Leadership in Major Projects: Catalyst Program
This year-long course includes two week-long residential programs in Sydney and the price is inclusive of all accommodation and meals
Overview
The Catalyst Program has been developed and created to build project leadership capacity, underpinned and supported by evidence-based measures of project success. It helps leaders move beyond traditional project management skills to develop the leadership mindset necessary to navigate complex projects.
This is not another skills course. It is a deeper investment in how you think, collaborate, and lead when the stakes are high and the project management playbook runs out. You will leave not just with new approaches, but with a steadier, more grounded leadership presence.
Grounded in the same methodology as the John Grill Institute for Project Leadership’s flagship Executive Leadership in Major Projects program and designed as a natural entry point to our learning ecosystem.
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Learn to optimise for the whole, rather than just your part
- Influence up, out and within
- Design the decision-making for navigating complexity and ambiguity
- Exercise sound judgement when faced with incomplete information
- Hold space for inquiry and clarity on next steps
- Build people and systems that succeed without you
- Become the relational leader that others want in the room
- Read the political landscape and shape the system to work better
John Grill Institute for Project Leadership
A global leader in research and executive education on how organisations conceive, set-up, deliver, and benefit from nation-building projects. Working with industry, government, and communities to enhance productivity and shape future projects and their outcomes.
Founded through a generous donation by John Grill, they are building leadership capability and capacity to transform the performance of projects.
For any enquiries about the ELMP program or application process, please email john-grill.institute@sydney.edu.au
Program Aims
The Catalyst Program builds the leadership capacity that modern projects demand, but the playbooks can’t supply. It is designed for those who sense that what has carried them this far won’t be enough for the rapid, unpredictable, and tangled nature of today’s projects. Through a structured development journey, participants build their individual capacity to lead complex projects with confidence and composure.
Beyond the two comprehensive residentials you'll also take part in regular online development sessions held over one half-day per month, benefit from 1:1 tailored coaching and mentoring from a senior industry leader, and experience enlightening fireside chats with major project leaders, government executives and globally renowned academics, enabling the building of lifelong connections not just with your cohort but those who have walked the same path.
This program is designed for senior project managers or project leaders who sense the next stage demands a different way of leading, not more of the same.
- 5–15 years' experience in major projects
- Currently a senior project manager or project leader
- At a career threshold: sensing the next level requires something different
- Drawn to questions of how to influence without control, motivate through challenge, create positive culture and progress organisational change
- Ready to invest seriously in your own development, not just your credentials
This immersive program takes place over two, five-day residentials held in Sydney, where participants engage in facilitator-led sessions that are practical, hands-on, and deeply collaborative. In-between these residentials will be online check-ins, group work, coaching, mentoring and experiential activities - designed to help apply insights directly to real-world challenges.
Applicants must be senior project managers or project leaders currently working in or leading major projects. There are no formal prerequisites to join the Catalyst Program, however, participation is subject to a competitive application process that includes submitting a statement of learning and an interview.
We recommend bringing a laptop computer or tablet device.
The program fee is $30,000. This includes accommodation and meals for two five-day residential programs in Sydney. Travel to and from Sydney is not included.
Please note: Places are limited, and early application is encouraged.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a selection interview with the Director of Executive Education. For any enquiries about the ELMP program or application process, please email john-grill.institute@sydney.edu.au
Enrolment in this course is via application. To apply, follow these steps:
1. Click the "Apply now" button under "Upcoming classes" to add the course to your cart. Then proceed to checkout by clicking "Checkout now" or the cart icon at the top right of the page.
2. Answer all required application questions, then proceed to the Confirmation screen. The total will display as $0, as submitting an application is free.
3. Review our Terms and Conditions and tick the box to confirm your agreement.
4. You will receive an email confirming that we’ve received your application. Please allow time for review and avoid submitting multiple applications.
5. Once your application has been assessed, you will receive an email advising you of the outcome. If successful, the email will include a personalised link back to the course page.
6. Follow the link and click "Enrol now" under "Upcoming classes". (Important: Use the link provided-otherwise you may still see "Apply now" instead of "Enrol now.")
7. Proceed to checkout again to finalise your enrolment. Any applicable discounts or special pricing will be automatically applied.
Contact us if you would like to discuss how Sydney Short Courses can support your organisational training needs through this course. Either as a group booking, whole course block booking, or customised delivery to meet your business requirements.
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Upcoming classes
H.C. Coombes Centre
| When | Time | Where | Session Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 19 Apr 2027 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+10:00) | Function Room - H.C. Coombes Centre | |
| Tue 20 Apr 2027 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+10:00) | Function Room - H.C. Coombes Centre | |
| Wed 21 Apr 2027 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+10:00) | Function Room - H.C. Coombes Centre | |
| Thu 22 Apr 2027 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+10:00) | Function Room - H.C. Coombes Centre | |
| Fri 23 Apr 2027 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+10:00) | Function Room - H.C. Coombes Centre | |
| Mon 27 Mar 2028 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+11:00) | Cullen Room, Level 4 - A09 Holme Building | |
| Tue 28 Mar 2028 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+11:00) | Cullen Room, Level 4 - A09 Holme Building | |
| Wed 29 Mar 2028 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+11:00) | Cullen Room, Level 4 - A09 Holme Building | |
| Thu 30 Mar 2028 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+11:00) | Cullen Room, Level 4 - A09 Holme Building | |
| Fri 31 Mar 2028 | 9am - 5pm (UTC+11:00) | Cullen Room, Level 4 - A09 Holme Building |