Neeley School of Business

Executive Presence

Executive presence is the ability to inspire confidence in others, create powerful connections and convey a compelling perspective. It’s underscored by authenticity, transparency and a strong sense of purpose. Leaders are not defined nor empowered by their titles. They are defined by who they are, what they believe and how they show up. Executive presence and the ability to convey a compelling vision are essential skills for today’s leaders.

In this two-day offering, participants will discover approaches for deepening their self-awareness, improving their ability to project authenticity and stronger “leadership presence,” and being more purposeful in how they show up to better engage stakeholders, align teams around a new direction, and lead even more effectively in their organization.

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Spring: April 9-10, 2025
Two in-person program days

Cost: $1,895* and includes all class materials, breakfast, lunch and refreshments.
Certificates will be awarded based on successful completion of the two-day training.

* A 20 percent discount will be given to companies that enroll two or more employees.
* A 30 percent discount will be given to TCU Alumni and TCU Faculty/Staff.
* A 10 percent discount will be given to U.S. veterans and employees of non-profit organizations.

What's Different?

Day two of this in-person program will dedicate time to explore the relationship between authenticity and executive presence to lead even more effectively, show up well under different circumstances, and improve your impact with key stakeholders inside and outside the organization.

You will discover tools, techniques and approaches to improving your confidence, poise and executive presence. Businesses need articulate professionals who can think on their feet and clearly represent their company's brand and vision to today's audience.

This program will deepen your understanding and awareness of your leadership style, values and "purpose" to strengthen workplace relationships and deepen your ability to connect, influence and lead.

Who Should Attend?

Business leaders at all levels who want to become more self-aware, improve their ability to establish genuine connections, strengthen their presence, and gain best-practices on relaying a persuasive presence and authentic delivery to all audiences.

What You Will Learn

  • The essential components of executive presence
  • How to cultivate authenticity, purpose and "moments of impact"
  • Gain insights into the mindsets of exceptional communicators
  • Acquire confidence, poise and mental preparation skills
  • How to understand your audience and leverage your environment to convey an executive perspective effectively
  • How to have a persuasive presence and authentic delivery

How You Will Benefit

  • Defining your own personal leadership brand that sets you apart
  • Gain the invaluable skills to navigate difficult circumstances with grace and poise, while maintaining control and composure
  • Develop a confident and polished executive presence, leaving a lasting impression on both colleagues and clients
  • Enhance your improvisation skills in any professional scenario
  • Learn how to craft a compelling story to captivate and inspire your audience

Faculty Leaders

Photo: Eric Harris

Eric Harris

Founder, GatherRound

Eric started GatherRound after his experience in brand- and agency-side leadership roles exposed him to a frightening phenomenon: The pervasive reliance on presentation software for attempting to sell in ideas. Eric believes presentations deserve more respect, because the better we are at creating buy in, the more cool stuff we’ll get to do. So Eric and his team invented and now teach The Campfire Method. Since 2015, Eric has had the privilege of coaching enlightened teams – at organizations such as Activision, Texas Health Resources, and YUM! Brands – who know storytelling and leadership are synonyms.
Photo: Cindy James

Cindy James

Instructor

Cindy has more than 25 years of leadership experience managing teams of 20 employees up to several hundred employees in size. Her experience is focused primarily as a senior human resources leader with additional expertise in operations and business management. Cindy is currently the Senior Director of Talent Acquisition and Employee Development for Elbit Systems of America in Fort Worth Texas. Prior to her role at Elbit, she was the Vice President of Human Resources at the Options Clearing Corporation and was previously a Senior Vice President at AmeriCredit. Her depth of expertise in the human resources function includes talent acquisition, employee relations, HR systems, organization development, culture, business partnerships, training, and total rewards. She has developed a multitude of learning and development programs targeted at individual, team, and organizational development. Cindy is also a partner in her family’s agricultural business based in the Fort Worth area.

She holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and Master’s in Human Resources Management from Dallas Baptist University. From the same university, she is currently a PhD candidate in Leadership Studies, basing her research on the confidence of women leaders who work in male-dominated organizations. She is certified in 360o degree feedback from the Center for Creative Leadership, certified in Hogan Assessments, and is a certified coach from the International Coaching Federation.

Questions?

Please contact

Laurie YesleyLaurie Yesley

Director of Executive Program Development
l.yesley@tcu.edu
817-257-4682

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