The High-Performing Project Manager Program
Learn how to become a high-performing project manager in 5 weeks. A live, cohort-based training program mixed with on-demand lessons, 121 coaching and group learning.
The program (cohort 8) will begin in mid-November. You can join by clicking the button below. If you have any questions, please email Ben at ben@ppm.academy.
Limited spots available.
This isn’t traditional project management training
If you’re looking for a certification or a step-by-step framework to run a project end-to-end, this isn’t the right program for you.
Why?
Because there’s no single way to run a project.
And knowing how to build a plan, write a status report, or fill in a risk log is just a small part of delivering a successful project.
The biggest barrier to success isn’t tools or templates, it’s people.
That includes your team, your stakeholders, your clients, and yes, sometimes even you.
People management makes up 70% of project delivery.
Yet most training focuses on frameworks, tools, and processes. That’s the gap this program fills.
The truth is: most project problems are, in fact, people problems.
Over 20 years of running projects, I’ve seen that the toughest challenges always trace back to human behaviour, whether it’s a misaligned team member, a difficult stakeholder, a confused client, or a moment where I got in my own way.
That’s why this program is different.
It’s not about following templates. It’s about helping you lead people better.
You’ll learn simple, practical tactics you can apply straight away. No fluff. No theory.
Just proven approaches to help you build confidence, improve your leadership, and drive project outcomes.
This is a 1% improvement model not a “big bang” approach that overwhelms you or leaves you stuck.
What's in the program?
Over 50 ondemand lessons to watch and learn in your own time.
Modules on mindset, self dicipline, productivity, communucations, AI, finances and planning.
Over a hundred small but practical approaches to try out and use.
Weekly Q&As with your fellow cohort takers across the 5-weeks of learning.
121's coaching sessions with your trainer Ben Willmott.
Access to multiple how to plan a... Trello boards, full of all the tasks needed.
Shared community portal with your fellow project managers.
Access to a stack of templates and approaches to adapt and use.
This is real-world training. Built for real-world project managers. And it starts with you.
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The High Performing Project Manager Program
The High-Performing Project Manager Program is a 5-week online program, where you’ll learn how to unlock your full potential as a Project Manager and close the gap between who you are and who you can be. Every Project Manager should be able to reach their full potential.
Access to 50 plus video lessons, over 9hrs of content, 2 X weekly open live Q&As, and tasks to help you learn and implement changes immediately to how you work and perform, plus connect with other project managers on the same path in the community portal.
PLUS! 2 X 121s with me to help you with any challenges you have
Additionally, you will have access Ben, your trainer, through the community portal for any questions or help you may need.
Over 20 years of Project Management experience has gone into creating this program.
The entire program will only take about 60-90 minutes of your time per week– and since all the video lessons and live Q&As will be recorded, you can also go through the program at your own pace – you’ll have lifetime access.to
Become a High-Performing Project Manager in 5-Weeks and Accelerate Your Career
Understand how to start and close a project with confidence and control.
Start your journey with AI to help elevate your performance and boost your productivity.
Gain multiple small but implementable approaches and frameworks to improve your communucation and people management.
Learn and get access to lot's of approaches and checklist to plan different projects and scenarios.
Improve your mindset, self-discipline and productivity. The power of improving in these three areas is huge for a project manager.
Every Project Manager deserves the opportunity to become what they’re capable of being in their career. You don’t have to settle for mediocre.
JOIN THE NEXT COHORTHere’s what you’ll get
MODULE 1
Developing the best version of you
If you want to improve as a Project Manager, you need to start by working on developing your mindset, self-discipline, and productivity. When your mind is racing with doubt, frustration or worry, it’s hard to think clearly, let alone make smart decisions or focus on what matters.
This module helps you build a stronger mindset so you can stay calm under pressure, improve your self-discipline to work with intent, and build habits that increase your productivity and outputs. It’s the foundation for everything else that follows.
- Overview of the program and introduction to module one
- What really matters as a Project Manager
- Ten Guiding Rules to Help Elevate You as a Project Manager
- How to Manage Your Emotions and Nerves
- How to create performance algorithms for high-performance
- What Is Self-Discipline? And 3 Steps to Improve I
- How to Create Your Masterpiece Days and Set New Standards
- Why the Fundamentals Matter Most
- The Three Stages of Productivity
- The Power of Habits
- How to Make Clearer Decisions
Module 2
Starting strong
How you start a project will ultimately determine its progress and the quality of its conclusion. This should be your busiest time as PM, but a good busy.
The opposite and the outcome of not starting a project well is the end of your project, it’s a rush, trying to squeeze in the additional scope creep, tasks that are taking you longer than expected.
You’re busy again, but this time it’s a bad busy, plus, you’re feeling overwhelmed and doubting your abilities.
Module 2 will help you understand where to focus to start a project strong, as well as what are the most common issues for what causes a project to not end well.
- Introduction to module two
- Why most plans fail and the impact this can cause it
- Developing an adaptive planning approach
- Mapping Your Risks Against Contingency
- What to do when you have unrealistic timelines
- What to do when the full team aren't available for day one
- How to plan a discovery phase
- Planning and running a kick off meeting: a guide
- All the actions to plan a discovery phase, sprint or pitch (Trello boards)
- Checklists for SOW creation, starting a project and E2E project checklists
- A one-page risk assessment for senior management
Module 3
Managing the project, staying focused and in control
You’ve started the project well, you can now relax, nope!
If you start a project well, you need to stay on top of this momentum and anticipate any potential problems that a project can encounter.
Every project will have it’s own issues, so in this module we’ll cover how to deal with the most common issues and challenges that derail, plus how to build engagement and monitor the health of your project.
Plus, how to close down a project in control and with confidence.
- Introduction to module three
- Moving beyond the standard approach to scoping a project
- Developing scope that has value
- Managing scope creep and change
- Dealing with high amount of changes to the plan
- How to build engagement when reviewing your plan
- What you need to do more of to have fewer problems with your plan
- 10 Health Check Tips for Your Plan
- 10 tips for managing change on a project
- How to close down a project calmy and with confidence
Module 4
Communication and People Management
Module 4, doesn’t follow Module 3 when it comes to the sequence for a typical project, but sits across all of it. Communication and people management is two of, if not the most important, skills when it comes to project management.
You can have all the certifications in the world, but you can’t communicate and manage people; your going to struggle and have a tough time.
In Module 4, we’ll look at the importance of understanding your audience, developing influence, team engagement and approaches to deal with issues and big changes.
- Introduction to module 4
- The importance of understanding your audience
- Developing influence no matter what your seniority
- How to build engagement when reviewing your plan
- What you do when a client calls you with a problem
- 5 frameworks to improve your communications
- Turning a problem into a solution
- Meeting agenda’s that work
- How to receive less emails and get more time back
- How to implement a continuous learning approach for your team
Module 5
Hello AI, how can you help?
Module 5 is all about AI. Not how to create fancy images, but simple and practical approaches to enhancing your work. AI can be overwhelming, as it’s talked about everywhere.
Still, when used well, it can improve how you work as a Project Manager, whether in communications, productivity, or learning. In module 5, we’ll cover the watchouts and, just as importantly, how to use it for everyday tasks to enhance and speed up your work.
- Introduction to module 5
- Introduction to the AI
- ChatGPT: A Quick overview
- Perplexity: A Quick overview
- Claude: A Quick overview
- How to use AI to improve your project management
- Getting access to the private Custom ChatGPT, "PPM Coach"
- Using ChatGPT to improve your writing and productivity
What you can expect
On-Demand Video Training with Ben Willmott
Six training modules containing over 50 on-demand video lessons taking you through all of the content and approaches covered in the program. A new module is released each week to view at your own pace.
Access to a Community of Project Managers
Every cohort of PMs is added to the community space, which will help guide you through the program, give you access to the Q&As and templates (37 plus and counting), and allow you to share challenges and questions with fellow like-minded Project Managers.
Live Coaching & Mentoring with Ben Willmott
You will also receive access to live online Q&A sessions for further coaching and mentoring and the opportunity to collaborate and learn from fellow Project Managers. Plus 121's with Ben Willmott.
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Free Templates & Processes
Each module has supporting templates and approaches for you to adapt and use in your day-to-day role as a Project Manager.
These have all been used on live projects and are ready to use.
Project Management Doesn't Have To Be Hard
I’ve worked in project management for over 20 years. Everyone expects you to know everything, be on top of every task, and never miss a beat.
I often worked late or started early, hoping I’d finally be in complete control of my project by working harder.
I've been there, constantly feeling I need to do more for my team, or there will be a problem around the corner, or will we meet the next deadline.
Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience working on projects and managing large teams of project managers, I've developed a high-performance program to make Project Management easier for you, enabling you to thrive.
See you in the next cohort.
Ben
Here's what the students are saying about the program
Evangelia Babanikos - Project Manager
What made you decide to join the High Performing Project Manager program?
I wasn’t looking for a certification or a theory-heavy course. What mattered most to me was hearing what others in my field are doing — how they improve efficiency, navigate difficult personalities and customers, and share practical examples that can be applied right away. And honestly, just knowing I’m not the only one facing these challenges is reassuring. In short, it was the people-focused aspect, rather than the theory, that really drew me in!
What part of the program had the biggest impact on you, and why? The lessons that had the biggest impact on me were those that provided practical, repeatable habits. They helped me rethink how I prioritize my work and communicate with my teams.
What’s changed for you since completing or taking part in the program? Mainly, it’s about how I view the project manager’s role — taking things less personally and remembering that delivering a project successfully is a team effort, whether it goes as planned or not. It’s not solely the project manager’s responsibility; a successful implementation depends on the entire team working together.
If someone is on the fence about joining the program, what would you say to them? I’d say this program is more than just theory. You’ll walk away with practical tools you can apply right away. It’s structured to fit into a busy schedule, and the return on investment, especially in terms of the confidence you gain, can be tremendous.
Josh Wissinger - Project Manager
What made you decide to join the High-Performing Project Manager program?
Feeling overwhelmed and unprepared at work started my search for some additional training sources to better equip myself for my role.
What part of the program had the biggest impact on you, and why?
The 121 and group discussions gave me an opportunity to hear others perspectives and challenges which resembled my own. This provided some validation of my concerns, but also verified that other people were having the same challenges as I was/am.
What’s changed for you since completing or taking part in the program?
My perspective on the work day, my role, what I have control over, and how to respond appropriately.
If someone is on the fence about joining the program, what would you say to them?
I can't imagine a project manager not getting a benefit from completing the course. Anyone and everyone can gain something from this, whether it's the content, tips and tricks, or discussions with others.
Alexandra Errea - PMO Manager
What made you decide to join the High Performing Project Manager program?
I was facing some challenges with cross functional projects and I wanted to go back to basics
What part of the program had the biggest impact on you, and why?
The first and fourth module were really eye opening in terms of non conventional best practices!
What’s changed for you since completing or taking part in the program?
I believe I have more confidence in the way I'm managing expectations and my mental health 😎
If someone is on the fence about joining the program, what would you say to them?
That they should definitely join. It gives you a practical approach on problem solving and managing your daily work.
Ana Taylor - Project Manager
What made you decide to join the High Performing Project Manager program?
I wanted to learn some practical actions that I could apply to my day-to-day to improve project performance.
What part of the program had the biggest impact on you, and why?
The mindset aspects because that flows into everything else: time-blocking, asking tough questions to get what you need
What’s changed for you since completing or taking part in the program?
I definitely feel a lot more confident in how I approach my role and asking some difficult questions to get what I need for my team.
If someone is on the fence about joining the program, what would you say to them?
I highly recommend that you do - not only is the course invaluable, you get access to a community that you can ideate with!
Marie Holmstrom - Snr Project Manager
What made you decide to join the High Performing Project Manager program?
I wanted to become more efficient as a PM, gain skills and tips on more effective ways of working, build my PM network, improve my self-confidence as a PM and improve my PM language.
What part of the program had the biggest impact on you, and why?
The biggest impact hasn't been a specific section as such, it is the overall holistic approach as to how to work more time efficiently, reduce stress and look after your mental health. The reiteration throughout the course that you as a PM, is not solely responsible for projects running late or going over budget, how you can work most effectively with other team members and stakeholders and how to apply a pragmatic approach.
What’s changed for you since completing or taking part in the program?
I feel more confident in my SPM role and as a freelancer. It's improved my language around project management, which is super helpful in many ways. It's confirmed that a lot of the methods I have developed over the years are valid.
If someone is on the fence about joining the program, what would you say to them?
I would highly recommend doing the course, it will help with their personal development and make them a more confident PM. What you learn about being organised and self-aware is also applicable to many aspects of life! We are all PMs of our own lives.
In summary, you get everything below:
Single Payment of
£397
BOOK YOUR SPOTFAQ
Who is the high-performance program for?
GREAT question! The high-performance program is for anyone who works on projects, not just Project Managers. Whether you're in Account Management, Project Management or a team lead, you can utilise what you learn. Junior PMs through to Project Leads can all benefit from the program
What if I don't have time to watch all the on-demand lessons?
I say to everyone who joins, take the 1% approach for improvement, and that means focusing on the lessons that will help you most now, try out the approaches, embed them and then try the next.
If you don't get through all of the content across the 5 weeks, it's completely fine, as you'll always have access to it in the future when needed.
How do you know if I would benefit from the high-performance program?
Let me ask you this:
Do you want to be more productive?
Do you want to have a stronger mindset at work?
Do you want to improve how you plan and run projects and teams?
Are you looking to move up a level at work or go for a new job elsewhere?
Do I want to learn how to use AI to ehance how I work?
This high-performance program is for you if the answer is yes to any of these.
Do I need to have a certain level of experience before I sign up?
Not at all. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at in your career; if you have the right mindset to want to learn and improve yourself, then this program is for you.
How is high-performance program different to other project management training?
Another great question!
Most training out there for Project Managers is a course of some sort, the majority of them valuable, but they’re designed for the thousands, so many are very similar.
You learn a lot on the course, and it looks great on your CV, but how much can you implement in your day job, as often, they're to big a change to implement.
The high-performance program is based on experience of being a Project Manager, practical and implementable. It's not another delivery methodology you can't implement in the day job.
Will I get access to Ben Willmott?
Yes, you’ll be able to ask me questions during the weekly live online coaching and mentoring! In addition to the 50-plus on-demand video lessons and worksheets you will receive, we will also meet live online.
Will I be able to join at later time?
Once the program starts, it's locked in for 5-weeks and only those who joined prior to day one, can be on the program.
If you've missed this cut off, ensure you're on the waitlist so you can hear when the program will be run again.
