Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce the Elite EA/PA Forum for the UK & Ireland will be on the 13th November 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 Ministerâs Office at Downing Street, and serving as Chief of Staff to the global CEO of Rio Tinto, Samâs 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 donât 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 whoâs 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. (Donât ask her what the Queen kept in her handbag - sheâs 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 Ministerâs 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 âgiving her a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of support roles. Originally from Poland, Monika knows firsthand what itâs like to question your voice and your valueâespecially 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 theyâre proud of. Panel Fabiana Goncalves Executive Assistant to Global VP PerfectDraft & PerfectDraft Commercial Director An accomplished C-Suite Executive & Personal Assistant, I bring over a decade of experience supporting top-level leadershipâincluding CEOs, Founders, and Executive Teamsâacross multinational and national organizations. I specialize in executive support that goes far beyond calendar management, contributing as a strategic partner in decision-making, operations, and leadership effectiveness. Known for my discretion, diplomacy, and operational precision, I help executives stay focused on what matters mostâby anticipating needs, managing complexity, and driving efficiency in both corporate and personal domains. I bring a strategic lens to every task, balancing immediate priorities with long-term objectives. With a proactive mindset, sharp judgment, and strong communication skills, I serve as a trusted advisor and problem-solver in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Rebecca Polson Executive Support Manager to the Chief Executive An award-winning Executive Assistant with over 10 yearsâ experience across the higher education, charity, private, and public sectors. Currently Executive Support Manager to the Chief Executive at Alzheimerâs Research UK, she provides high-level support in the fast-paced, mission-driven environment of the largest dementia research charity in the UK. Her previous roles include supporting senior leaders at the Natural History Museum, the Incorporated Society of Musicians, and the Royal College of Music. She brings expertise in executive support, governance, stakeholder engagement, and complex diary and project management. Named PA of the Year in 2023 and a finalist in the SecsintheCity PA of the Year Awards, she is known for her professionalism, discretion, and ability to stay ahead of the needs of the people and organisations she supports. Ola Boddington Senior Executive Assistant As a seasoned Executive Assistant, she has honed her skills in management and project planning over the years. She has worked with various organisations, including Zoa, Signal AI, and ConsenSys, where she provided high-level administrative support to senior executives. Her expertise lies in managing complex schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, and ensuring seamless communication among team members. She is also proficient in using various software tools to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. She is passionate about delivering exceptional service and contributing to the success of the teams she works with. Claudine Martin Senior Executive Assistant Claudine is a highly skilled Senior Executive Assistant, currently supporting the Head of BNY Pershing EMEA. With a distinguished career spanning nearly 17 years in the British Army, Claudine retired in 2023 at the rank of Staff Sergeant, bringing a wealth of experience in high-pressure environments and strategic operations to her current role. Throughout her military career, Claudine specialised in Human Resources, and served as the Personal Assistant to the Army Director of Engagement and Communication at the Ministry of Defence. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of significant events and initiatives, showcasing her exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail. Her dedication and professionalism were recognised when she was awarded PA of the Year in 2019 by PA Life. An advocate for the Executive Assistant profession, Claudine is also a sought-after public speaker. She regularly shares her insights at industry events, including the PA Show, and serves as an advisory board member, contributing to the ongoing development and recognition of the profession. Claudine is passionate about empowering others and has previously mentored young people through the Diana Award, a programme established in honour of Princess Diana to support disadvantaged youth. Additionally, she has participated in Fast Forward 15, a mentoring initiative aimed at women aspiring to build careers in events, hospitality, or related industries. With her extensive experience, dedication to excellence, and commitment to mentorship, Claudine continues to make a significant impact in her field and inspire the next generation of leaders. She proudly represented the UK at the Invictus Games 2023, showcasing her unwavering determination and unwavering spirit. In her spare time, Claudine enjoys park run and writing poems. The Importance of Becoming a Strategic Advisor Learn how to shift from reactive to proactive. Develop the mindset and behaviours of a strategic advisor. Understand how to add value beyond your job description. 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 â How to set up AI like a strategic advisor by feeding it context, tone and mindset Prompting â How to craft clear, structured instructions to get consistently great results Producing â 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 youâve 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 youâll carry forward for the rest of your career. Justin Kabbani Career Bio: Justin Kabbani is one of Australiaâs most in-demand AI trainers and keynote speakers, known for making AI feel simple, powerful, and immediately useful. Heâs 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 âmind-blowing,â and âgame-changingâ. 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 âtech people.â Justin believes AI isnât here to replace people. Itâs 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/ Speed Connections Networking Session Join us for Speed Connections, a lively 30-minute networking session designed to foster meaningful connections in a fun, fast-paced environment. Every 10 minutes, attendees will be placed into new breakout rooms with small groups, giving everyone the chance to meet a diverse range of peers. Each breakout session will feature engaging prompts to spark conversations and make networking enjoyable and memorable! 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: đ§© You just need one piece to come together - to unlock your Elite Potential. đ Media outlets/organisations will not be permitted to attend this event.
Movement for Calmis an exercise-based workshop exploring yogic and muscle relaxation techniques from a range of practices. The aim is to release tension within the body. When we are stressed or anxious, we produce adrenaline, the 'fight' or 'flight' chemical response. Movement for Calm will help explore ways to restore balance to the chemical reactions produced in the body, loosening muscles and in turn calming both body and mind. This workshop has been developed for forward-thinking organisations wanting to make a real commitment to improving workplace wellbeing. This workshop will help participants identify areas of tension in the body, and learn exercises and movement-based sequences to release anxiety and stress caused by unnecessary muscle tension. The aim is that people leave the workshop relaxed and refreshed, ready to take on the toughest of corporate challenges.
Learn how to make your own Macrame Dreamcatcher Are you new to Macrame? No worries, itâs actually very easy to learn! Come and learn how to knot your own dreamcatcher. Learn basic macrame knots to create your own Macrame Dreamcatcher. Adding that Boho feel to your home has never been easier.
Some people naturally possess an ability to sell and others over time develop their own style. We have created a highly practical course to give you the confidence and ability to sell over the phone or face to face. We focus the exercises, theory and discussion on your own job role and experiences to ensure you can return to the workplace to deliver tangible results. This 2-day course is designed for individuals who are new to selling, those in a sales role but have not received any formal training, or professionals who would like to brush up and enhance their current selling skills and learn some new techniques. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Essential Selling Skills course is comprised of seven modules, covering the following: Module One Understanding the Customer The importance of good customer care Selling vs. selling attitude The reasons people buy Adopting a positive approach Module Two Self-Awareness Understanding your selling style Adapting your selling style to your customer Understanding your customers buying style Module Three Effective Communication and Rapport Building Why does communication need to be effective? Actively listening to your customers' needs Right question at the right time The impact of positive and emotive language Module Four Taking a Consultative Approach Different styles of selling Taking a consultative approach to selling Preparation techniques Buyer behaviour and motivation A selling approach to match the buyers mind Module Five Presenting the Solution Selling the benefits Sales tool kit Unique sales points Advanced questioning techniques Module Six Gaining Commitment Recognising and acting upon buying signals Dealing with customers concerns No means no? How to cope in stressful situations Module Seven Confirming the Sale Confirming or closing? Effective confirming techniques Going the extra mile Benefits For you as an individual This course will increase your confidence and ability to sell, having provided you with tools and techniques to achieve maximum results. Delegates always leave with fresh ideas, energy and motivation to succeed. For an employer The attitude of the delegates and the results they deliver will speak for themselves. All techniques are easy to apply back into the workplace for an immediate impact. What will I learn? By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Appreciate the need for preparation before a sales appointment Effectively identify and meet needs with advanced questioning techniques Identify verbal and non-verbal buying signals Construct professional answers to questions and possible objections Present your products and/or services with the buyer in mind Identify and use a selling style appropriate to capture the buyer's attention Recognise and overcome major objection types How to apply effective confirmation techniques with the buyer in mind Real Play Option We offer an innovative solution to engage the learners and bring real negotiation and closing scenarios to life. We use actors who improvise scenarios which have been specified by the group. The group is split the group into 2 sub-groups, one with the actor, the other with the trainer. Each group has a brief and has to instruct their trainer/actor on how to approach the scenario supplied. The actor and trainer perform the role play(s) as instructed by their respective teams; however during the action they can be paused for further recommendations or direction. The outcome is the responsibility of the team(s) - not the performers. Scheduled Courses This course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. For more information please contact us.
A masterclass in devising therapeutic metaphors This inspiring online training day gives you powerful, non-intrusive ways to help distressed young people â and others â overcome difficulties in their lives â the skills you will learn can also be used with adults Accredited CPD: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.15am - 4.00pm GMT) LIVE ONLINE â Join Pamela Woodford live online on Tuesday 18th June 2024 for this enjoyable, experiential CPD accredited training day â you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, take part in exercises to practice the steps involved, come up with pertinent metaphors and create your own story. Limited numbers. BONUS RECORDING â you will also get a recording of the tutor sessions for a limited time afterwards to maximise your learning. >> If you canât make this date please register your interest below and weâll let you know as soon as a new date is available. Fantastic online training, engaging and thought-provoking throughout. The confidence Pamela has given me will impact positively on my everyday practice, I am truly inspired...PSYCHOTHERAPIST Why take this course Childrenâs natural affinity with stories gives us an incredibly powerful, non-directive way to help emotionally distressed and abused young people, who can sometimes be hard to reach in any other way. On this practical live training event you will learn how to tap into your own metaphorical brain to create therapeutic stories and metaphors âin the momentâ that are appropriate to each individualâs circumstances and experiences. Throughout the day Pamela â a master storyteller and highly experienced psychotherapist â draws on her own case histories, metaphor and story examples as she guides you through the steps involved in âthinking on your feetâ and creating a story yourself in the moment. By the end of the day you will have lots of new, innovative ways to engage with and help distressed children deal with the experiences they have had â whilst also offering them hope, understanding, and new ways of thinking and feeling about life and themselves. Indeed, you may well be surprised at how quickly positive psychological changes occur as a result of the stories you will create and tell âin the momentâ. Stories also play a crucial role in child development â through the ways the different characters think, act and overcome difficulties, children gain important templates for understanding the world and dealing with the challenges and situations they will meet in life â both now and in the future. They are a wonderful way to help build resilience. Storytelling and the careful use of therapeutic metaphor are crucial elements of successful counselling and psychotherapy â they help bypass assumptions and rigid thinking to offer a new, broader way of looking at things, awaken innate resources and offer crucial hope â just what struggling children need⊠Wonderful, interactive online course. Pamela is a joy to listen to â I learnt so muchCOUNSELLOR What will you learn A clear understanding of how to address emotional issues in children Simple ways to calm and relax children â âitâs the way you tell âemâ Tips for igniting your own imagination and creativity How to âthink metaphorâ to find the right one for each situation A step-by-step guide to creating your own stories â the 6 steps for creating short stories with metaphors specifically tailored to quickly bring about positive psychological changes in children and young people Breathing life into inanimate objects and taking inspiration from nature â how to tune into your metaphorical mind Valuable experience in creating your own therapeutic story from scratch How to use your stories and metaphors The importance of paying attention to the words children use when telling you something Case histories which illustrate the effectiveness and flexibility of stories â and show why they are such powerful therapeutic tools, even with difficult cases How to find your own metaphors and connect them emotionally to distressing situations Using embedded suggestions in stories â exercise Different ways to use therapeutic stories, such as those in Pamelaâs acclaimed Brighter Little Minds series, to develop emotional literacy The importance of incorporating all of our senses How to adapt stories to use with adolescents and adults Tips for thinking creatively âon your feetâ to come up with suitable metaphors and ideas there and then in the moment Flexible skills that can easily be adapted to working with adults Why subtly entwining a childâs interests into a story makes its impact stronger How to introduce a story or therapeutic metaphor naturally into your conversation Feedback on the story you create and time to ask questions of the tutor â a highly experienced and creative psychotherapist who has spent decades working therapeutically with distressed children and young people A greater appreciation of the subtle power of metaphor, imagination and embedded suggestions and how to use them to help the young people you care for Increased confidence in creating and telling therapeutic stories yourself A variety of story examples and âscriptsâ Lots of new ideas from Pamela Woodfordâs âtreasure chest of healing spellsâ to spark your own creativity Tips for improving your own storytelling abilities Such a helpful live online training day â the use of metaphor via story form is a powerful toolHEAD OF BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT SERVICE â EDUCATION Course Programme The âHow to create healing stories for distressed childrenâ live online workshop starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. (GMT). 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.30am What can go wrong for children? How stories can help 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.10am Using metaphor, relaxation, imagination and embedded suggestions 1.00pm Lunch break 1.40pm Setting the scene and creating the story 3.10pm Comfort break and discussion 3.20pm Sharing the stories you have created 4.00pm Day ends Who is this course suitable for? Anyone working with emotionally distressed children or young people, including: Psychotherapists, therapists and counsellors Teachers and educational professionals Childcare and healthcare professionals (and students) Foster carers Adoptive parents â and perspective adoptive parents Social workers Parents and carers Interested friends or family who wish to help a young person they know And anyone who would like to attend for personal reasons This course has been independently accredited by the internationally recognised CPD Standards Office for 6 hours of CPD training. On completion of this training youâll receive CPD certificates from the College and the CPD Standards Office.
Join our eLearning program with live Zoom training on March 15th and 16th, 2025, to explore how hypnotherapy supports women's health. This workshop focuses on natural fertility, menopause management, and menstrual cycle relief. Learn techniques to reduce anxiety, alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and insomnia, and promote emotional well-being. Empower yourself with holistic tools for enhanced vitality at every stage of life.