Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Between 85 to 90% of an iceberg’s volume is under water, which means that what we can actually see is only one small part of a much bigger mass.
In the same way, Executive Presence (though vital for professional success), isn’t necessarily tangible or in plain sight. Yet, a lack of this quality either consciously or unconsciously affects how others perceive our performance, no matter how talented or deserving we are. As author Antoine de Saint-Exupery would say “what is essential is invisible to the eye”.
Women in leadership today already face a mountain of challenges. As they become more time poor and competition increases they are finding their technical knowledge, hard work and the drive that got them to where they are today is no longer enough.
Something else is needed to get them where they want to go tomorrow.
If you’re a woman in leadership, at some point in your career the discussion has likely alluded to your executive presence. In this discussion, there is a vague or ill-defined expectation of what you need to do to develop. You know you are being judged on your presence as well as your performance.
So how do you leverage this elusive quality to make an impact and drive outcomes?
The first step is understanding what executive presence is. In many organisations, executive presence is a mysterious ‘X-factor’ – it’s important, but how is it improved?
The Ascension Group is dedicated to supporting women to increase their level of executive presence. We make it clear and simple around the actions you can take looking at:
We have two pathways that are tailored to elevate your executive presence through our Discovery, Learn and Apply frameworks
Review Internal – exploring leadership traits and behaviours for professional growth (through 360 or proprietary diagnostic tools).
External – Identify and align consistent and appropriate messages to complement and empower your image, brand and style
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Working with Melissa has given me new perspective and allowed me to break patterns that were not self-serving. She is a great listener and genuinely cares but more importantly, she kept me firm in the hot seat; made me accountable for my actions and kept me focused at being the best version of myself. Melissa’s advice is always measured and considered but with a special blend of toughness at the right moment, which worked really well for me. If you are a woman, wanting to take your career to the next level, and would like an ally to support you through it, I would highly recommend Melissa.
Neela McGilton
Strategist, Leader, Connector, Non-Executive Director
Thank you Melissa for helping me stand out! My mum was an Accountant, my father was an Accountant and in a previous life, I was also an Accountant. Being trained in the art of frugality often meant I neglected my wardrobe from a personal style perspective. Melissa helped me to understand that style is just one facet of the overall personal brand we portray and that cost and style are not necessarily mutually exclusive when working with an expert like Melissa.
If you haven’t worked with Melissa I suggest you find an excuse to.
David Lewis
Business Consultant, Mentor and Trusted Advisor
“I’ve worked with Melissa for the last 18 months as I made the transition from senior manager to Executive. We spent time defining what the elusive ‘Executive Presence’ meant for me and which is so important for senior women to understand. Through a combination of redefining personal presentation and defining and staying true to my brand she made having a leadership presence so easy and effortless. It continues to feed my confidence at work as I grow as a leader. Thanks Melissa – you are a genius.”
Lara Douglas
Head of risk conduct ANZ
“I absolutely believe in leveraging your strengths and Melissa is outstanding as an executive presence coach. I engaged Melissa recently for a style ‘refresh’ as I undertake the transition to my next role. She takes the time to get to know you, your personality, your style and your aspirations. Her preparation is amazing and made the whole experience effortless for me. Looking and feeling great creates enormous confidence and Melissa’s support has been invaluable to me. It’s also loads of fun and an investment that will have a lasting impact. Thank you Melissa – you are one of a kind!”
Cindy Batchelor
Senior Executive
“The time I spent as a client of Melissa’s I found my self- confidence grow. She gave me the confidence to believe in myself that I can achieve my goals and I am to be valued. My manager recommended I work with Melissa and I found this time & experience to be invaluable. I continue to grow and draw on what I learnt from Melissa. I feel stronger and now know I deserve my position in the organisation and the results are showing.”
Sandy Deagan
Collins Street Branch Manager
“I appreciated the candid and helpful insights Melissa provided through the use of the presence assessment tool and the coaching sessions. I can already see the results that I am achieving by implementing the strategies Melissa has given me. Combined with the process of elevating my executive style, I have an inner and outer confidence that is aligned and complements who I am.”
Tania Orr
Director, KMPG
“Mel brings an amazing energy and focus to the essential task of helping senior professional women present themselves in the best possible way. For those of us that are time poor, and sick of poor styling decisions made on the spur of the moment, Mel’s calm and methodical approach helps all of us recapture our own personal style. Mel saves me time, money and helps me make better decisions, all in a way that makes it really easy to take my medicine. I cannot recommend her more highly!”
Anne
Senior Investment Banker & Non-Executive Director
“Having worked in large corporates for most of my career, I started my own legal practice last year to specialise in working with retailers. Melissa she worked with me to determine my personal brand and to ensure that my goals and visions for my legal practice were aligned with the image that was being conveyed through my presentation. I found Melissa’s service to be incredibly efficient and accurate. I have come away from this process feeling both personally and professionally inspired.”
Rosalyn Gladwin
Principal at Gladwin Legal
“Melissa Lewis has taken my executive presence to the next level, through a structured and evidence-based approach. The results are staggering. I’ve recently been appointed to my first Board, selected for a global program for elite business development professionals and am now working with amazing international clients. We also worked together on my executive style – the shopping is just a lovely side benefit and so much fun.”
Ceinwen McNeil
Managing Director at First Follower