Professional Development That Drives Real Commercial Results
Most professional development fails because it doesn’t change behaviour. Your team already knows what to do—the gap is in what they actually do when they’re face-to-face with a client or prospect.
I design and deliver practical professional development programs for financial and professional services organisations. These programs are commonly delivered as conference keynotes, in-house training days, leadership off-sites, and association events—and are focused on strengthening commercial capability across sales, client relationships, and leadership.
Every session is grounded in real-world scenarios and provides clear, actionable strategies participants can apply immediately.
Core Program Areas
All programs are customised to your organisation, audience, and objectives. Most engagements focus on one or more of the following core areas.
1. Commercial Growth & New Business Development
Helping professionals consistently create, progress, and win high-quality opportunities—without relying on referrals alone or waiting for inbound leads.
Common focus areas include:
Securing access to high-value decision-makers
Turning cold outreach into warm, qualified conversations
Digital prospecting and LinkedIn for professional credibility and visibility
Identifying and penetrating profitable niche and specialty markets
Strategic planning for sustainable growth and income stability
“I would recommend Clifton to anyone looking to receive a unique training plan for sales and marketing staff of all levels. His insights into the industry, marketing tips, and innovative thinking around cross-selling are well worth listening to.”
Richard Todd, Liberty Underwriting
2. Client Retention, Expansion & Referral Growth
Turning existing relationships into predictable, long-term growth—rather than treating current clients as static revenue sources.
Common focus areas include:
Conducting effective client conversations that deepen trust and insight
Identifying and acting on cross-sell and upsell opportunities
Advancing opportunities and winning client commitment
Building systematic referral momentum from clients and professional networks
Strengthening retention through proactive relationship management
3. Sales Leadership & Performance Discipline
Building consistent performance across individuals and teams—not just hoping top performers will lift everyone else.
Common focus areas include:
Leading and coaching high-performing sales and client-facing teams
Establishing accountability, expectations, and performance rhythms
Time and priority management for sales professionals
Developing strong professional networks and centres of influence
Creating cultures that support focus, execution, and commercial confidence
“In five years of organising presentations, I have never seen an audience so eager not to miss a single point. Several people said they felt much more confident about marketing their business after your session.”
Deborah Macfarlane, President, Victorian Association for Dispute Resolution
Flexible Delivery Options
Programs are designed around your audience and objectives. Common formats include:
Conference Keynotes – Set direction, challenge thinking, and energise audiences
Half-Day Workshops – Deepen capability around specific commercial skills
Full-Day Programs – Comprehensive development with practical application
Webinar Series – Remote delivery for distributed teams
Multi-Session Programs – Sustained development with implementation support
How These Programs Work
No theory for theory’s sake – Every session is built around real scenarios your people face, not academic models
Immediate application – Participants leave with tools they can use in their next client conversation
Customised to your world – Content reflects your industry, your clients, and your commercial realities
Proven across contexts – Delivered to corporate teams, industry associations, and national conferences—with consistently strong feedback
Ideal For
Corporate training and professional development days
Conferences and leadership events
Association education programs
Off-site planning and strategy sessions
Sales meetings and team kick-offs
Let’s Discuss Your Next Event
I work with conference planners, association executives, training managers, and business leaders to design professional development programs that deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
If you’re planning a conference, training day, or leadership event and want a program that actually shifts commercial behaviour—not just ticks a development box—let’s talk.
📧 clifton@cliftonwarren.com
I’ll help you design a session that fits your audience and timeframe, and ensures participants walk away with practical tools they’ll actually use in real client situations..
