Written by Sunitha Kalappa
In the forefront of championing gender diversity and promoting leadership among women in the environmental and sustainability sectors, Women in Cleantech and Sustainability (WCS) hosted a transformative event titled “Own the Room. Mastering Executive Presence” on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024. With a diverse agenda featuring corporate sponsor intros, a workshop with LeeAnn Mallorie, and breakout sessions, the occasion brought together powerful individuals eager to enhance their executive presence.
Unlocking the Power of Executive Presence
Executive presence, often regarded as the amalgam of gravitas, communication, and appearance, is not merely about making a robust first impression but also about sustaining respect, influence, and authority. In the cleantech industry, where innovation meets purpose, the role of women equipped with an indomitable executive presence is monumental. The workshop focused on equipping women with tools and skills to overcome challenges in establishing their presence in the executive leadership hierarchy. Embracing a hands-on and interactive approach, the workshop engaged participants in discussions and activities to deepen understanding and practice new skills.
Networking: Building Foundations of Success
At the core of WCS’s event was the facilitation of networking opportunities. It emphasized connecting passionate individuals dedicated to cleantech and sustainability, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and mutual support. Introducing powerhouses like LeeAnn Mallorie, CEO of Guts and Grace, and Sydney Miller from WCS Corporate Sponsor – First Solar, the event was moderated by Pamela C Sammarco, co-chair of WCS Career Development Committee. The event not only adorned its agenda with insightful speakers but also accentuated the potency of feminine wisdom in steering clean technology ventures.
Industry Spotlight: First Solar’s Trailblazing Endeavors
Sydney illustrated how First Solar is intertwining sustainability achievements with strategies to empower women. Through its Glow program, First Solar exemplifies how gender diversity and empowerment are critical to fostering a community-oriented impact. First Solar showcased its commitment to sustainability, demonstrating global shipping, recycling rates, and an impressive representation of women in management.
The Art of Self-Expression and Self-Connection
A vivid narrative on the importance of self-expression and connection in nurturing leadership was laid out through a compelling personal story by LeeAnn. It became evident through her journey that embracing one’s uniqueness, inner work, and confidence is pivotal. Moreover, the emphasis on self-connection as a cornerstone for embodying leadership, breaking unconscious biases, and fostering an authentic presence was compelling. It presented a holistic approach toward understanding leadership beyond technical prowess.
“Remember that your voice matters, your presence matters, and your contributions matter. Never doubt the value that you bring to the table, and never shrink yourself to fit into someone else’s idea of who you should be,” Pamela Sammarco.
“From my personal career success, starting as a young woman leader over 35 years ago in my corporate training career, my words of wisdom for you: ‘It never occurred to me that I couldn’t accomplish whatever I set my mind to.’ I define courageous leadership as ‘feeling the fear and doing it anyway.’ Your journey will be filled with authenticity, vulnerability, and connection to your physical, emotional, and mental presence,” Pamela Sammarco.
The concept of the Leadership Cliff, where senior levels of leadership tend to level off in organizations, underscored the significance of embodiment in leadership development for women. Moving beyond bias and technical skills, the emphasis was on embodying leadership qualities. Highlighting the importance of coherence in self-expression and inner confidence, a case study showcased the impact of embodied presence on leadership potential. Real-life case studies, highlighting women’s journey to self-connection, promotions, and leadership, emphasized the transformative power of enhanced executive presence.
Embodied Practice: A Path to Enlightened Leadership
Understanding that executive presence transcends verbal communication was a key takeaway. The 4 keys to fully embodied feminine leadership – Embody, Activate, Empower, and Inspire proved to be insightful. LeeAnn advocated for centering practices and body language coherence, spotlighting the significant role non-verbal cues play in leadership. Such embodied practices refined the participants’ ability to project confidence, ensuring that message alignment and intention are harmoniously expressed, thus reinforcing one’s leadership stature.
“You are capable of greatness beyond measure. You have the talent, the drive, and the determination to reach the pinnacle of success in your career and beyond. But it’s not just about reaching the top; it’s about lifting others as you climb. It’s about paving the way for the women who will come after you and creating a legacy of empowerment that will resonate for generations to come,” Pamela Sammarco.
Communication Mastery: Direct Assessment
Clear and direct assessment was acknowledged as a powerful tool to move conversations forward without being pushy. The importance of practicing assessment in real-life situations, projects, or meetings was highlighted. Considering the real content of the conversation, its format (one-on-one or group), and identifying the essence of what needs to be communicated were highlighted as crucial steps in preparing for important conversations. Advocating for oneself while emphasizing organizational impact, and balancing personal advocacy with a broader company perspective, was identified as a key strategy for effective communication. The exercise concluded with practicing direct assessment principles – Assessment, Grounding, Impact, and Recommendation, through effective breakout sessions.
Mastering executive presence is a continuous journey for women in the executive hierarchy. The workshop provided valuable insights, practical tools, and real-life examples to empower women to command attention, respect, and success in their professional journeys. As the participants left the event, they carried with them not only enhanced skills but also a renewed sense of confidence and determination to make a lasting impact in their respective fields.
“In today’s competitive business landscape, executive presence plays a pivotal role in determining one’s success. It’s more than just about how we look or speak; it’s about projecting confidence, credibility, and authenticity in every interaction. Research has shown that individuals with strong executive presence are more likely to be perceived as leaders, advance in their careers, and make a lasting impact,” Pamela Sammarco.
Yet again, this successful event by Women in Cleantech and Sustainability served not just as a quarterly convergence but as a continual movement aiming to reshape the narrative around women’s leadership in cleantech, emphasizing that their influence is both vital and transformative.
“It was a pleasure as always, to collaborate with WCS on this first event for 2024. Executive presence is such a hot topic – and not the easiest one to address. There’s no place I’d rather have been on the morning of International Women’s Day than with the women of this dedicated and heartfelt organization,” – LeeAnn Mallorie
