“I anticipated that the program would help me learn little tricks or tips; I did not anticipate that what I learned could be so important and applicable to all aspects of my life,” ~Natalie Block, first graduate

Click here to read an excerpt from the Creating Executive Presence Program Handbook.

Forbes recently reported that a study of over 4,000 leaders found that over 25% of an executive’s success could be attributed to “Executive Presence.” Yet many people have trouble describing exactly what Executive Presence is, even if they feel as though they know it when they see it. Developing this elusive quality can be particularly daunting for minorities and women. The study further reported that women find feedback about executive presence “hopelessly contradictory.” A new course has been developed to unveil the mysteries of Executive Presence and to teach you how to build your own.

Increase Your Promotability and Compensation

Has a dignified person ever caught your eye as soon as he or she walked into the room? Have you ever heard someone say, “I trusted him right away?” What are the intangible qualities that make us take notice of these individuals? “Executive Presence” may play a big role in your perceptions and assumptions about someone. And if you are seeking advancement in your career, developing your own Executive Presence will be very useful. It helps others take you seriously, identify opportunities for you, believe what you say, and trust you to make good decisions. To become part of the executive team, you must look and act the part. Although we tend to focus on appearance when we talk about Executive Presence (and we will cover those basics in this course), it is the more subtle messages that we send by the way that we talk and carry ourselves that are the real drivers behind Executive Presence. These take time to develop and practice but are well worth it. A strong Executive Presence can significantly increase your promotability and compensation.

Individual Coaching Provided

This intensive, customizable program includes a self-assessment to identify areas to focus on, such as gravitas, credibility, authenticity, confidence and trust. Tactical lessons will address voice, carriage, wardrobe, and language skills. Context-specific behaviors will be identified, studied, evaluated, and practiced to augment others’ positive perceptions of you. Individual coaching is provided in six 90-minute video-Skype sessions, combined with a series of self-development activities (provided by the instructor) to be completed between the sessions. Participants will complete a total of 56 hours of program time, including calls, guided activities and individual instruction. The program must be completed within 12 months although it is typically completed in 3 months.

Featured Instructor

Coursework is guided by Jennifer K. Crittenden, former CFO, speaker, and author of The Discreet Guide for Executive Women, a career advice book for women, a copy of which is provided to all recipients who select her to be their instructor. Jennifer has a BA in Linguistics, an MBA in Finance and nearly twenty-five years of experience in corporate America working for big pharma and biotech companies in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, rising from financial analyst to CFO. She writes and speaks frequently on topics related to gender, communication, and language in the workplace. She also has a teaching certificate from the University of Cambridge. You can learn more about her at discreetguide.com.

Develop your Executive Presence!

As you develop your arsenal of skills to take you to the next level, make sure that a lack of Executive Presence is not holding you back. Even if others cannot define it, an expert can show you how to analyze, practice, and develop it.

This program is open to anyone anywhere in the world with access to Skype. You may register online or contact the program director, Kay Wais, at 608-780-0781 or director@myexecutiveprogram.com for more information. This course with the same instructor is also offered through the University of Wisconsin and through the MBA Women International professional organization, if you would like to receive an official certificate from one of those organizations. Prices may vary. If you register through this website, the price of the program is $2,000 for 56 hours of program time, including six individual 90-minute coaching sessions. Click here to register for the course. The program will start whenever you are ready to start enhancing Your Own Executive Presence.

Click here to read an excerpt from the Creating Executive Presence Course Handbook.

Click here to read the press release about the first graduate of the program.