From Senior to C-Suite
Powering Women into the Boardroom
Leadership at a Crossroads
The qualities typically identified as 'female' (empathy, EQ, collaboration, inclusiveness, listening, nurturing, the ability to see round emotional corners …) are now seen as essential to effective leadership - regardless of gender.
But they are still too easily bullied out of the boardroom.
Many senior women walk away from the microaggressions and brokenness of unsupportive ‘boys’ club’ cultures to set up their own (often highly successful) businesses, where they can create an environment that suits them.
And the women who do persevere and make it to the C-suite? They can compromise who they are in the process, for example adopting an aggressive persona as a way of protecting and promoting themselves. They can be labelled ‘men in skirts’ - and lose the very qualities that are so badly needed at the top of organisations.
Marguerite Brosnan, on being appointed CEO AXA Insurance Ireland
“You have inspired me to believe in myself and my inherent capability. You provoked me in the best possible way through your insightful coaching and ultimately enabled me to achieve great success … by unlocking the authentic me! I am eternally grateful to you … and I reflect regularly on the tools you have provided me with.”
Imposer Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome: "I shouldn't be here - but I am."
Imposer Syndrome: "I should be there - but I'm not."
“In my long experience, senior women who want to take that final step up into the C-suite can be held back by what I describe as ‘imposer syndrome’ - me included! (This is distinctly different from imposter syndrome: “I shouldn’t really be here - but I am”).
These women have no doubt they’re good enough, want the job, know they’ll do it brilliantly … but something holds them back: "I should really be there - but I'm not."
They have a reluctance - sometimes a fear - of imposing themselves, of putting themseleves forward and pushing for something they really want: “That's absolutely my place … I just don’t know how to take the step; I don't want to have to pretend to be something I'm not; or I just can't face all the (often toxic) behaviours and attitudes that stand in my way.”
Julia Goodman, CEO and Founder You Brand Coach
Bridging the Perception Gap
The Perception Gap is the gap between how we see ourselves and how others experience us.
It undermines our control of the impact we make, and leaves us open to mis-interpretation. It produces unexpected reactions and thwarts our expectations. We're all victims to it - until we're not.
If left unbridged, the Perception Gap can confuse us, undermine our confidence in who we are, weaken us or close us down.
And it confronts us with a career limiting dilemma:
"How can I show up as myself and cut through, care personally yet challenge directly*, overcome all the obstacles in my way while staying true to who I am? Risk rejection and not being liked. Be myself more - with skill?"
You Brand Coaching helps women develop the self-awareness and communication ability to bridge the Gap. Within themselves, and between them and the boardroom.
The You Brand technical and emotional toolkit will embed in you the confidence, robustness and resilience that come from knowing you are showing up as you intend. With all the courage that takes. And with all your care, empathy, insight and unique way of seeing things very much intact.
So that when you walk into the room, people see and feel the power and impact you bring - and know that you belong there.
* Radical Candour - Kim Scott
Alex Hess: how I became President at Cinven
Some of the key lessons I took from the Programme ...
Perception The psychological impact of how you come across. How this impacts the listener. One-on-one, in front of a large audience, around a board meeting.
Negotiation and confidence Emotional negotiation: if you have the tools to ensure you are being understood, it’s hugely impactful. It boosts your self-confidence. And it feeds on itself.
Engagement Just how engaged you have to be to get you and your message across: I was shattered!
Listening The importance of listening: respond don’t react. Knowing where your audience is.
Elisabeth Sullivan, Board Member, Efficio
“You Brand helped me to reframe my internal monologue on my career motivations, which has given me the ability to speak passionately and authentically about who I am and what I add.“
Kerry Dryburgh, Global Head of HR, BP
“The You Brand experience changed my life. It helped me to connect with who I am and to be proud of showing my own vulnerability and authenticity. You Brand is a must for anyone who wants to communicate more of themselves, with passion.”
Jules Chappell OBE: You Brand transformed my profile
I've learned that looking and sounding normal doesn't feel normal! At least not to start with. It's a skill you learn.
I now have the tools to analyse and be much more deliberate about how I come across.
I can strategise the impact I want to make, and use performance techniques to build my gravitas and assert my presence.
The Senior to C-Suite Programme ...
... is taken in-person one-to-one, and typically lasts 4 days over 2 - 3 months. It is immersive, experiential, challenging, liberating - and fun!
Four days to change your life
Is it right for you? Why not book a call to find out?
Email: enquiries@personalpresentation.com
