Project Management for Administrative Professionals

Gain practical, confidence-building tools to take the lead on projects without needing a formal project manager title. This session is designed specifically for administrative professionals who find themselves managing complex tasks, coordinating teams, or handling new responsibilities. Learn how to plan, organise, communicate, and follow through effectively using proven project management techniques tailored to real-world office environments. Whether you're supporting a team or leading an initiative, this talk will help you stay on track and deliver results with clarity and control.

Why you should Attend

Gain the clarity and practical tools you need to confidently take charge of projects, especially when the scope feels overwhelming or outside your usual responsibilities
Learn how to techniques to help you manage tasks, timelines, and people with greater ease by applying proven project management techniques that replace hesitation with structure, focus, and forward momentum

Areas Covered in the Session

Module 1: Understanding the Basics of Project Management
This module provides an introduction to project management concepts and how they relate to the administrative role. You'll learn how to identify the key components of a project, understand its purpose, and recognize common success factors. The session also covers the importance of stakeholder engagement and how to structure tasks effectively to keep things on track
Module 2: Supporting Project Planning and Scheduling
In this module, you'll gain an understanding of how to assist in the planning process without needing to be the project lead. Learn how to help gather project requirements, define the scope, and understand any constraints. You'll also discover how to break down a project into simpler tasks and help track progress using basic tools. This knowledge will allow you to support the project team efficiently by keeping things organized and ensuring deadlines are met
Module 3: Managing Stakeholders, Risks, and Resources
This module covers how to support project management by effectively engaging with key stakeholders and helping manage resources. You'll learn the basics of identifying and tracking risks, as well as helping to communicate important information. The session also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration, focusing on how to contribute to maintaining smooth operations and addressing challenges in a constructive manner
Module 4: Supporting Project Execution and Closure
In this module, you'll learn how to assist during the execution phase of a project by keeping track of key deliverables and ensuring everything stays on schedule. You'll also understand how to help document progress and manage any adjustments that might be necessary. The module concludes with tips for assisting in project closure, including evaluating outcomes and gathering feedback to improve future efforts

Who Will Benefit

Executives
Managers
Supervisors
Team Leaders
Administrative Professionals involved with Project Management

Speaker Profile

Claudio Chiste is the CEO of the Centre for Leadership & Coaching. He has served as the Chairman of Coaches & Mentors of South Africa (Comensa) for the Western Cape, the Comensa Social & Ethics Committee and as President of the Cape Chapter of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA). He is a certified Master NLP Practitioner and Master Life Coach.

Claudio’s intrinsic values have influenced his belief in making a difference for the common good, by helping others to adopt a mindset of resilience, and engendering a culture which embraces leadership, regardless of seniority. Claudio is a firm believer that nothing is instant, only instant coffee, results take time. The important thing is to progress, creating non-intimidating micro-goals on a daily basis.

His varied background allows him to have a multi-angled approach, with a background as a leader whilst a combat officer in the South African Navy, and as a specialist banker in London with Investec Bank, during which time he was in charge of an international award-wining business association focused on promoting both business and the next generation, called Shipping Professional Network London (SPNL) serving as chairman for 8 years.

He holds a Master of Science from City St. George's, University of London, a Bachelor of Commerce with Honors from the University of Cape Town, and a Bachelor in Military Science, majoring in Mathematics and Nautical Science from the South African Military Academy. He is currently a PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University, focusing on Leadership.