Composure: The Art of Executive Presence

“Finally. A well-written and engaging book that provides honest and practical guidance to unlock what’s standing between you and your best self.” —MARY MCDOWELL, CEO, Mitel Networks “ COMPOSURE’s stories are so compelling and illustrative of similar experiences I’ve had as a female executive or have heard all too often from others. THIS IS ESSENTIAL READING. You have the power in you, and Kate helps you tap into it.” —SALLY THORTON, CEO, Forshay As boardrooms inch their way toward diversity, women and those in other underrepresented groups who break into executive, managerial and entrepreneurial ranks step into a spotlight that puts additional pressure on already demanding work and personal lives. Feeling the need to prove ourselves, this kind of pressure can zap our confidence, leading to perfectionism, self-judgment, a feeling of being overwhelmed, and burnout. While workplace pressures are real, much of the pressure we feel is self-imposed. A lack of confidence in our own abilities can make us feel like we have to work twice as hard, and even then don’t deserve the success we achieve. Within this unhealthy dynamic, even the most well-intended feedback can feel like judgmental criticism. When we feel anxious and doubtful, belief in ourselves disappears and we lose our composure. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The key is to find and maintain a powerful internal presence regardless of the external pressures brought on by work or home life. Like any important skill, composure is something you can learn and cultivate by creating strong personal boundaries, building confidence, developing self-awareness, and aligning yourself with your values. Using proven techniques, relatable case studies, and comprehensive exercises, this book shows you how to compose yourself to elevate your presence at work, home, and, ultimately, within yourself, no matter how hectic or overwhelming your life may feel. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as corporate executives, and executive coaches, and their expertise in neurolinguistics, trauma and PTSD therapy, Kate Purmal and her colleagues Lee Epting and Joshua Isaac Smith deliver a unique approach to navigating work environments that don’t feel psychologically safe.