28 Politics courses delivered Live Online

Project Leadership Skills: Virtual In-House Training To be effective within an organization, project managers need to have a wide variety of skills and abilities. Included among these are: creating and executing on a vision; motivating others; influencing without authority; networking; communicating up, down and laterally; negotiating; managing stakeholders; and managing conflict. This highly interactive workshop focuses on building the soft skills that are critical to leading a team and creating sustainable business change. Participants will gain insight into the social science as well as the brain science behind motivating and empowering others. They will learn and experiment with a variety of influencing strategies and tactics. Working in pairs as well as small groups, they will collaborate with others to brainstorm, share experiences, and apply concepts to everyday challenges. Participants will also discover their personal communication preferences, strengths, and blind spots and will gain insight into how best to communicate with others they find 'difficult.' They will gain insight into managing the people side of change, learning strategies for dealing with each step in the process. Hands-on negotiation and conflict management activities enhance the theoretical learning, grounding it in real life and making it actionable. Interweaving role play with experiential learning and group activities, this course will help participants refine a skill set that is invaluable to their organization, and one that transfers easily across their professional and personal lives. What You Will Learn At the end of this course, you will be able to: Explain the importance of vision in driving motivation and engagement Apply science-based research to better motivate those around you Strategically leverage both personal and positional power to achieve positive project results Determine influencing and networking strategies needed for personal growth Identify ways to problem solve communication challenges when others have different personality styles Connect stakeholder expectations to project success criteria Assess key stakeholders across various dimensions of complexity Apply the four rules of principled negotiation to a real-life conflict situation Recognize key aspects of a physiological response to conflict Utilize selected tools and techniques to 'defuse' an emotional situation Leverage various strategies and tactics to successfully deal with ambiguity at work Getting Started / Foundation Concepts Introductions Course structure, goals, and objectives Beginning a personal action plan Managing Vision and Purpose / Motivating Others Communicating and aligning around vision Tying the present to the future The importance of purpose The art and science of motivation Networking and Influencing Positive politics and project success Types of power within organizations Power and influence Networking best practices Communication The medium and the message Personality and communication styles Communication challenges Stakeholder Management and Negotiation Identifying stakeholders Analyzing stakeholders Negotiation basics Principled negotiation Conflict Management Dynamics of conflict The anatomy of conflict Conflict management approaches and tools Dealing with ambiguity Summary and Next Steps Key concepts review Creating your personal action plan

Project Leadership Skills: In-House Training To be effective within an organization, project managers need to have a wide variety of skills and abilities. Included among these are: creating and executing on a vision; motivating others; influencing without authority; networking; communicating up, down and laterally; negotiating; managing stakeholders; and managing conflict. This highly interactive workshop focuses on building the soft skills that are critical to leading a team and creating sustainable business change. Participants will gain insight into the social science as well as the brain science behind motivating and empowering others. They will learn and experiment with a variety of influencing strategies and tactics. Working in pairs as well as small groups, they will collaborate with others to brainstorm, share experiences, and apply concepts to everyday challenges. Participants will also discover their personal communication preferences, strengths, and blind spots and will gain insight into how best to communicate with others they find 'difficult.' They will gain insight into managing the people side of change, learning strategies for dealing with each step in the process. Hands-on negotiation and conflict management activities enhance the theoretical learning, grounding it in real life and making it actionable. Interweaving role play with experiential learning and group activities, this course will help participants refine a skill set that is invaluable to their organization, and one that transfers easily across their professional and personal lives. What You Will Learn At the end of this course, you will be able to: Explain the importance of vision in driving motivation and engagement Apply science-based research to better motivate those around you Strategically leverage both personal and positional power to achieve positive project results Determine influencing and networking strategies needed for personal growth Identify ways to problem solve communication challenges when others have different personality styles Connect stakeholder expectations to project success criteria Assess key stakeholders across various dimensions of complexity Apply the four rules of principled negotiation to a real-life conflict situation Recognize key aspects of a physiological response to conflict Utilize selected tools and techniques to 'defuse' an emotional situation Leverage various strategies and tactics to successfully deal with ambiguity at work Getting Started / Foundation Concepts Introductions Course structure, goals, and objectives Beginning a personal action plan Managing Vision and Purpose / Motivating Others Communicating and aligning around vision Tying the present to the future The importance of purpose The art and science of motivation Networking and Influencing Positive politics and project success Types of power within organizations Power and influence Networking best practices Communication The medium and the message Personality and communication styles Communication challenges Stakeholder Management and Negotiation Identifying stakeholders Analyzing stakeholders Negotiation basics Principled negotiation Conflict Management Dynamics of conflict The anatomy of conflict Conflict management approaches and tools Dealing with ambiguity Summary and Next Steps Key concepts review Creating your personal action plan

Are you looking to enter the dynamic world of real estate? Our course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to communicate effectively with real estate professionals and develop key skills in real estate investment strategy and analytics. At the end of the course, you'll be able to read and interpret real estate market reports, and have a firm grasp of how iconic buildings, cities, and companies fit into the overall picture of the real estate sector. On this course, you will… Become familiar with the players, structure, general terminology and overall needs of Real Estate. Learn what is Real Estate and why it is different from other asset classes Get to grips with the overall size and structure of the UK Real Estate Market Learn and analyse the links between the different parts of the property market Understand who works in the Real Estate Market, their qualifications and their job descriptions Recognise how and when to use basic real estate concepts: Rent, Value, Yield, Risk and Return, etc… Learn how to read a real estate market report Understand how current affairs, politics and economics affects Real Estate Investment Use household names and iconic companies, cities and buildings to help consolidate your appreciation of this exciting sector Who will benefit from this course: Graduates or undergraduates studying economics, finance. Professionals working in Marketing or Accounting teams within Real Estate firms. APC students. Anyone interested in Real Estate. School leavers/A-Level Students looking to gain an understanding of Real Estate. Non cognate students who wish to transfer into Real Estate/Finance careers. Course Outline Module 1: What is and why buy Real Estate? The property Market The Size and Structure of the UK property market The impact of Real Estate in the Economy Module 2: The Real Estate Market System The Space Market The Asset Market The Development Market Module 3: How to value Real Estate An Introduction to Financial Mathematics The difference between Price, Value and Worth Property Yield Conventional Valuation Methods Module 4: How to read a Real Estate Market Report Property Market Indicators: Stock Indicators Property Market Indicators: Investment Indicators Module 5: Who works in Real Estate? The build Environment by Cobalt Recruitment Rea; Estate Agents Examples of Real Estate Market Agents CVs Real Estate Network

A dynamic and interactive one-day or two-half-day live virtual workshop for women leaders in business, government and non-profit organizations.

Level 7 Diploma In Public Administration Pathway To MA In Public Administration Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration (QCF) – 6 - 8 Months Credits: 120 Credits The Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration is suitable for learners to gain skills in public service administration to effectively formulate public policies, with the increasing pace of change, combined with pressures to deliver more with less, navigate a complex policy context and enhance performance while sustaining public service values. You will study three aspects of public administration: The policy process, within which public services are developed. The organisational and human context through which public services are delivered. The wider social, economic and political environment that shapes public service demands and constraints. This programme is a Pathway programme to M.A in Public Administration. Course Details You will learn how to analyse complex public management problems, lead change effectively, and develop your ability to manage through networks and partnerships. You will be able to shape and deliver the public services of the future and move into more strategic roles in a wide range of organisations.The Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.Modules (120 Credits): Managing and Leading in the Public Sector Public Service Reform and Innovation Policy and Politics – Theory and Analysis Managing Public Finance Managing Public Sector Projects Advanced Research Methods Accreditation All MSBM courses are accredited by the relevant partners and awarding bodies. Please refer to MSBM accreditation in about us for more details. University Progression University Top-up On completion of this course, students have the opportunity to complete a Master degree programme from a range of UK universities. The top-up programme can be studied online or on campus. The top-up comprises the final 60 credits which consist of either a dissertation or a dissertation and one module. (The course tuition fee listed above does NOT include the top-up fees) University Progression Click here to see University routes and fee information for progression. Entry Requirements For entry onto the Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration leading to the MA in Public Administration qualification, learners must possess: An honours degree in related subject or UK level 6 diploma or equivalent overseas qualification i.e. Bachelors Degree or Higher National Diploma OR Mature learners (over 25) with at least 5 years of management experience if they do not possess the above qualification (this is reviewed on a case by case basis) Workshops Workshops are conducted by live webinars for all students. Visa Requirements There is no Visa requirement for this programme.

Learn how to manage internal and/or external stakeholders’ expectations within a project environment. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This course is suitable for anyone who has to manage internal and/or external stakeholders’ expectations within a project environment. The course will provide tools and techniques to manage stakeholder’s expectations and needs. It will help participants to map all stakeholders who impact the capability to deliver the desired results. Participants will work with a fictitious project to bring all the analysis and tools to life.  Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Identify both primary and secondary stakeholders Use tools and processes to manage stakeholder expectations Use techniques to help win support for your projects Put together a stakeholder communication plan Determine the best communication methods Build relationships between you and key stakeholders Use influencing skills to influence stakeholders before they influence you Effectively handle conflict that occurs throughout the project lifecycle Determine the fundamental rules of negotiation and how to achieve a satisfactory outcome Content Identification and stakeholder analysis Using a mind map to determine stakeholders and stakeholder groups Analysis of stakeholder interest and power Using different tools to help determine stakeholder needs and expectations Categorising your stakeholders into primary, secondary and key Interviewing stakeholders to determine needs, expectations and politics Influencing strategies Using a planning tool to determine how different stakeholders can be influenced Interviewing stakeholders to determine what will motivate/de-motivate them Looking at communication methods and choosing the most appropriate in order to influence and manage expectations Production the communication strategy Using a case study and project Gantt to produce a detailed communication plan Using a communication plan structure Conflict Management Identifying common causes of conflict in the project lifecycle Finding the most appropriate response to resolve conflicts effectively Determining your default position and understanding why it might not always be right Negotiation The different types of negotiation used in the project environment Determining a simple negotiation process Understanding the principles of effective negotiation – the do’s and don’ts

We communicate daily in many ways, including email, phone, text, Zoom, Teams, Google Meets, Slack, and even that old-fashioned thing, what was it now... oh yes, talking face-to-face. But, when we look at communication closely and really drill down into what we are doing in conjunction with how our brain works (neuroscience), how internal, organisational, and social politics control what we believe we can say, how hierarchical positioning impacts our honesty and how the lack of psychological safety means we say what we know others want to hear rather than what they need to hear…. It is oh so complicated! This workshop not only explores the concept of excellent communication, but we also want to hear what you believe it is too. We also delve into how organisational culture influences our perception of speaking up. Factors that hinder open and honest communication, and we work collaboratively towards removing these barriers to achieve a communication style that fosters trust and transparency, creating psychological safety. This workshop is particularly relevant to our Emotional Intelligence workshop (EI and Me). We firmly believe that developing emotional intelligence is the key to unlocking Clean Communication, a skill that is crucial for all of us, regardless of our roles and responsibilities, so that we thrive in our professional environment. If you want to see if we are correct, why not have us facilitate a workshop for you and see what you get by the end of it?  LENGTH - Normally, one day. But please contact us to discuss your specific needs, or we can offer advice. NEXT WORKSHOP START - Please ask for more information as we deliver bespoke closed events for your people at your location or a mutually suitable location. WORKSHOP DELIVERY - The best environment for this workshop is face-to-face, but we can facilitate this workshop online. Suitability - Who should attend? Who Should Attend and Why? Who? - Perhaps think of this another way… who shouldn’t attend to ensure we can attain Clean Communication? There’s your answer. Why? - Every person needs to understand what we are saying above about how we get trapped in this organisational formatting which changes how we communicate and how it prevents us from communicating cleanly. EVERY organisation has this, despite what our values profess. And 'Values', that’s a whole other story. Workshop Content Using the 'Moccasin Approach'® to clean our personal and organisational communication LaPD’s Communication Cycle and what we must consider. (Can you work out what the ? represent above? Accountability and Responsibility raises its head in Communication. It has to. Bias, unconscious bias and its impacts on our communication. The conundrum of communicating with others and their styles (The TRAP). How would my perfect Manager/Leader communicate with me? Nonverbal communication (body language), rapport, Clean Communication. Negative communication can go viral (Self-Fulfilling Prophecy). Reflections, findings and goals (individual and team). Meeting our workshop objectives by listing five areas for development. Workshop delivery and venue This workshop is usually one day in duration, and it focuses solely on how we communicate with each other. It can also be a two-day event incorporating aspects of Emotional Intelligence (EI) with group, and individual activities to allow discussions about the various communication we need in your organisation. When you consider the content we deliver, we are sure you will understand why we always prefer to deliver our workshops, courses and programmes face-to-face. Face-to-face workshops and courses can be held at a location of your choice or, if you wish, a central UK location, such as the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham, located directly across from the Birmingham New Street train station. We can deliver our workshops, courses and programmes online, although this will mean splitting elements into manageable learning events to suit the online environment.

Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce that the Elite EA/PA Forum for Australia & New Zealand will be on the 25th of September 2025. Our workshop aims to: Enhance your influence and impact by mastering assertive communication, negotiation, and self-advocacy skills. Stay composed and solution-focused in high-pressure situations with practical tools for crisis management and clear decision-making. Embrace evolving technology by understanding how AI and automation can streamline your role and boost efficiency. Future-proof your career by building strategic value, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-changing professional landscape. Keynote Address with Q&A from the audience: What to expect from Sam's Keynote: With over 30 years supporting leaders at the highest levels, Sam Cohen brings a wealth of insight, experience, and stories (the kind she can share) to the stage. From 18 years serving within The Royal Household - including as Deputy Private Secretary and Press Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - to working with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, running the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street, and serving as Chief of Staff to the global CEO of Rio Tinto, Sam’s career is a masterclass in discretion, diplomacy, and delivering at the top. In this exclusive keynote, Beyond the Role, Sam will explore how Executive Assistants don’t just support leaders - they shape leadership, drive strategy, and build legacy from behind the scenes. Join us for this rare opportunity to hear from someone who’s been at the epicentre of power - and bring your questions! The keynote will include a live Q&A, where you can ask Sam about her remarkable career, leadership insights, and how to truly excel in high-performance environments. (Don’t ask her what the Queen kept in her handbag - she’s not telling.) Sam Cohen Career Bio: Sam Cohen has spent the last 30 years working to support leaders in the public and private sectors. Sam spent 18 years serving The Royal Household, as Deputy Private Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Press Secretary to The Queen. Sam also served as Private Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Following this time, Sam worked as Director of the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street under Boris Johnson and, most recently, was Chief of Staff to the global CEO at Rio Tinto. Source: ABC News - YouTube Channel. Facilitator - AM: The Future-Proofed Assistant: Speak Up, Stand Out & Shape Your Career Path How to reimagine your Assistant role in 2025 and beyond - How the EA role is evolving (and what Executives now expect) & why Assistants who think like strategists will be indispensable Assertiveness as an Assistant – The key to retaining your role & the difference between being ‘helpful’ and being ‘heard’ Self-Advocacy as a Career Growth Strategy – The importance of advocating for your career development, workload boundaries and recognition Own Your Professional Future - Map your career development. Whether you're an EA for life or looking to a role beyond in the future, this is for you. Ruth Kilah Career Bio: Ruth is an international executive career coach and founder of Hoxton Hyde – Executive Career Coaching & Mentoring, delivering 1:1 and group programs for experienced Executive Assistants. She specialises in helping EAs step into higher-level roles, increase their income, and expand their professional impact. With 14 years’ experience supporting C-suite executives in Australia and the UK, Ruth brings deep industry insight and a strategic approach to career development. She empowers Assistants to gain clarity on their next move, adopt a strategic mindset, communicate their value effectively, and lead their own growth conversations with confidence. A former EA turned Stakeholder Relations and Project Manager, Ruth launched Hoxton Hyde in 2018 after spotting a clear gap in the market for tailored coaching for career-driven EAs. She is a recognised member of the World Administrators Alliance and a respected thought leader in the EA space, regularly sharing insights via LinkedIn and Instagram. Ruth is also a certified fitness and wellness coach, passionate about helping Assistants achieve long-term career fulfilment through intentional development and well-being. Panel: Crisis Mode: What to do when everything goes wrong Master a step-by-step approach to prioritising and problem-solving under pressure. Strengthen emotional resilience and calm decision-making during unexpected disruptions. Learn how to communicate clearly and lead from behind in high-stress situations. Emma-Kate Bos Bio Emma-Kate works alongside the CEO at Squadron Energy, one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies. With over 28 years of experience in Executive Assistant and Operational roles supporting business leaders in professional services, politics, membership industries, sporting and not-for-profit organisations, Emma-Kate has a deep understanding of business support roles and has managed large teams of assistants and receptionists. She is passionate about developing and mentoring team members Emma-Kate holds an Associate Degree in Law, Mini MBA and Certificate in Public Relations. Sepi Nowlands Sepi has also worked as an EO for Deloitte and spent 18 years previously as an Executive Assistant at the ATO, Law Council of Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation and Air Services Australia. Holly Clareburt Hollie Clareburt is an experienced Executive Assistant, currently supporting the Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand and the Chief Partner Officer. Known for her professionalism and discretion, she excels in providing high-level support in fast-paced, executive environments. Prior to Microsoft, Hollie was Executive Assistant to the Chief of Corporate & Enterprise Systems at BECA, and previously supported the CEO at SKY News New Zealand. Her career reflects a strong track record of reliability, organisation, and executive partnership. Liv Wilson With over 20 years of experience across banking, government, creative industries, and global tech, Liv has supported senior leaders at companies including LinkedIn and Slack. She brings a strategic lens to the business support function, with deep expertise in operations, leadership enablement, and organisational effectiveness. As a passionate advocate for elevating the role of Executive Assistants, Liv has led women’s networks, championed DEI and social impact initiatives, and continues to push for recognition of business support as a critical driver of business success. She is currently working on her side hustle business - collaborating with executives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to amplify their impact by removing operational barriers, optimising systems, and unlocking their capacity to lead and grow. 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/ 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: 🧩 You just need one piece to come together - to unlock your Elite Potential. 🔑

LOOKING FOR: YA/NA FANTASY, SFF, HORROR, ADULT FICTION John Baker (he/him) joined the Bell Lomax Moreton agency in 2019, cultivating a list shaped around his passion for science fiction, fantasy, and horror, though has lately also branched out into action/adventure fiction. John focuses on authors writing in the Adult, New Adult, and YA spaces. John leads the wider agency's film & TV desk, is the Secretary of the Association of Author’s Agents, and the co-chair of the AAA’s Bridge Committee. He also serves on the Kingston University MA Publishing Advisory Board. Under the umbrella of speculative fiction, John is looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, romantasy, or literary speculative fiction. He has built a reputation as a champion of underrepresented voices and stories, be it from creators hailing from the global majority and their diasporas or neurodiverse authors, and naturally gravitates towards this kind of storytelling. In short, if he’s never read a story like yours before, he wants to see it. Adult fantasy: John loves beefy epic fantasy, especially non-Anglo Christian-inspired. Give him an immersive world, a fresh magical or mythic system, and an exciting cast of characters and he’ll be happy. He is a broad church in the genre so loves a political fantasy, swords and sorcery, courtly intrigue, monster hunting and dastardly villains. John is keen to find an urban fantasy that feels fresh and fun and he’s a sucker for a heroic quest narrative. He’s also very open to fantasy that isn’t easily categorised, but it is playing in that world. John is keenly hunting for more historical fantasy, especially inspired by modern history. He’s had fun with mythological retellings in the past, but as ever, let’s make sure it’s shining the spotlight on new stories. He would also love fantasy that centres on types of relationships less celebrated in fantasy, such as established and secure married couples, or siblings. NA/YA fantasy: In this genre, most importantly, John wants to have a good time, whether it’s swoon-worthy kisses in lush ball gowns, or gruesome gore and monsters, so send him pacy, plot-filled adventures. He’d love more books that teenage boys would love: Skullduggery Pleasant forever! Romantasy: The thriving new romantasy genre comes with its own set of challenges, so John wants to know what makes your romantasy different; what will set it out from the (very crowded!) market. Give it completely barmy stakes, cool and unique new settings, or a love story that will make your jaw drop. To be clear, he’s happily sorted for a human person meets a fae creature in the spooky woods. Also, cosmic romance is the genre of the future. Give him romantasy in space. Easy. Horror: John and horror are old friends. He loves horror inspired by myth and folklore, subversive weird horror that leaves your eyebrows in your hairline, historical horror that pulls from ghastly true stories, and anything that you’ll be reading with the light on. He also loves a gothic element and is particularly looking for horror with a strong romantic throughline, fun YA horror, and female & NB horror authors. Science fiction: SF is coming back! And John has been shouting about that. He loves to see an adventurous found-family romp through space or an epic, crunchy space opera. Speculative near-future is fun too, in the vein of Black Mirror’s more uplifting episodes, (e.g. San Junipero). He loves YA science fiction as well; the more creative the better. Literary: John is open to finding more rich magical realism or something character-led yet supernatural and would love a high-concept mystery, in the vein of Stuart Turton. He also loves spec fic that uses the speculative lightly as a way of confronting a deeper truth in society today. Weird stuff: John wants books that will blow people’s minds and defy categorisation. This is hard to describe, but think Gideon The Ninth, The Library At Mount Char, This Is How You Lose The Time War. John loves a pitch that leaves the editors baffled but intrigued. Action/Adventure, Historical Adventure, Espionage: John is branching out into non-speculative adventures, such as John Le Carré, Lee Child, Ian Flemming, and Mick Herron. More as his taste develops, but the hunt is on! Not looking for: military sci-fi or hard SF, or anything with biblical “character wakes up in purgatory/heaven/hell” narratives. The right comedic fantasy has yet to hit his inbox, but please don’t comp Douglas Adams or Sir Terry. John would like you to submit a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first two chapters of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, John is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 16th September 2025

Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce the Elite EA/PA Forum for ANZ will be on the 25th of September 2025. Our workshop aims to: Enhance your influence and impact by mastering assertive communication, negotiation, and self-advocacy skills. Stay composed and solution-focused in high-pressure situations with practical tools for crisis management and clear decision-making. Embrace evolving technology by understanding how AI and automation can streamline your role and boost efficiency. Future-proof your career by building strategic value, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-changing professional landscape. Keynote Address with Q&A from the audience: What to expect from Sam's Keynote: With over 30 years supporting leaders at the highest levels, Sam Cohen brings a wealth of insight, experience, and stories (the kind she can share) to the stage. From 18 years serving within The Royal Household - including as Deputy Private Secretary and Press Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - to working with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, running the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street, and serving as Chief of Staff to the global CEO of Rio Tinto, Sam’s career is a masterclass in discretion, diplomacy, and delivering at the top. In this exclusive keynote, Beyond the Role, Sam will explore how Executive Assistants don’t just support leaders - they shape leadership, drive strategy, and build legacy from behind the scenes. Join us for this rare opportunity to hear from someone who’s been at the epicentre of power - and bring your questions! The keynote will include a live Q&A, where you can ask Sam about her remarkable career, leadership insights, and how to truly excel in high-performance environments. (Don’t ask her what the Queen kept in her handbag - she’s not telling.) Sam Cohen Career Bio: Sam Cohen has spent the last 30 years working to support leaders in the public and private sectors. Sam spent 18 years serving The Royal Household, as Deputy Private Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Press Secretary to The Queen. Sam also served as Private Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Following this time, Sam worked as Director of the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street under Boris Johnson and, most recently, was Chief of Staff to the global CEO at Rio Tinto. Source: ABC News - YouTube Channel. Facilitator - AM: The Future-Proofed Assistant: Speak Up, Stand Out & Shape Your Career Path How to reimagine your Assistant role in 2025 and beyond - How the EA role is evolving (and what Executives now expect) & why Assistants who think like strategists will be indispensable Assertiveness as an Assistant – The key to retaining your role & the difference between being ‘helpful’ and being ‘heard’ Self-Advocacy as a Career Growth Strategy – The importance of advocating for your career development, workload boundaries and recognition Own Your Professional Future - Map your career development. Whether you're an EA for life or looking to a role beyond in the future, this is for you. Ruth Kilah Career Bio: Ruth is an international executive career coach and founder of Hoxton Hyde – Executive Career Coaching & Mentoring, delivering 1:1 and group programs for experienced Executive Assistants. She specialises in helping EAs step into higher-level roles, increase their income, and expand their professional impact. With 14 years’ experience supporting C-suite executives in Australia and the UK, Ruth brings deep industry insight and a strategic approach to career development. She empowers Assistants to gain clarity on their next move, adopt a strategic mindset, communicate their value effectively, and lead their own growth conversations with confidence. A former EA turned Stakeholder Relations and Project Manager, Ruth launched Hoxton Hyde in 2018 after spotting a clear gap in the market for tailored coaching for career-driven EAs. She is a respected thought leader in the EA space, regularly sharing insights via LinkedIn and Instagram. Panel: Crisis Mode: What to do when everything goes wrong Master a step-by-step approach to prioritising and problem-solving under pressure. Strengthen emotional resilience and calm decision-making during unexpected disruptions. Learn how to communicate clearly and lead from behind in high-stress situations. Emma-Kate Bos Bio Emma-Kate works alongside the CEO at Squadron Energy, one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies. With over 28 years of experience in Executive Assistant and Operational roles supporting business leaders in professional services, politics, membership industries, sporting and not-for-profit organisations, Emma-Kate has a deep understanding of business support roles and has managed large teams of assistants and receptionists. She is passionate about developing and mentoring team members Emma-Kate holds an Associate Degree in Law, Mini MBA and Certificate in Public Relations. Sepi Nowlands Sepi has also worked as an EO for Deloitte and spent 18 years previously as an Executive Assistant at the ATO, Law Council of Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation and Air Services Australia. She is now EA and EO to the CPO. Holly Clareburt Hollie Clareburt is an experienced Executive Assistant, currently supporting the Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand and the Chief Partner Officer. Known for her professionalism and discretion, she excels in providing high-level support in fast-paced, executive environments. Prior to Microsoft, Hollie was Executive Assistant to the Chief of Corporate & Enterprise Systems at BECA, and previously supported the CEO at SKY News New Zealand. Her career reflects a strong track record of reliability, organisation, and executive partnership. Liv Wilson With over 20 years of experience across banking, government, creative industries, and global tech, Liv has supported senior leaders at companies including LinkedIn and Slack. She brings a strategic lens to the business support function, with deep expertise in operations, leadership enablement, and organisational effectiveness. As a passionate advocate for elevating the role of Executive Assistants, Liv has led women’s networks, championed DEI and social impact initiatives, and continues to push for recognition of business support as a critical driver of business success. She is currently working on her side hustle business - collaborating with executives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to amplify their impact by removing operational barriers, optimising systems, and unlocking their capacity to lead and grow. 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/ 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. We understand the challenge. Professional development for assistants is often undervalued, and securing budget or approval for external training can be difficult. That’s why we’ve created a ready-to-use business case template to help you justify attendance at this event and highlight the value it brings to both you and your organisation. If you need support or costings confirmed for single or group attendance, please reach out to our support team at: support@elite-forums.com You can download and edit the template below: 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. 🔑 Please note: All facilatators, panelists, and speakers are all PAID with applicable contracts in place. We value our speakers and want the best to ensure our attendees get the best development. Media outlets/organisations will not be permitted to attend this event.