Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development

Master leadership skills to inspire, empower and influence outcomes

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

April 23, 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4-6 hours per week

Course Fee

PROGRAM FEE

US$2,730

This program features 6 months of free Premium Access to Emeritus Insights—a mobile app with 5,000+ bite-sized, business-focused videos to help you meet your daily learning goals on the go.

Overview

The demands on today’s executive leadership have accelerated. This means that present and future leaders must display C-suite readiness, shape opinion, and mobilize teams to deliver to new standards. This program provides the necessary tools to develop executive presence into meaningful influence. It is a tool to craft an impactful presence through the strategic application of persuasive techniques, including personal growth, building a diverse network, and effectively communicating your vision.

15.4 times

the likelihood of employees to be high performers if they report to effective managers

Source: Gartner HR Survey, 2023

13 times

the rate at which companies with effective leadership outperform their competition

Source: Harvard Business Review

Key Takeaways

Leadership may come naturally to some, but it is imperative to develop skills and strategies to help leaders build a team capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly challenging environment. By the end of this program, you will be able to:

  • Enhance mindset and behaviors to expand presence as an impactful leader
  • Understand the critical principles of effective leadership
  • Analyze rhetorical strategy towards shaping the ability to advance agendas
  • Apply strategic consideration to networking opportunities as well as build and maintain authentic connections
  • Construct a personal leadership narrative to set actionable goals

Testimonials

Profile picture of Sreenivas Annavazzala

The best part about the program were the case studies, content and exercises — I was able to relate most to my actual work.

— Sreenivas Annavazzala, Senior Success Manager, Salesforce Inc.

Profile picture of Charlie House

The content and framing of the specific elements of influencing were terrific. The breakouts and getting to meet and learn from people who were in the same shoes I was were also tremendous.

— Charlie House, Manager , FP&A, Customer Satisfaction, AutoZone, Inc.

Profile picture of Claire Wood

The content provided by Professors Mike and Cade and hearing them speak was the best part of the program. They dispelled the notion of executive presence as some mythic quality, and they aptly identified the skills and traits required to build in order to master an executive presence.

— Claire Wood, CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Senior Manager, Benefits and People Operations, Indigo Ag

Profile picture of Russell Carey

Professor Massey and Useem's videos were excellent. The playbook and other assignments tied well into the material and helped me identify how it applied to my development.

— Russell Carey, Senior Communications Strategist, Southwest Power Pool

Profile picture of Anne Haines

I found the activities useful because they forced me to face hard truths and engage in personal reflection. I also enjoyed the networking opportunities, which were totally unexpected. I was shocked that we could build such great connections online in just six short weeks. The breakout sessions were key to this.

— Anne Haines, Consultant, Diamond Strategies

Profile picture of Sreerupa Sengupta

Each module’s content was relevant to the changing market conditions, leveraging social media and networking. The presentations by both professors were thoughtful, their ideas and examples were impactful to this style of learning (online), and the pace of the weekly action items was also good.

— Sreerupa Sengupta, Workforce Planning Leader, CGI

Program Modules

In this program, our world-class faculty will guide you through the journey of discovering your true leadership potential to realize your vision and goals as a C-suite member.

Module 1:

Introduction and Informal Influence

Understand how to leverage informal channels and tools available to push your agenda forward while successfully navigating the gap between expertise and impact.

Module 2:

Leading with Persuasive Communication

Identify vital principles for the exercise of leadership and use your presence and poise to amplify your narrative.

Module 3:

Strengthening Your Leadership Presence

Understand how to manage your interpersonal style to enhance impact while discovering actions to craft your leadership presence without micromanaging.

Module 4:

Cultivating Informal Networks

Identify strategies to build a professional network and adopt strategies to cultivate valuable relationships and leverage networks effectively.

Module 5:

A Framework for Persuasion

Recognize the underpinnings of successful persuasion, why they work, and how you can leverage these techniques in your communications.

Module 6:

Persuasively Communicating Your Vision and Strategy

Look at the big picture through nontraditional means to communicate your vision and strategy.

Module 1:

Introduction and Informal Influence

Understand how to leverage informal channels and tools available to push your agenda forward while successfully navigating the gap between expertise and impact.

Module 4:

Cultivating Informal Networks

Identify strategies to build a professional network and adopt strategies to cultivate valuable relationships and leverage networks effectively.

Module 2:

Leading with Persuasive Communication

Identify vital principles for the exercise of leadership and use your presence and poise to amplify your narrative.

Module 5:

A Framework for Persuasion

Recognize the underpinnings of successful persuasion, why they work, and how you can leverage these techniques in your communications.

Module 3:

Strengthening Your Leadership Presence

Understand how to manage your interpersonal style to enhance impact while discovering actions to craft your leadership presence without micromanaging.

Module 6:

Persuasively Communicating Your Vision and Strategy

Look at the big picture through nontraditional means to communicate your vision and strategy.

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Program Experience

Video lectures

Live webinars

Real-world examples

Assignments and case studies

Decorative image relating to Polls and Quizzes.

Polls and quizzes

Playbook activities

Peer review and discussion

Wharton’s Executive Presence and Influence in Action

With Wharton’s Executive Presence and Influence program, you will be ready to display your leadership skills in real time with real impact. During the program, you will receive relevant tools to create your leadership narrative through:

  • Informal influence — Recognize the factors influencing your ability to achieve meaningful impact
  • Communication of vision — Use your vision for your future self to strategize your success
  • Informal networks — Identify techniques to diversify your network strategically
  • Leadership narrative — Strengthen your leadership presence
  • Framework for persuasion — Understand the foundations of successful persuasion

Program Faculty

Faculty Member Michael Useem

Michael Useem

William and Jacalyn Egan Professor of Management; Director, Wharton Center for Leadership and Change Management

Michael Useem is professor of Management and faculty director of the Center for Leadership and Change Management and McNulty Leadership Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. His university teaching includes MBA and executive MBA courses on management and leadership. He offers... More info

Faculty Member Cade Massey

Cade Massey

Practice Professor, Operations, Information and Decisions, The Wharton School

Cade Massey is a practice professor in the Wharton School’s Operations, Information, and Decisions Department. He received his PhD from the University of Chicago and taught at Duke University and Yale University before moving to the University of Pennsylvania. Massey’s research focuses on judgment under... More info

Certificate

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the program, you will earn a digital certificate of completion from the Wharton School.

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Note: After successful completion of the online program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wharton School.

This online certificate program does not grant academic credit or a degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

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FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

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Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!

Flexible payment options available. Learn more.