In this immersive executive development experience, leaders gain the awareness, feedback, and tools to strengthen character, substance, and style of presence — enabling them to communicate more powerfully, build trust, inspire followership, and enhance leadership impact.
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Format: In-person
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Dates: June 3–5, 2026
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Duration: 3 days (22 hours)
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Location: Tampa -TBD
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Tuition: $3295
Executive presence is not just about charisma — it is the ability to project confidence, credibility, composure, and authentic leadership that others trust. Today’s leaders must navigate ambiguity, lead change, influence diverse stakeholders, and inspire performance. Without a strong executive presence, even talented leaders struggle to mobilize people and advance their strategy.
This program is built around the Bates Executive Presence Index (ExPI) — a research-based, multi-rater leadership presence assessment that evaluates 15 dimensions across Character, Substance, and Style. Participants receive a comprehensive personal report, professional debrief, and structured guidance to translate insight into actionable leadership growth.
Across three days of facilitated learning, discussion, practice, and reflection, participants learn how others perceive their leadership, how presence affects credibility and influence, and how to elevate their leadership in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Key Takeaways
Participants will learn to:
- Understand executive presence through a proven leadership framework
- Interpret results of a personalized Bates ExPI assessment
- Strengthen credibility, authenticity, trust, and internal confidence
- Communicate with clarity, composure, and purpose
- Build stronger influence and followership
- Create a leadership development plan to sustain growth
Who Should Attend
This program is designed for:
Roles:
Senior leaders • Directors • Executives • High-potential leaders preparing for broader
responsibility
Ideal for leaders who:
- Need to strengthen presence and credibility
- Lead transformational initiatives or enterprise-level responsibilities
- Want greater influence and communication impact
- Are stepping into higher visibility leadership roles
Curriculum & Program Experience
Pre-Program
- Bates ExPI multi-rater assessment completed
In-Program Experience (3 Days)
- Executive Presence model learning
- Interpretation of ExPI report
- Leadership presence practice
- Coaching conversations
- Peer learning and feedback
- Applied leadership exercises
Post-Program
- Optional follow-up executive coaching
- Continued leadership development alignment
Faculty
David Howard, PhD - Program Director
David Howard, PhD is Academic Director of the USF Center for Executive and Leadership Education, Program Director for the DBA program, and Associate Professor of Instruction at the Muma College of Business. With a background in leadership development, organizational culture, and executive coaching, he consults with organizations and teaches both undergraduate and doctoral courses.Benefits for Organizations
Participants return able to:
- Lead with stronger confidence and composure
- Inspire trust and followership
- Communicate with greater clarity and impact
- Strengthen culture and leadership credibility
This program helps organizations build mature, capable leaders who motivate performance and represent the organization with confidence.
Program Format
This program is delivered in an immersive, interactive format designed to maximize engagement and peer learning. A detailed agenda will be shared with registered participants in advance.
Certificate & Pathways
Participants will receive a USF Executive Education Certificate of Completion.
Logistics
Detailed program information, including the agenda, parking instructions, and recommended hotel accommodations, will be provided to registered participants prior to the program start date.
All cancellation and substitution requests must be submitted in writing.
Cancellations
Cancellations received 14 days or more prior to the program start date will receive a full refund, minus a $250 administrative fee. Cancellations received within 14 days of the program start date are non-refundable.
Substitutions
Substitutions may be made at any time prior to the program start date at no additional cost. If pre-program assessments have already been completed, associated assessment fees are non-refundable.
Program Changes
The University of South Florida reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a program. In the event of cancellation by the University, registered participants will receive a full refund.
Group Pricing & Custom Options
Discount Eligibility
USF alumni and active-duty military members and veterans are eligible for a 10% discount on all open-enrollment programs.
Please enter the appropriate discount code at checkout. Discounts are offered in good faith. Proof of eligibility may be requested prior to program start.
Discounts cannot be combined with other promotional offers.
USF Alumni
USF alumni receive 10% off open-enrollment programs with code USFALUMNI10.
Military & Veterans
Active-duty military members and veterans receive 10% off open-enrollment programs with code MILITARY10.