University of Southampton Business School

The Strategic Project Leader: Delivering Value in Complex Environments
In today’s fast-paced, complex environment, organisations do not just need project managers. They need project leaders who can align execution with strategy, inspire high-performing teams, and deliver measurable outcomes.

This intensive two-day Executive Education programme  is designed to equip professionals with the advanced leadership capabilities required to successfully lead projects in dynamic environments, muster complexity, lead major initiatives and drive organisational impact.

Programme Overview
This immersive programme goes beyond traditional project management frameworks. It focuses on leading people and navigating uncertainty in order to drive strategic outcomes.
Participants will develop the skills and mindset to:

• Lead cross-functional teams with confidence and clarity
• Translate organisational strategy into executable projects
• Navigate change and risk effectively
• Build stakeholder alignment at senior levels
• Deliver outcomes that create tangible business and societal value

Through a blend of expert-led sessions and real-world case studies the course provides practical tools that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Who This Programme Is For
This programme is tailored for organisations seeking to strengthen leadership capability across their project ecosystem. It is particularly valuable for:

• Senior Project Managers looking to elevate from delivery to strategic leadership
• Team Leaders and Programme Leads managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Senior Executives and Functional Leaders overseeing project portfolios
• High-potential professionals preparing for leadership roles in project environments
• Consultants and Analysts advising on transformation, strategy, or project execution

Key Themes

1. Leadership & High-Performing Team Dynamics
2. Strategic Project Planning
3. Risk Management & Decision-Making
4. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Why This Programme Matters for Organisations
Investing in project leadership capability enables organisations to:

• Reduce costly project delays and risks
• Increase the success rate of strategic initiatives
• Improve cross-functional collaboration and alignment
• Strengthen organisational agility in uncertain environments

This programme is particularly suited for organisations undergoing transformation, growth, or large-scale change initiatives.

Programme Format

• Duration: 2 days (in-person delivery)
• Learning style: Interactive, practical  
• Approach: Real-world application, peer learning, and expert facilitation

Why Persuasive Communication Matters?
In today’s complex organisational environments, technical expertise alone is not enough. Success depends on your ability to communicate ideas clearly and secure buy-in for action.
This course equips professionals with the tools to translate insight into impact through persuasive writing, engaging presentations, and strategic stakeholder communication.

What You Will Gain

• Communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence
• Influence decisions and gain stakeholder buy-in
• Strengthen your professional writing and presentation skills
• Build credibility and authority in high-stakes situations
• Engage and persuade diverse audiences effectively

Who is this for?
This programme is ideal for professionals who need to communicate with impact, including:

• Consultants and advisors
• Managers and team leaders
• Project coordinators and programme leads
• Executives and senior professionals
• Anyone working across teams or stakeholder groups

If your role involves influencing decisions, leading change, or communicating across functions, this course is for you.

Key Learning Themes

• Persuasive Communication
• Stakeholder Influence
• Storytelling for Impact
• Strategic Messaging

Interactive and Practical Learning
This highly interactive one-day programme combines:

• Real-world case discussions
• Hands-on exercises
• Individual and group activities
• Immediate feedback and reflection

You will leave with practical tools you can apply immediately.

By the End of the Day, You Will Be Able To:

• Deliver persuasive messages with confidence
• Structure compelling arguments for different audiences
• Communicate effectively under pressure
• Influence stakeholders and decision-making processes
• Present ideas in a clear, engaging, and impactful way

Course Lead
Professor Jeni Giambona 
Professor Jeni Giambona is Professor of Systems Thinking and the Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the University of Southampton Business School. As such, she leads USBS’s development of collaborations with both external organisations from all sectors and the wider public to further the development and impact of the School’s teaching and research. 
Jeni’s activities focus on the development and implementation of external engagement strategies for collaborative partnerships, impact and dissemination, on building relationships with external stakeholders and co-creation activities.   
Research interests

• Systems thinking and approaches
• Identity building
• Narratives and storytelling
• Trust as collaborative enabler