WHY EXECUTIVE PRESENCE
Whether you’re a professional woman seeking next-level promotion, greater financial rewards and/or deserved influence, our programs are for you.
To be a true leader, you need to take ownership of specific qualities, which enable you to engage, inspire and motivate others to act.
While many women understand that Executive Presence is critical, they get stuck on the ‘how’ and fail to reach their full potential.
Our data and insights are for you if:
- Your hard work is being overlooked because you’re sending out conflicting messages, either verbally or non-verbally.
- You default to the smaller game of ‘blending in’ at meetings, despite knowing you’re capable of value adding.
- Your emotions derail decision-making and responses, especially during a crisis.
- You struggle to open doors, put your hand up for roles, negotiate better pay, and generally, to have those difficult conversations.
- You’re not power dressing to convey: ‘I’m a woman who means business’.
Sylvia Ann Hewlett
MEET MELISSA LEWIS FOUNDER,
THE ASCENSION GROUP
Melissa Lewis, the founder of The Ascension Group, is Australia’s leading expert on ‘the power of a woman’s presence’. Her fascination began as a little girl when she spent many hours in her grandfather’s couture boutique learning exactly how style and personal image can elevate a woman’s confidence. Today, Melissa has continued that legacy of empowerment by enabling talented women to step into leadership roles by cultivating their Executive Presence.
Working with Melissa has been inspirational, she is so engaging, professional, encouraging and is your biggest supporter! I respect that Melissa also tells it how it is, there is no “fluff”! Melissa has helped me to recognise through the Bates 360 Tool how I was being perceived and my opportunities to further develop my presence and ability to have influence with my team and clients. This was both confronting and so rewarding. I look forward to continuing to work with Melissa to grow and develop, both professionally and personally!
KATIE DEEKER – MANAGER / SERVCORP
THE SECRET IS OUT: AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR EXECUTIVE PRESENCE IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FINANCIAL SUCCESS.
Are you an aspiring or already successful female leader who’s ready to take things to the next level?
1
TAKE CONTROL
Be authentically you while taking control of your action, appearance, voice and image. Impressions are based on people’s physical and emotional connection with you. They set the terms of all interactions.
2
UNDERSTAND
Uncover the values that drive your leadership wisdom. By understanding what ignites and excites you in your career and life, you’ll be guided to make the right choices.
3
LEARN
Learn to have a calm, self-possessed mind during challenges. Having confidence means you’ll be remembered for your ability, not your emotional state. You will be able to make bold decisions and act decisively.
4
INFLUENCE
Earn the trust of others by the way you carry yourself professionally. Explore the quality of your conversations with others, and the impact it’s having on your relationships.
5
MASTER
Master the art of articulating your own brand – your skills, talents, experience and credibility you have built over the years.
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