Have you ever admired the elegant drape of a classic pearl necklace? Now you can learn the secret! This one-day introductory workshop teaches you the refined skill of pearl and gemstone bead knotting. This technique not only adds exquisite decorative spacing but also protects your delicate beads and keeps them secure should a string ever break. In just a few focused hours, you'll master the key techniques to confidently design and create your own knotted necklaces. We'll guide you through planning your design, perfecting your knots, and securely adding a clasp. You'll also discover the best threads and tools for professional results. You'll leave the class with a gorgeous, self-made knotted pearl necklace, ready to wear or gift! What's Included: Your investment covers a productive day of tuition (10 am - 2:30 pm), full access to all necessary tools, and a beautiful selection of gemstones and pearls to create your piece. All other materials and consumables are included, as are tea, coffee, and refreshments. Lunch can be provided at an additional cost. Cancellation Policy: Life happens! You can cancel and receive a full refund up to two weeks before the course begins.
In this course, you will learn crucial British Sign Language vocabulary, grammar, and conversational abilities. In addition, you will discover more about deaf culture and gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties faced by those who have hearing loss. This Course At A Glance Live Zoom classes with an expert BSL tutor, Adam Linsdell. Gain an extensive understanding of fingerspelling and several greetings. Discover the deaf culture and deaf awareness in depth. Acquire knowledge of several commonly used questions, basic conversations, and more. High-Quality resources that will help you to learn BSL easily. CPD-accredited certificates recognised by employers and professional organisations. Enhance your communication skills through practical exercises. British Sign Language for Beginners Course Overview Do you want to start your learning journey in British Sign Language? Our new curriculum for the CPD Accredited BSL Beginners Course is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in British Sign Language. With our experienced instructors, you will learn essential vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills to communicate with the Deaf community confidently. Additionally, our interactive ZOOM Live sessions and face-to-face practical exercises will enhance your understanding and fluency in BSL. Our curriculum is designed to cater to both beginners and those with prior knowledge of singing. You'll learn the basics through a guided approach and develop your skills with practical exercises and real-life scenarios. Our ZOOM live lessons span over 10 hours, with 2 hours per week. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the necessary tools to communicate with the Deaf community and create meaningful connections effectively. British Sign Language for Beginners, Autumn 2024 Please book your place in advance Weekly via Zoom Online Live Class. You can attend the class online from home/workplace. Day & Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Thursday, 2 hours per week) Class Starts: August 29, 2024 – September 26, 2024 Venue: Zoom Online Teacher: Adam Linsdell Contact us for more information. Who should take this course? This course is designed for people, groups, or organizations that want to improve their interaction with deaf coworkers, clients, friends, and family. It is also ideal for those interested in learning sign language as a means of communication or for personal enrichment. Whether you are a beginner or have some knowledge of sign language, this course will provide you with the necessary skills to effectively communicate with the deaf community. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the BSL Beginners Course, participants will achieve the following learning outcomes: Gain extensive knowledge of deaf culture and BSL. Utilise communication tactics with deaf people. Identify communication aids and accessibility provisions for deaf people, and explain equality legislation. Fingerspell names and unfamiliar words with confidence and accuracy, facilitating effective communication. Develop short conversations and ask questions about a range of simple, everyday topics, enabling meaningful interactions and connections. Demonstrate a basic vocabulary for greetings, meeting people, and number signs. Be able to express ideas and engage in basic communication in BSL. Join us and embark on an exciting learning journey that will open doors to a whole new world of communication. Enrol in the Introduction to BSL Beginners Course - CPD Certified Zoom Live, F-to-F Training Now! Course Curriculum The history of deafness and the origins of sign language We look back through history and consider how attitudes and policies impact deaf people then and now. As we delve into the history of deafness, it becomes evident that societal attitudes and policies have played a significant role in shaping the experiences of deaf individuals. Experiences of deafness You'll gain an insight into unique communities that identify not as a group with a disability but as cultural minorities with their own language. By understanding these communities and their experiences, we can challenge the notion that deafness is solely a disability and instead recognize it as a diverse and valuable aspect of human diversity. Statistics around hearing loss Learn about the Statistics around hearing loss that will also help you realise how important it is to learn BSL. Understanding these statistics can provide a broader perspective on the prevalence and impact of this condition. Communication tactics: Understanding the best communication tactics with deaf people is crucial in fostering effective and inclusive interactions. By utilizing methods such as sign language interpretation, visual aids, and assistive technologies, we can bridge the communication gap and create a more inclusive society for individuals with hearing loss. Communications aids and support You will learn about some commonly available communication aids and support from qualified communication-support professionals, including technology such as real-time speech-to-text. Technology and equipment Learn about the technology and equipment we can use while communicating with deaf people. This includes devices like hearing aids, cochlear implants, and video relay services, which enable individuals with hearing loss to communicate effectively. Access and Equality Legislation We look at why equal access is important, the effectiveness of lipreading, guidance on good communication, and adjustments related to deafness. Greetings Learn essential BSL greetings to initiate conversations and create a welcoming atmosphere. These greetings include basic phrases such as "hello," "good morning," "how are you?" and more which are essential for establishing rapport and building relationships with deaf individuals. The BSL Alphabet and Fingerspelling Master the BSL alphabet and develop the ability to fingerspell words accurately, facilitating clear communication of names and unfamiliar vocabulary. This skill will enhance your overall fluency in BSL and make conversations more inclusive and accessible for everyone involved. Meeting People Acquire the skills to introduce yourself and engage in basic conversations, enabling you to establish connections and build rapport with the deaf community. These skills will not only help you in social settings but also in professional environments where you may need to interact with deaf individuals. Questions Develop proficiency in asking questions using sign language, allowing for effective communication and understanding in various contexts. It enables you to gather information, clarify doubts, and engage in meaningful conversations, fostering stronger connections and relationships with deaf individuals. Numbers Explore the world of numbers in BSL, equipping you with the knowledge to express numerical concepts accurately. This skill is particularly useful in educational settings, as it allows you to teach and learn mathematical concepts using sign language. Additionally, understanding numbers in BSL can also be beneficial in professional settings, such as when discussing age, quantities, financial matters, or analysing data. Basic Conversations Enhance your conversational skills by learning vocabulary and phrases related to simple, everyday topics, empowering you to engage in meaningful exchanges. By improving your conversational skills in BSL, you can confidently communicate with deaf individuals and create inclusive environments. This can be especially valuable in social settings or when working in customer service roles where effective communication is essential. Customised Content (Depending on Participant's Interests) The course content can be tailored to your interests, allowing for exploration of areas such as colours, animals, and travel within the context of BSL. Learning BSL can also provide a deeper understanding of deaf culture and foster empathy toward the challenges faced by the deaf community. Moreover, being able to communicate in BSL can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as volunteering or working in organisations that support the deaf community. Recognised Accreditation CPD Certification Service This course is accredited by continuing professional development (CPD). CPD UK is globally recognised by employers, professional organisations, and academic institutions, thus a certificate from CPD Certification Service creates value towards your professional goal and achievement. CPD certificates are accepted by thousands of professional bodies and government regulators here in the UK and around the world. Many organisations look for employees with CPD requirements, which means, that by doing this course, you would be a potential candidate in your respective field. Certificate of Achievement Certificate of Achievement from Lead Academy After successfully completing the live training, you will be eligible to receive your certificate of achievement as proof of your new skill. The certificate of achievement is an official credential that confirms that you successfully finished a course with Lead Academy. Certificate can be obtained in PDF version as well as hardcopy version at a free of cost. FAQs How long is the BSL Beginners Training Course? The BSL Beginners Course is typically a 10-hour program. How many levels are there in BSL? In BSL, there are six levels that individuals can progress through to develop their signing skills. Each level builds upon the previous one, allowing individuals to gradually expand their vocabulary, grammar, and fluency in the language. These levels provide a structured framework for learning BSL and enable individuals to achieve proficiency in both receptive and expressive signing abilities. Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the course? No, there are no prerequisites for enrolling in the BSL Beginners Training Course. It is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of British Sign Language. Is there a certificate provided upon completion of the course? Yes, upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate can be used to showcase your proficiency in British Sign Language to potential employers or educational institutions. What is the duration of each live Zoom session? The duration of each live Zoom session is typically two hours. This allows for a focused and interactive learning experience while accommodating busy schedules. How many students are typically in each class? Typically, there are around 10 -15 students in each class. This class size allows for individual attention from the instructor and promotes a collaborative learning environment among peers. How do I start learning BSL? To start learning British Sign Language (BSL), you can enrol in an Introduction to British Sign Language - BSL Zoom Live Course offered by Lead Academy or find online resources that offer introductory lessons. It is important to practise regularly and immerse yourself in the language by interacting with the Deaf community or joining sign language clubs. Lead Academy's Zoom classes provides you with an interactive learning experience where you can practise your signing skills with a qualified instructor and fellow learners. Why is BSL important? BSL is important because it allows deaf individuals to communicate effectively and participate fully in society. It is their native language and provides them with a means to express themselves, access information, and engage in social interactions. Additionally, BSL promotes inclusivity and helps bridge the communication gap between deaf and hearing individuals, fostering understanding and equality.
The course investigates unconscious bias to develop your awareness. Training in unconscious bias will not mean that you will not have biases. They will remain, by definition, unconscious. The course seeks to build your awareness of their existence and highlights when to look out for them.
Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce the Elite EA/PA Forum for North America will be on the 20th of 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 (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 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. 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 North America will be on the 20th of 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 (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 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. 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.
How to inspire others and build successful relationships. This course is designed to support professionals in business to develop communication skills through understanding and applying knowledge of personality and behaviour in the workplace. It is based upon the book "The Authority Guide to Behaviour in Business: How to Inspire Others and Build Successful Relationships" by Robin Hills (ISBN: 1912300087).
Learn and experience Angel Energy. Connect with your Angels and learn to channel Angel Energy to heal yourself and others Receive access to higher levels of manifestation of the universal life force energy.. Learn about and visit the Angel Realm Meet your Guardian Angel, Connect with various Angels and your Angel healing team Receive an Angel attunement Learn how to work with Sacred symbols to help you connect with Angel energy Self-healing & Self-care as an energy healer Learn how to conduct healing sessions for others Learn how to read Angel cards for a healing message
Book our accredited Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) in Healthcare course, meeting Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) training standards and BILD Act Certification. Equip yourself with essential skills to prevent and manage violence in healthcare settings effectively.
Anxiety and Self-Love Journey This group coaching package is for you if you feel: constantly anxious and worried not good enough worried about the future, changes, uncertainty stuck in the same cycle of thoughts that you can’t get out of like you are not living your best life