Virtual event
How to Communicate Effectively with a Busy Manager
Exclusively for public servants and policymakers
Thursday, Oct 8, 2026
Time is displayed in your local time zone
At this event, you’ll learn how to:
- Get your manager’s attention more effectively
- Move stalled conversations towards a decision
- Ask for feedback and support
Speakers
Do you struggle to get your manager’s attention and time? Are you unsure how to ask for advice or support?
Everyday conversations with managers can shape whether your ideas gain support, your priorities move forward and your concerns get heard. This event will discuss how to build a stronger working relationship with any busy manager, and how to communicate what matters most and move a decision forward when it stalls.
Our panel brings together perspectives from an international institution, a parliamentary office and a federal government department, sharing lived experience from working across hierarchies, managing competing demands and knowing when to speak up. You'll leave with techniques you can use in your next one-to-one.
Who should join:
Any public servant who wants a stronger relationship with their manager.
Join the Life in Government Community
The Life in Government Community is a collaborative space designed for Apolitical members to connect with peers in the global public service and ask and answer questions on life in government.
This event will take place on Zoom. Joining instructions will be displayed once you register. The event will be recorded and the recording will be sent to all registrants. The recording will also be made available on Apolitical's platform for other members of our community to enjoy. We may also generate insights about our community members by uploading the recording to HeyMarvin, an AI-powered qualitative research tool. If you would prefer not to join the call live, you may view the recording on the platform after the event.
Interested in how Apolitical can support you and your organisation? Learn about collaborating with us.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Speakers
Marenglen Gjonaj
Team Lead - Climate Finance Policy & Analysis, UNFCCC
Germany
Sebastian d’Huc
Chief of Staff, Bundestag
Germany
Nadine Boudreau-Brown
Director General, Digital Solutions Delivery, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
Canada
Sebastian d’Huc, Chief of Staff in the Office of Armand Zorn in the German Bundestag. He works at the intersection of economic and energy policy. He studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford and holds a Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School in Berlin, including studies at Georgetown University.
Nadine Boudreau-Brown, a Director General with the Government of Canada, leading government-wide business modernization and transformation. With nearly 30 years of public service experience across policy, service delivery, communications, HR, digital and technology, she brings a broad perspective on leadership and organizational change. A passionate people leader and mentor, Nadine champions trust, curiosity, clear communication and proactive career development.
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