Schulich Executive Presence

Develop clarity, adaptability, and presence in leadership.

The modern C-suite is growing, and so are its expectations. Between 2018 and 2023, Fortune 500 leadership teams expanded by 23%, with executive roles requiring 20% more skills*. This program helps participants build the clarity, adaptability, and presence needed to navigate these demands, enhancing how they think, communicate, and lead in complex environments.

Strengthen how you show up as a leader.

As executive roles continue to broaden across organizations in Canada, leaders are increasingly expected to demonstrate clarity, composure, and intentional communication in how they lead. In a national context shaped by economic uncertainty, organizational change, and heightened stakeholder expectations, executive presence is no longer viewed as a surface-level trait, but as a learnable capability that supports sound judgment and thoughtful engagement across professional settings.

Rethinking Confidence – The Courage to Learn

True confidence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being open to learning, growth, and getting it wrong sometimes. Challenge the myth of confidence and explores Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety, the power of productive failure (The Right Kind of Wrong), and how embracing a self-directed learning mindset leads to stronger, more adaptable leadership.

Accountable Leadership – Beyond Blame

Accountability isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about stepping up. Unpack the difference between blame and responsibility and explore how leaders empower others through ownership, systems thinking, and collaborative problem solving. Participants will practice tools for turning setbacks into forward momentum and fostering a culture of shared success.

The Competence Myth – Leading with Vulnerability and Candor

What makes someone truly competent? Flip the script on bravado, exploring how vulnerability, approachability, and humility foster trust and credibility. We’ll contrast the urge to be “the smartest in the room” with the power of being the most open and examine how kindness and candor can coexist to create an environment where others can thrive.

Leadership Presence – Communicate with Purpose

Presence isn’t just about being in the room—it’s about showing up in a way that makes others feel seen and heard. Dive into active listening, civil discourse, and how to engage others with intention. Participants will develop communication practices that foster trust, build rapport, and help them lead with clarity and empathy.

Adaptive Authenticity – Staying True While Staying Flexible

In a fast-changing world, authenticity isn’t about rigid consistency—it’s about staying rooted in your values while adapting to what’s needed. Explore the balance between preparation and spontaneity, confidence, and humility. We’ll redefine authenticity as a dynamic, value-driven practice that helps leaders respond, connect, and stay grounded under pressure.

Presence as a Leadership Response Presence is not polish or personality. It is the ability to sense what the moment needs and respond with intention, clarity, and care.

The Presence Shift — Read the Room, Regulate Yourself, Make the Move Under pressure, leaders can default to proving, pleasing, controlling, or over-performing. Participants learn how to read the room, manage their own reactions, and choose the leadership move that builds trust.

High-Stakes Conversations — Speaking with Courage and Credibility Presence matters most in difficult conversations. Participants practice how to give feedback, name tension, manage disagreement, ask for accountability, and stay credible when challenged.

Embodied Storytelling Leaders create meaning through story. Participants learn how to communicate strategy and change in a way that feels human, clear, and compelling.

Presence Across Executive Moments Executive presence is situational. Participants practice how to open a room, calm uncertainty, influence senior leaders, hold disagreement, and create alignment without dominating. The emotional culture you leave behind is everything.

Managers and mid-career leaders across various industries—such as managers, human resource leaders and performance coaches—will gain valuable communication and relationship-building skills, and develop the executive presence needed to reach more senior positions.

Build your self-esteem and enhance your presence as a leader in just 2 short days with this practical and interactive program.

Gain sought-after communication skills and make a lasting impression as a confident business leader.

Train with top-rated Schulich ExecEd instructors that are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Schulich ExecEd students gain the confidence, skills and perspective to attain better roles, launch new ventures, and lead their teams to new heights.