Executive Presence, Influence, and Storytelling

While technical expertise lays the foundation for a successful career, rising to the top requires more. Skills like executive presence, influence, business communication, self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal branding are critical for success in senior roles.

The IIM Kozhikode Executive Presence, Influence, and Storytelling Programme focuses on helping you cultivate a presence that resonates in every interaction, whether you’re leading teams, presenting to senior executives, or navigating complex challenges. By refining your ability to influence, you'll be equipped to steer conversations, drive decisions, and make a meaningful impact within your organisation.

This programme is for mid-to-senior professionals ready to elevate their influence and drive transformative change within their organisations.

• Senior Executives and Functional Heads: Ideal for aspiring CXOs who want to enhance their impact and foster a culture of empowerment within their teams through the skill of strategic storytelling and persuasion techniques.

• Client-Facing Roles & Consultants: Perfect for executives in client-facing roles who aim to build and sustain long-term, meaningful relationships with key external stakeholders, make the right strategic decisions, and influence key decision-makers.

• CXOs, New CEOs, and Founders: For professionals aiming to craft impactful narratives and use modern storytelling to authentically engage internal and external stakeholders and drive organisational success.

With IIM Kozhikode’s Executive Presence and Influence programme, you will be ready to display yourself the way you want to be seen in real time with real impact. During the program, you will receive relevant tools to create your leadership narrative through:

• Informal influence — Recognise the factors influencing your ability to achieve meaningful impact

• Communication of vision — Use your vision for your future self to strategize your success

• Informal networks — Identify techniques to diversify your network strategically

• Focus on narrative building — Learn to weave the right narratives for success

• Framework for persuasion — Understand the foundations of successful persuasion

The Executive Presence, Influence, and Storytelling Programme from IIM Kozhikode is described by participants as a transformative, practical learning experience designed for professionals in leadership, management, or client-facing roles. Learners highlight that the programme helps them communicate with more clarity, authenticity, and confidence, supported by structured communication frameworks and real-world application. Many participants note that the peer learning environment and the guidance from faculty, particularly Prof. Deepa Sethi, contribute significantly to improving storytelling, influencing skills, and personal leadership presence. Several learners report applying these skills directly in their work, improving interactions with teams and stakeholders, and in some cases, even transitioning into new roles or launching independent coaching/training initiatives. Participants commonly mention:

• Stronger executive presence and more confident communication

• Ability to structure ideas and arguments clearly

• Improved storytelling for leadership and stakeholder influence

• Insights into how to build meaningful professional networks

• A supportive peer cohort with collaborative learning

• Practical frameworks that can be used immediately at work Overall, the programme is viewed as highly impactful for professionals aiming to strengthen leadership communication, storytelling, and influence in a structured, practical format.

• Develop a strong executive presence that commands respect and attention

• Build credibility and trust with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients

• Influence and persuade others through effective communication strategies

• Master the art of storytelling to engage audiences and drive change

• Tailor communications to different audiences and situations

• Enhance personal branding and reputation