Introduction

In today's dynamic professional landscape, it is no longer enough for women to merely excel in their roles; true career acceleration demands a cultivated leadership brand and the strategic development of thought leadership. This involves not only demonstrating competence but also consciously shaping how one is perceived, amplifying one's unique voice, and establishing oneself as a recognized authority and innovator within their industry. For women professionals, building a powerful personal brand and a compelling thought leadership platform is crucial for overcoming unconscious biases, expanding influence beyond their immediate roles, attracting strategic opportunities, and driving meaningful impact in their organizations and beyond. This essential training course focuses on Leadership Branding and Thought Leadership for Women Professionals, empowering them to stand out and lead with conviction.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip women professionals with the strategic tools and confidence to define, develop, and deploy their leadership brand and cultivate thought leadership. Over five days, participants will delve into the art of authentic self-presentation, mastering executive presence, and crafting impactful narratives that resonate with key stakeholders. We will explore techniques for leveraging digital platforms for visibility, positioning oneself as an industry expert, and influencing conversations that shape the future of their fields. By mastering the synergy between personal branding and thought leadership, women professionals will gain the competitive edge needed to articulate their value, inspire others, and accelerate their ascent into positions of greater influence and impact.

Target Audience

• Mid to Senior-Level Women Professionals
• Aspiring Women Leaders & Executives
• Women Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
• Consultants and Coaches
• Public Speakers & Presenters
• Women in STEM and other male-dominated fields
• Professionals seeking to elevate their influence and visibility
• HR and Talent Development Professionals supporting women's advancement

Course Objectives

• Define and articulate a clear, authentic personal leadership brand.
• Develop and project executive presence and confidence.
• Master effective communication and storytelling for impactful influence.
• Understand the principles and strategies for establishing thought leadership in their field.
• Leverage digital platforms and social media for professional visibility and branding.
• Cultivate a powerful network of strategic allies and mentors.
• Navigate organizational politics and unconscious biases with strategic acumen.
• Enhance negotiation and assertive communication skills for career advancement.
• Learn to manage reputation and feedback
• Develop a personalized action plan for sustained leadership branding and thought leadership.
• Foster resilience and self-advocacy in their professional journey.

Duration: 5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Defining Your Authentic Leadership Brand

• Understanding personal branding: beyond marketing, it's authenticity.
• Self-assessment: identifying core values, strengths, and unique value proposition.
• Crafting your personal mission and vision statement.
• Defining your brand narrative: what story do you want to tell?
• Identifying your target audience and key stakeholders.

Module 2: Cultivating Executive Presence & Gravitas

• Components of executive presence: poise, confidence, communication.
• Mastering verbal communication: voice modulation, articulation, impact.
• Non-verbal communication: body language, posture, and confident demeanor.
• Dress for success and professional image management.
• Projecting confidence in high-stakes situations (meetings, presentations).

Module 3: Strategic Communication & Influencing Skills

• Art of storytelling: connecting with your audience emotionally and intellectually.
• Persuasion and influence techniques: ethical approaches to gaining buy-in.
• Public speaking mastery: delivering impactful presentations and keynotes.
• Effective meeting participation: speaking up, contributing strategically.
• Adapting communication styles for diverse audiences and contexts.

Module 4: Foundations of Thought Leadership

• What is thought leadership?: distinguishing expertise from influence.
• Identifying your unique areas of expertise and passion.
• Developing a compelling point of view or distinct perspective.
• Research and content curation strategies for thought leadership.
• Case studies of influential women thought leaders.

Module 5: Content Creation & Dissemination for Impact

• Types of thought leadership content: articles, blogs, white papers, podcasts, videos.
• Strategies for consistent and high-quality content production.
• Optimizing content for different platforms and audiences.
• Leveraging LinkedIn and other professional networks for visibility.
• Measuring the impact and reach of your thought leadership content.

Module 6: Building Your Strategic Network & Alliances

• Importance of networking for women professionals.
• Strategies for building a diverse and supportive network.
• Identifying mentors, sponsors, and allies.
• Effective networking etiquette and follow-up.
• Navigating informal networks and organizational politics.

Module 7: Navigating Workplace Dynamics & Bias

• Understanding unconscious bias and its impact on women's careers.
• Strategies for confidently challenging bias and microaggressions.
• Building resilience and self-advocacy in challenging environments.
• Managing imposter syndrome and building self-belief.
• Setting boundaries and saying "no" strategically.

Module 8: Advanced Negotiation & Self-Advocacy

• Principles of effective negotiation for women professionals.
• Negotiating salary, promotions, and opportunities.
• Assertive communication vs. aggressive communication.
• Advocating for your ideas and contributions effectively.
• Developing a personal advocacy plan for career growth.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training