Harnessing Executive Presence In School Business Leadership

Executive presence is a term often used in business leadership, but what does it actually mean in a school or trust context, and why does it matter?  For leaders working across finance, operations and strategy, presence can shape how ideas are received, how contributions are valued, and how effectively influence travels across a room. 

In this practical and engaging session, Susan Heaton-Wright explores how executive presence translates into education leadership.  Drawing on her expertise in spoken communication, impact and credibility, she will look at how leaders can strengthen the way they come across in meetings, presentations and senior discussions, so their contribution carries weight and their leadership is felt. 

In this session we explore

• What executive presence means in practice, and how it applies in school and trust leadership 

• How presence and influence affect the way your ideas, decisions and expertise are received 

• Practical ways to strengthen credibility, visibility and impact in the room 

• • How to project confidence and authority without becoming performative or losing authenticity 

• • Techniques to help leaders contribute more effectively in high-stakes conversations and senior settings 

Take home points 

• A clearer understanding of executive presence in an education leadership context 

• Practical techniques to strengthen presence and impact 

• Ways to increase credibility and influence in senior discussions 

• Greater awareness of how communication affects leadership perception 

• Ideas to help your contribution land with more clarity and weight 

This session is for 

School business leaders, trust leaders, CFOs, COOs, operations and central team leads, and aspiring senior leaders who want to strengthen their impact, credibility and influence in professional settings.

Susan Heaton-Wright