Ask your company to fund your place
Most managers say yes when the request is framed clearly. This template is written to do that — replacing [placeholders] with your own details takes less than five minutes. You can use it as an email or adapt it as a conversation. Use whichever version fits your relationship with your manager.
Subject: Development funding request — Strategic Speaking workshop, Basel, May 27
Hi [Manager's name],
I would like to request funding to attend a two-day leadership communication workshop on May 27–28 in Basel, called Strategic Speaking. I want to share why I think it is the right investment at this stage and what I expect to bring back to my role.
What the programme is
Strategic Speaking is a live workshop for senior professionals. The methodology — developed by leadership coach Shivangi Walke (TEDx Basel, formerly Novo Nordisk and J&J) and strategic communication expert Tanya MFK — focuses on one specific skill: designing communication moments so they move decisions, not just describe them. It is delivered in a small group of 20, cross-company, with live practice and expert coaching on real situations each participant brings.
Why now
I am [briefly describe your current communication challenge or upcoming high-stakes moment — e.g. "preparing for a board-level presentation in Q3 and want to be more effective at moving stakeholders to decisions" / "working on influencing cross-functional alignment without direct authority" / "building client relationships that convert to business"]. This programme directly addresses the gap.
What I will bring back
Participants leave with a designed communication moment, a repeatable framework for future high-stakes situations, and — for the 2-day format — a professionally edited video of their delivery. The output is immediately applicable. I plan to use what I design in the room within [timeframe — e.g. two to four weeks] of attending.
Investment
The 2-day programme (early bird, including video and personalised Blueprint) is [CHF 998 / CHF 1,198 / CHF 1,349 depending on format chosen]. Early bird closes May 10.
Happy to discuss if it would help. If you are comfortable approving this, I will handle the booking directly.
Thank you,
[Your name]
Tips from past participants who got funded:
The frame that lands best with most managers is the specific output — not "I want to improve my communication" but "I will come back with a designed communication moment I use within the next month." Managers fund outcomes, not intentions.
If your manager is budget-conscious, the 1-day at CHF 499 early bird is an easy approval. If they are invested in your development, frame the video as something you will share with them — it gives them a tangible result to point to.
If you have a specific high-stakes moment coming up — a board presentation, a client pitch, a promotion conversation — name it in your request. "I am attending this workshop to prepare for X" is significantly easier to approve than a general development request.
Questions? Write to shivangi@leadingislearning.co and we will help you make the case.