially in a second language. Her journey from self-doubt to self-assurance informs everything she does today. Through her coaching, she empowers assistants and leaders alike to move beyond fear, speak up and create fulfilling careers they’re proud of. Keynote Address with Q&A from the audience (2 of 2): What to expect from Monique's Keynote: This isn’t your typical “communication 101” talk. Monique Helstrom brings 27 years of real-world experience, high-level insight, and zero fluff. She’s coached leaders, built operational ecosystems, and even served as the “Chief of Simon Sinek” (yes, that Simon Sinek). Safe to say, she knows a thing or two about working with humans—especially when they’re brilliant, busy, and occasionally impossible. In this keynote, Monique will: Call out the silent killers of great communication (you will relate) Show you how to set clearer expectations without sounding like a robot Teach you how to be both direct and kind (it’s possible, promise) Arm you with practical strategies that work in real-world pressure-cooker moments Remind you why your voice and presence matter—no matter your title Expect sharp insight, a few laughs, and a lot of “why has no one told me this before?” Monique's Career Bio: With 27 years of experience building humans and operational ecosystems, Monique coaches, recruits, and speaks with one mission: To help people become who they were always meant to be — effective, self-aware, and unstoppable. Formerly the Executive Assistant and “Chief of Simon Sinek,” Monique was the force behind the scenes of a global thought leadership brand. She’s worked with top executives, entrepreneurs, assistants, creatives, and mission-driven organisations around the world and has seen the same issue repeat itself time and time again: communication breakdown, unclear expectations, and wasted potential. So she decided to fix it. As a speaker, coach, and specialised recruiter, Monique delivers real talk and real strategies. She teaches principals how to work with, not just have, high-performing assistants and shows assistants how to stand tall, communicate clearly, and own their worth. Her work is rooted in practical psychology, pattern recognition, and the simple the truth that people can change when they’re given the tools and support to do so. Monique’s areas of expertise include: Communication — Building trust, clarity, and accountability for everyone. Executive presence — Strategic thought, self-confidence, and influence. How to lead, leverage, and grow high-performing assistant partnerships. Goal setting, feedback, and performance coaching that drives personal growth and business results. Identifying operational inefficiencies and translating them into clear, people-powered solutions. Source: Monique Helstrom - YouTube Channel. Panel Session 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. Leah Temena Leah is a Senior Executive Assistant at JPMorgan Chase with over a decade of experience supporting C-Suite leaders—and a passionate voice for the growth, visibility, and leadership of administrative professionals. Alongside her corporate role, Leah runs a career coaching business across the U.S. and Asia. She empowers administrative assistants and Asian immigrant professionals elevate their executive presence, communicate their business impact, and break past cultural and professional barriers. At JPMorgan Chase, Leah serves as the North America Lead for the Career and Skills Pillar of SAGE, the firm’s employee resource group for administrative professionals. In this role, she develops and delivers programming that supports the professional development and upward mobility of admins across the region. Her background spans compliance, HR, presentation strategy, and nonprofit partnerships, with additional experience at Deutsche Bank and in nonprofit sectors. Leah holds a degree in Human Resources Management and completed her Professional Coaching Certificate through New York University. Mary Curry Mary Curry is a seasoned Executive Assistant and Business Operations professional with over 15 years of experience supporting C-suite leaders across technology, finance, construction, and aerospace. Known for her adaptability, sharp judgment, and proactive mindset, she excels at creating structure, optimizing workflows, and anticipating needs in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Mary brings a strategic edge to executive support, managing complex calendars, high-profile events, and confidential communications with precision. Her work has driven cost savings, streamlined operations, and enhanced executive impact. She is a Master Certified Microsoft Office Specialist, fluent in Google Workspace, and an early adopter of AI tools to enhance productivity and decision-making. Beyond her professional life, Mary is a certified sommelier, avid reader, and fitness enthusiast who believes that wellness, curiosity, and clarity are essential to showing up as a strong partner and leader. She’s passionate about building trusted relationships and helping leadership teams thrive from behind the scenes. Joanne Gard Joanne is an experienced Senior Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience in the EA role as well as 15 years as a meetings and events professional. She has been supporting a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company for 10 years and was recently presented a firm award that recognizes an inspirational colleague who inspires and motivates others to do the right things for our clients, our Firm, and our people. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and drive for the role to others as a mentor and trainer. Joanne is driven to helping other EAs understand the importance of their role, the partnership they can have and the strategic part they can play in a powerful collaboration. She hopes to continue to help others learn how much more they can contribute and be the architect of their future. Annemarie Smith Annemarie Smith, an architect of executive operations 30+ years of global leadership experience spanning aerospace, healthcare, finance, legal, and manufacturing sectors across Canada, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. A trusted advisor to C-suite executives and senior management, she blends operational efficiency with people-first leadership to elevate every agile environment she supports. As a systems thinker, Annemarie serves as an executive situational awareness amplifier, translating strategic vision into actionable impact. She streamlines operations using lean principles, safeguards executive priorities with discretion, and anchors administrative excellence in agility, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. As an architect of order, and execution, she organizes critical business reviews, aligns strategic calendars, and designs and delivers hybrid events that reflect the evolving needs of diverse and neurodivergent workforces. She champions knowledge sharing across the organization to empower the workforce, enhance digital collaboration, and strengthen the connective fabric that enables hybrid and remote work to thrive. Her expertise also extends to people operations and workforce planning by delivering live trainings, leading system rollouts, and partnering on strategic hiring. With attention to travel and expense oversight, she ensures compliance, accountability, and a seamless executive experience from boardroom to boarding gate. Annemarie’s entrepreneurial spirit is at the heart of EA Insights, a consultancy she founded to elevate the role of the executive assistant as a central intelligence hub and strategic partner. Through her published work at https://eainsights.biz, she shares powerful insights drawn from decades of navigating complexity with grace, bending time to meet priorities, and championing excellence behind the walls of corporate America. Facilitator - PM: Justin Kabbani AI Is Not Here to Replace You. It's Here to Upgrade You. We'll explore Justin's proven 3P framework: Priming – How to set up AI like a strategic advisor by feeding it context, tone and mindset Prompting – How to craft clear, structured instructions to get consistently great results Producing – How to turn AI outputs into high-leverage work that makes you stand out Your session outcomes: Real examples from admin professionals already using AI to elevate their work Prompts you can copy, adapt, and test live Interactive exercises to build confidence fast A practical challenge to implement right after the session If you’ve been overwhelmed by AI, or underwhelmed by its impact, this session will change that. You'll leave with tools you can use today, and a mindset you’ll carry forward for the rest of your career. Justin Kabbani Career Bio: Justin Kabbani is one of Australia’s most in-demand AI trainers and keynote speakers, known for making AI feel simple, powerful, and immediately useful. He’s worked with brands like Uber, Treasury Wine Estates, and Udemy, helping their teams embed AI into daily workflows, strategic planning, and executive communication. Over the past two years, Justin has trained more than 2,000 professionals across Australia and beyond, consistently earning feedback like “mind-blowing,” and “game-changing”. His signature Prime, Prompt, Produce framework has transformed how business leaders, executive assistants, marketers, and teams think, work, and communicate with AI, without needing to be “tech people.” Justin believes AI isn’t here to replace people. It’s here to take the robotic work off our plate, so we can focus on what humans do best. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkabbani/ Website: https://justinkabbani.com/ 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. 🔑 Media outlets/organisations will not be permitted to attend this event.
Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce the Elite EA/PA Forum for the UK & Ireland will be on the 30th of October 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 (1 of 2): 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 - Monika Turner The Confident Assistant - Speak Up, Go After What You Want & Create The Future You Deserve: Develop practical strategies to negotiate workload, boundaries, and career growth with confidence. Learn assertive communication techniques to handle challenging conversations effectively. Build self-advocacy skills to articulate your value and influence outcomes in the workplace. Monika Turner Career Bio: Monika Anna Turner is an ICF-certified Leadership and Executive coach with over seven years of experience helping professionals unlock their confidence, elevate their voice, and lead with authenticity. Before stepping into coaching, she built a successful career as a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, and ultimately Chief Of Staff —giving her a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of support roles. Originally from Poland, Monika knows firsthand what it’s like to question your voice and your value—especially in a second language. Her journey from self-doubt to self-assurance informs everything she does today. Through her coaching, she empowers assistants and leaders alike to move beyond fear, speak up and create fulfilling careers they’re proud of. Keynote Address with Q&A from the audience (2 of 2): What to expect from Monique's Keynote: This isn’t your typical “communication 101” talk. Monique Helstrom brings 27 years of real-world experience, high-level insight, and zero fluff. She’s coached leaders, built operational ecosystems, and even served as the “Chief of Simon Sinek” (yes, that Simon Sinek). Safe to say, she knows a thing or two about working with humans—especially when they’re brilliant, busy, and occasionally impossible. In this keynote, Monique will: Call out the silent killers of great communication (you will relate) Show you how to set clearer expectations without sounding like a robot Teach you how to be both direct and kind (it’s possible, promise) Arm you with practical strategies that work in real-world pressure-cooker moments Remind you why your voice and presence matter—no matter your title Expect sharp insight, a few laughs, and a lot of “why has no one told me this before?” Monique's Career Bio: With 27 years of experience building humans and operational ecosystems, Monique coaches, recruits, and speaks with one mission: To help people become who they were always meant to be — effective, self-aware, and unstoppable. Formerly the Executive Assistant and “Chief of Simon Sinek,” Monique was the force behind the scenes of a global thought leadership brand. She’s worked with top executives, entrepreneurs, assistants, creatives, and mission-driven organisations around the world and has seen the same issue repeat itself time and time again: communication breakdown, unclear expectations, and wasted potential. So she decided to fix it. As a speaker, coach, and specialised recruiter, Monique delivers real talk and real strategies. She teaches principals how to work with, not just have, high-performing assistants and shows assistants how to stand tall, communicate clearly, and own their worth. Her work is rooted in practical psychology, pattern recognition, and the simple the truth that people can change when they’re given the tools and support to do so. Monique’s areas of expertise include: Communication — Building trust, clarity, and accountability for everyone. Executive presence — Strategic thought, self-confidence, and influence. How to lead, leverage, and grow high-performing assistant partnerships. Goal setting, feedback, and performance coaching that drives personal growth and business results. Identifying operational inefficiencies and translating them into clear, people-powered solutions. Source: Monique Helstrom - YouTube Channel. Panel Session 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. Leah Temena Leah is a Senior Executive Assistant at JPMorgan Chase with over a decade of experience supporting C-Suite leaders—and a passionate voice for the growth, visibility, and leadership of administrative professionals. Alongside her corporate role, Leah runs a career coaching business across the U.S. and Asia. She empowers administrative assistants and Asian immigrant professionals elevate their executive presence, communicate their business impact, and break past cultural and professional barriers. At JPMorgan Chase, Leah serves as the North America Lead for the Career and Skills Pillar of SAGE, the firm’s employee resource group for administrative professionals. In this role, she develops and delivers programming that supports the professional development and upward mobility of admins across the region. Her background spans compliance, HR, presentation strategy, and nonprofit partnerships, with additional experience at Deutsche Bank and in nonprofit sectors. Leah holds a degree in Human Resources Management and completed her Professional Coaching Certificate through New York University. Mary Curry Mary Curry is a seasoned Executive Assistant and Business Operations professional with over 15 years of experience supporting C-suite leaders across technology, finance, construction, and aerospace. Known for her adaptability, sharp judgment, and proactive mindset, she excels at creating structure, optimizing workflows, and anticipating needs in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Mary brings a strategic edge to executive support, managing complex calendars, high-profile events, and confidential communications with precision. Her work has driven cost savings, streamlined operations, and enhanced executive impact. She is a Master Certified Microsoft Office Specialist, fluent in Google Workspace, and an early adopter of AI tools to enhance productivity and decision-making. Beyond her professional life, Mary is a certified sommelier, avid reader, and fitness enthusiast who believes that wellness, curiosity, and clarity are essential to showing up as a strong partner and leader. She’s passionate about building trusted relationships and helping leadership teams thrive from behind the scenes. Joanne Gard Joanne is an experienced Senior Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience in the EA role as well as 15 years as a meetings and events professional. She has been supporting a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company for 10 years and was recently presented a firm award that recognizes an inspirational colleague who inspires and motivates others to do the right things for our clients, our Firm, and our people. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and drive for the role to others as a mentor and trainer. Joanne is driven to helping other EAs understand the importance of their role, the partnership they can have and the strategic part they can play in a powerful collaboration. She hopes to continue to help others learn how much more they can contribute and be the architect of their future. Annemarie Smith Annemarie Smith, an architect of executive operations 30+ years of global leadership experience spanning aerospace, healthcare, finance, legal, and manufacturing sectors across Canada, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. A trusted advisor to C-suite executives and senior management, she blends operational efficiency with people-first leadership to elevate every agile environment she supports. As a systems thinker, Annemarie serves as an executive situational awareness amplifier, translating strategic vision into actionable impact. She streamlines operations using lean principles, safeguards executive priorities with discretion, and anchors administrative excellence in agility, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. As an architect of order, and execution, she organizes critical business reviews, aligns strategic calendars, and designs and delivers hybrid events that reflect the evolving needs of diverse and neurodivergent workforces. She champions knowledge sharing across the organization to empower the workforce, enhance digital collaboration, and strengthen the connective fabric that enables hybrid and remote work to thrive. Her expertise also extends to people operations and workforce planning by delivering live trainings, leading system rollouts, and partnering on strategic hiring. With attention to travel and expense oversight, she ensures compliance, accountability, and a seamless executive experience from boardroom to boarding gate. Annemarie’s entrepreneurial spirit is at the heart of EA Insights, a consultancy she founded to elevate the role of the executive assistant as a central intelligence hub and strategic partner. Through her published work at https://eainsights.biz, she shares powerful insights drawn from decades of navigating complexity with grace, bending time to meet priorities, and championing excellence behind the walls of corporate America. Facilitator - PM: Justin Kabbani AI Is Not Here to Replace You. It's Here to Upgrade You. We'll explore Justin's proven 3P framework: Priming – How to set up AI like a strategic advisor by feeding it context, tone and mindset Prompting – How to craft clear, structured instructions to get consistently great results Producing – How to turn AI outputs into high-leverage work that makes you stand out Your session outcomes: Real examples from admin professionals already using AI to elevate their work Prompts you can copy, adapt, and test live Interactive exercises to build confidence fast A practical challenge to implement right after the session If you’ve been overwhelmed by AI, or underwhelmed by its impact, this session will change that. You'll leave with tools you can use today, and a mindset you’ll carry forward for the rest of your career. Justin Kabbani Career Bio: Justin Kabbani is one of Australia’s most in-demand AI trainers and keynote speakers, known for making AI feel simple, powerful, and immediately useful. He’s worked with brands like Uber, Treasury Wine Estates, and Udemy, helping their teams embed AI into daily workflows, strategic planning, and executive communication. Over the past two years, Justin has trained more than 2,000 professionals across Australia and beyond, consistently earning feedback like “mind-blowing,” and “game-changing”. His signature Prime, Prompt, Produce framework has transformed how business leaders, executive assistants, marketers, and teams think, work, and communicate with AI, without needing to be “tech people.” Justin believes AI isn’t here to replace people. It’s here to take the robotic work off our plate, so we can focus on what humans do best. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkabbani/ Website: https://justinkabbani.com/ 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. 🔑 Media outlets/organisations will not be permitted to attend this event.
Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is intended for students who have a foundational working knowledge of PowerPoint, who wish to take advantage of the application's higher-level usability, security, collaboration, and distribution functionality. Overview In this course, you will use the advanced tools and features in PowerPoint to create and deliver engaging presentations.You will: Customize design templates. Add tables. Add charts. Work with media. Build advanced transitions and animations. Collaborate on a presentation. Customize the delivery of a presentation. Modify presentation navigation. Secure and distribute a presentation. Meetings, instruction, training, pitches; these are all a part of our daily lives. We are often called upon to deliver presentations with little notice, at multiple venues, and with varying requirements. And, some of these presentations include sensitive information that needs to be guarded. Given all the variables, it may seem an overwhelming task to deliver your content, on time, to all audiences, and to only those who need to see it. Oh, and by the way, you need to make it interesting, informative, and memorable. So, how do you do it? Without the help of a robust set of tools, it would be nearly impossible. But Microsoft© PowerPoint© provides you with a variety of such tools that can help you deliver content in nearly any situation, while saving time and effort. By taking advantage of these tools, you will be creating presentations that not only stand out from the crowd, but also don't consume all of your available time. Note: Most Office users perform the majority of their daily tasks using the desktop version of the Office software, so that is the focus of this training. The course material will also enable you to access and effectively utilize many web-based resources provided with your Microsoft 365? subscription. Helpful notes throughout the material alert you to cases where the online version of the application may function differently from the primary, desktop version. This course may be a useful component in your preparation for the PowerPoint Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps and Office 2019): Exam MO-300 certification exam. Lesson 1: Customizing Design Templates Topic A: Modify Slide Masters and Slide Layouts Topic B: Modify the Notes Master and the Handout Master Topic C: Add Headers and Footers Lesson 2: Adding Tables Topic A: Create a Table Topic B: Format a Table Topic C: Insert a Table from Other Office Applications Lesson 3: Adding Charts Topic A: Create a Chart Topic B: Format a Chart Topic C: Insert a Chart from Microsoft Excel Lesson 4: Working with Media Topic A: Add Audio to a Presentation Topic B: Add Video to a Presentation Topic C: Add a Screen Recording Lesson 5: Building Advanced Transitions and Animations Topic A: Use the Morph Transition Topic B: Customize Animations Lesson 6: Collaborating on a Presentation Topic A: Review a Presentation Topic B: Co-author a Presentation Lesson 7: Customizing Presentation Delivery Topic A: Enhance a Live Presentation Topic B: Record a Presentation Topic C: Set Up a Slide Show Lesson 8: Modifying Presentation Navigation Topic A: Divide a Presentation into Sections Topic B: Add Links Topic C: Create a Custom Slide Show Lesson 9: Securing and Distributing a Presentation Topic A: Secure a Presentation Topic B: Create a Video or a CD
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the principles and practice for leading and managing a portfolio of smaller projects in a multi-project / multi-task environment. It presents a range of practical methods and techniques relevant to the smaller project scenario, using exercises and case studies to show how these can be applied. The scope of the programme includes: The course also emphasises the importance of the leadership and team-working skills needed by project managers and team members in carrying out their roles. The principal training objectives for this programme are to: Explain and demonstrate the key principles of successful project management Demonstrate a range of useful project management tools and techniques Define the role, and help participants understand the skills required by, the project leader Provide a structured framework to help participants manage multiple projects Identify opportunities to improve project management within the organisation DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Managing smaller projects Projects and project management Lessons from past projects; the essential requirements for success Differences between projects; characteristic project life cycles Key issues and challenges of smaller projects The multi-project world; project portfolio management 3 Project exercise Syndicate teams plan and manage a small project Review of the project exercise: What are the keys to successful management of small projects? 4 Setting up the project Getting organised Managing the definition process Identifying and managing project stakeholders Working with the customer to define the scope and agree deliverables 5 Case study 1 Defining the project scope and deliverables Syndicate teams define the scope and deliverables for a typical project 6 Project planning The importance and cost benefit of effective planning Planning the plan; deciding how detailed a plan to create Packaging the work and estimating timescales and costs Developing project / resource schedules; setting milestones for control v Identifying and managing critical path activities 7 Case study 2 Creating the project plan Syndicate teams develop and analyse the project plan DAY TWO 8 Managing project risks Identifying risks to the project outcome, timescale and cost Evaluating risks and adopting an appropriate risk strategy Defining risk ownership; keeping a simple risk log Keeping risk management up to date; staying pro-active Integrating planning and risk management 9 Project control Managing change, minimising scope creep Selecting the data needed to provide early warning of problems Monitoring performance easily with 'S' curves and slip charts Using trend forecasting to assess true project status Running project review meetings 10 Managing a multi-project portfolio Understanding the world of multiple projects Establishing ownership of project / programme management Classifying projects and creating the 'master schedule' Defining and applying project lifecycle management Resource management: essential pre-requisites and mechanisms Project prioritisation criteria and techniques; pain / gain analysis 11 Managing the multi-project team Characteristics of small project teams / part-time team membership Clarifying line and project management responsibilities Implementing effective manpower planning Establishing professional working practices in the team Developing project management competences in the team Establishing team roles and integrating team members 12 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) Identify actions to be implemented individually Identify corporate opportunities for improving project management Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion
Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for project leaders, scrum masters, coaches, product owners, and team members who intend on taking the PMI-ACP© exam. This course provides participants with a foundation of the PMI-ACP© exam. Participants will be introduced to PMI Agile concepts and practices with banks of sample questions. PMI-ACP© Exam Preperation PMI-ACP© Exam Particulars Overview PMI-ACP© Exam Particulars PMI-ACP© Candidate Requirements PMI-ACP© Candidate Fees PMI-ACP© Exam Application Process Core Agile Concepts Core Agile Concepts Overview Traditional Project Management Methodologies Drawbacks of Waterfall Methodologies Agile Approach Empirical Process Control Agile and Traditional Project Management Choice of Methodologies/Frameworks The Agile Manifesto The Agile Manifesto Overview Manifesto Contributors Manifesto Values Manifesto Principles Common Agile Methodology Elements Common Agile Methodology Elements Overview Project (Product; Release) Initiation Agile Planning Iteration Planning and Executing Project Initiation Project Initiation Overview Determine Project Justifications and Metrics Provide Value-Driven Delivery Write Project Vision Statement Create Project Charter Identify Stakeholders and Leader/Coach Form Project Team Agile Teams and Team Space Agile Teams and Team Space Overview Scrum Master/Coach Product Owner/Customer Team Members/Developers (XP) Trackers and Testers Other Roles Team Space Physical Space Recommendations Agile Planning Agile Planning Overview Develop Epics and Stories Create Stories Non-Customer Facing Stories Personas and Extreme Personas Story Maps Estimating Stories Prioritizing Stories Create Product Backlog Create Product Roadmap Conduct Release Planning Create Parking Lot Iterations/Sprints Iterations/Sprints Overview Velocity Determination Iteration Planning Meeting Iteration Planning Guidelines Development Testing Daily Standup Meetings Progress Tracking Velocity Tracking Interpersonal Aspects of Agile Interpersonal Aspects of Agile Overview Methodologies and Uncertainty Coach/Scrum Master Team Motivation Soft Skills Emotional Intelligence Collaboration Negotiations Active listening Conflict Resolution Speed Leas? Model of Group Conflict Conducting Retrospectives Mindsets of Agile Coaches Leadership Stages Key Coaching Responsibilities Agile Methodologies Agile Methodologies Overview XP and Scrum Terms XP Terms and Concepts XP Primary Practices XP Corollary Practices Scrum Lean Software Development Seven Principles of Lean Seven Types of Muda Responsibilities Core Beliefs of Lean-Agile Software Development Other Principles of Lean-Agile Software Development Value Stream Mapping Lean-Agile Software Development Portfolio Management Additional course details: Nexus Humans PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Exam Preparation training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Exam Preparation course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.