In Partnership with Lange International
Strategies to command attention while connecting to your stakeholders
Are you showing up with confidence, control, and comfort? Do you project a strong presence that excites others to listen to you – both in person and in the virtual environment? The Executive presence course helps us to be compelling and engaging in our communications, driving action, and inspiring those around you.
Upcoming course dates
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 12:30-3:00pm PT
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 12:30-3:00pm PT
Benefits of attending this online course
- Practice creating powerful introductions that convey confidence and maintain control when leading meetings with senior leaders and teams
- Learn best practices and behaviors of the seven observables of executive presence
- Flex different communication styles to maintain interest with different audiences
- Learn strategies to augment your presence in the hybrid work environment
Course Overview
The executive presence workshop aims to help participants develop strong business communication and presentation skills which are directly aligned to strong executive presence. In this workshop you will learn ways to control physical delivery for dynamic presenting, and strategies to improve confidence, comfort, and control in any presentation environment. You will practice how to effectively start a meeting and tips on how to quickly read and adapt to an audience to maintain high engagement.
This course is offered on its own or as part of the Business Communication Certificate.
Registration and Fees
Registration deadline: March 25, 2026
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Registration deadline: October 14, 2026
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Program fee includes instruction and learning materials. Payment must be made by credit card or UW budget transfer prior to the program. Discounts are not applicable to UW Executive Education online classes. It is strongly encouraged that you register early as space is limited. See cancellation policies.
Course facilitator for April 1 session
Kirsten Smith is an Executive Coach, Consultant and Workshop Facilitator who works with leaders to expand their sphere of influence through a strong presence and powerful communication. She helps leaders develop their style and the courage to lead authentically.
Prior to joining Lange, Kirsten provided HR leadership to fast-paced, accelerated growth companies in wireless, high-tech and biotech. She later made the shift to working at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In each organization, she helped build HR capability and capacity, designed and implemented effective people strategies, shaped culture and coached leaders and their teams to achieve higher performance.
She is an optimist and works one on one to help leaders reframe and see the possibilities in the challenges they are facing day to day. She provides a balance of gentle nudging and straight talk for leaders to make the change needed to be more effective and make a positive impact. She believes there is a warrior in all of us and works with others to discover their true warrior way. Her clients include Microsoft, T-Mobile, Parametric, University of Washington, and local nonprofits.
Kirsten is a Hudson Institute and ICF Certified Coach and is certified in Strengthscope®, Strengths Deployment Inventory, DISC®, and EQ in Action. She is a fourth Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and Arnis who continues to teach and train today.
Course facilitator for October 20 session
Libby Weathers is recognized for empowering individuals to lead with confidence amid complexity and change. With over 15 years of experience as an executive coach, trainer, and facilitator, she collaborates with leaders, teams, and high-potential professionals to cultivate transformative leadership and self-mastery skills. Libby’s dynamic keynotes delve into vital topics such as communication, resilience, work-life integration, servant leadership, and beyond, captivating audiences with her insight and engaging presence.
Libby has facilitated leadership circles fostering growth and connection among influential leaders. During her tenure as a Senior Consultant with Potential Project, she partnered with Fortune 500 executives to elevate performance, communication, and creativity. She holds a BA in Contemplative Psychology and an MA in Organizational Behavior from Harvard University, ES, combining an understanding of human behavior with strategic organizational insights. A published writer, Libby has contributed to the Harvard Business Review’s “The Mind of the Leader” and penned a celebrated monthly column on the arts for 002 Magazine.
Partnership with Lange International
Lange International transforms leaders into great communicators. Their primary goal is to ensure each client is confident and prepared to make the most of every communication moment.
They help clients improve the WHAT and HOW of communication. From content creation and story development to executive presence and event coaching, they are experts in guiding leaders to connect and compel.
Since 2003, they have delivered communication workshops, leadership programs, executive coaching, and keynotes around the globe.