Les B.
Project Management Expert
Professional Value
Les is a project management trainer who helps corporate HR leaders and training managers prepare teams for PMI certification and elevate project delivery capabilities. Delivered IBM’s enterprise‑wide learning programme for 12 years, guiding over 1,000 employees through PMP and CAPM preparation, and has facilitated courses for Standard Bank and Hewlett‑Packard across South Africa.
Executive Profile
This facilitator, Les, has been involved in people development for over thirty years. He started his career as a teacher, spent time with a power utility, and then moved into the Information Technology industry.
He came to Africa in 1965 and was a lecturer in Teacher Training Colleges in Zambia and Swaziland for a period of three years in each country. In March 1999, he retired from the position of Training and Development Manager at IBM (South Africa) after 12 years in that position, where he was responsible for the learning process for all company employees.
His experience covers a large range, including classroom facilitation, computer-based education, technical training, and most aspects of personal development. He has travelled frequently to Europe and America, presenting courses to international audiences.
He has facilitated a wide range of courses, including:
- Management
- Leadership
- Project Management
- Team Building
- Sales Training
- Interpersonal and Life Skills
He was a freelance training consultant for four years and formed a training company in 2002. Les has been involved in Project Management for 15 years, serving as a Project Manager for several big projects and presenting training courses in Project Management for 12 years. His clients have included IBM, Standard Bank, African Explosives Limited, Sanlam, Hewlett-Packard, and TNT.
Currently, he is responsible for presenting the whole range of IBM Project Management courses, from the basics to PMI Examination Preparation. He is also applying for CAPM Membership of the PMI.
In addition to his training activities, Les has been involved in education and was one of the founder members of the King's School in Robin Hills for several years, later serving as Chairman of the Board of Governors for three years. He is actively involved in helping the poor and needy living in informal settlements around the Gauteng area, illustrating his commitment to the development of a diverse range of people.
Core Competencies
Education & Training
Les has over thirty years of experience in people development, including teaching, corporate training, and education.
He is skilled in creating learning environments that cater to diverse needs.
His expertise includes classroom facilitation, computer-based education, and technical training.
Les has a strong background in education, having lectured in Teacher Training Colleges and worked as a Training and Development Manager at IBM.
He is capable of designing and delivering training programs that meet the needs of various learners.
Team Building
Les has extensive experience in team building, having facilitated courses on teamwork, leadership, and management.
He has worked with international audiences and presented courses on team building, sales training, and interpersonal skills.
Les is skilled in creating an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and productivity among team members.
His experience in project management has also equipped him with the skills to lead teams successfully in achieving their goals.
Communication
Les is an effective communicator who can break down complex topics into simple, easy-to-understand language.
He has experience in presenting courses to international audiences and has worked with clients from various industries, including IBM, Standard Bank, and Hewlett-Packard.
Les is skilled in optimizing the learning process by using clear, concise language and creating an engaging learning environment.
His ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way has been demonstrated in his work as a lecturer, trainer, and project manager.