Developing Executive Presence
Learn how to develop a presence that always gives you a good first impression.
Programme Overview
In the boardroom, on the video call, walking into a negotiation—within seconds, people make judgments about you. They assess your competence, your trustworthiness, your authority. They decide whether to follow you, believe you, or dismiss you. This isn't about manipulation or performance. It's about presence.
Executive presence is the invisible force that separates those who lead from those who manage. It's the quality that makes a room quieten when you speak. It's the credibility you carry into difficult conversations. It's your ability to influence without coercion, to disagree without damaging relationships, to inspire action through authenticity and gravitas.
Yet presence isn't innate. It's a skill—one that can be learned, refined, and mastered.
This intensive 5-day programme is designed for senior leaders, C-suite executives, and high-potential managers who want to understand and embody the art and science of executive presence. You'll discover how appearance, character, emotional intelligence, influence, and charisma work together to create impact. You'll learn to navigate conflict with diplomacy, to build genuine likeability across cultures and hierarchies, and to become the kind of leader people remember and want to follow.
By the end of this course, you won't just look the part. You'll be the part.
Programme Objectives
Understand and embody the core attributes of executive presence
Refine personal appearance, dress, and non-verbal communication for maximum impact
Build authentic character and credibility in diverse settings
Navigate conflict with emotional intelligence and diplomacy
Enhance influence, likeability, and memorability in every interaction
Develop advanced conversational skills and agree/disagree agreeably
Cultivate charisma and gravitas to inspire action
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Defining executive presence: What it is and why it matters
The psychology of perception: How others see you in the first 7 seconds
Self-assessment: Current strengths and development areas
Dress, grooming, and first impressions in global business
Non-verbal communication: Body language, posture, and presence
Personal brand audit: Alignment between intention and perception
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Building a leadership brand: Values, integrity, and consistency
Authenticity vs. performance: Finding your true executive voice
Character under pressure: Decision-making and resilience
Trust-building: The foundation of credibility
Case studies: Credibility in action across industries and cultures
The courage to be yourself: Vulnerability as a leadership strength
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Emotional intelligence: Self-awareness, regulation, and empathy
Reading the room: Emotional awareness in real time
Navigating difficult conversations with confidence and clarity
Conflict resolution: Agreeing to disagree without damaging relationships
Tools for de-escalation and turning tension into influence
Diplomacy in practice: High-stakes negotiations and sensitive discussions
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The science of influence: Principles, psychology, and practical techniques
Building genuine rapport across cultures, generations, and hierarchies
Storytelling and narrative: Making yourself unforgettable
Presence and listening: The paradox of being memorable
Feedback and reputation management: How to shape how others see you
Creating lasting impressions: From first meeting to lasting relationship
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Charisma and gravitas: Myths, realities, and how to develop both
Conversational agility: Engaging authentically at every level
Executive networking: Building relationships that matter
High-stakes communication: Board meetings, media, and crisis moments
Presence in the digital age: Video calls, virtual leadership, and remote impact
Personal action plan: Sustaining and evolving your executive presence
Duration: 5 days
Monday to Thursday 09:00–14:00, Friday 09:00–12:00
Location: Central London (details provided upon booking)
Total Programme Investment:
£4,400 / $5,500