BUS 307 — Executive Presence in Action
Quarter: Fall
Instructor(s): JeanAnn Nichols, Tracy Wilk
Date(s): Sep 22—Oct 27
Class Recording Available: No
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Class Meeting Time: 6:30—8:20 pm (PT)
Tuition: $560
Refund Deadline: Sep 24
Unit(s): 1
Enrollment Limit: 50
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Fall
Day: Tuesdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6:30—8:20 pm (PT)
Date(s): Sep 22—Oct 27
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $560
Refund Deadline: Sep 24
Instructor(s): JeanAnn Nichols, Tracy Wilk
Enrollment Limit: 50
Recording Available: No
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
Executive presence isn't an innate trait—it is the ability to inspire confidence, command a room, and align people behind a vision, especially under pressure. It helps bridge the gap between doing great work and leading effectively within an organization. But leaders do not develop such presence simply by reading about it; it is built through practice, feedback, and repetition.
This philosophy shapes this course. Each session centers on real leadership scenarios. Students learn how to make a positive first impression and how to communicate clearly, confidently and with authority in front of groups and when facing distractions, pressure, and conflict. They aso learn how to recover with grace when things go awry. Through case studies, recorded exercises, live practice, and direct feedback from peers and instructors, students will strengthen how they communicate, adapt across audiences, and lead under pressure.
Designed for current and aspiring leaders, this course is for those who are ready to practice, reflect, and sharpen how they show up when it matters most.
This philosophy shapes this course. Each session centers on real leadership scenarios. Students learn how to make a positive first impression and how to communicate clearly, confidently and with authority in front of groups and when facing distractions, pressure, and conflict. They aso learn how to recover with grace when things go awry. Through case studies, recorded exercises, live practice, and direct feedback from peers and instructors, students will strengthen how they communicate, adapt across audiences, and lead under pressure.
Designed for current and aspiring leaders, this course is for those who are ready to practice, reflect, and sharpen how they show up when it matters most.
Completion of BUS 187: “Executive Presence: Essential Skills to Lead and Influence” or a similar course is recommended.
JEANANN NICHOLS
Executive Coach and Author
JeanAnn Nichols coaches senior leaders to thrive in rapidly changing global ecosystems. In the classroom, she inspires positive change through illustrative stories, relatable humor, and practical advice gleaned from years as a global vice president. Nichols received a BSc in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, an MBA from Santa Clara University, and a coaching certification from the International Coaching Federation. She is the co-author of Intentional Power: The 6 Essential Leadership Skills for Triple Bottom Line Impact. TRACY WILK
Executive Coach
Tracy Wilk works with leaders and teams to help them develop effective responses to challenging leadership and management situations. Earlier, he was the chief compliance officer and VP of payments and senior director of finance at Google for 13 years. Prior to Google, he held senior leadership roles at startups as well as established fintech companies, including Visa. He received an MBA from UC Berkeley. Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.