Difficult conversations are everywhere at work, from asking for a raise to negotiating the delegation of tasks, to advocating for new behaviors in the workplace. Learning the skills and confidence to lead these conversations is crucial for developing executive presence. In this workshop, students will learn how to prepare for and lead these difficult conversations, as well as how to manage strong emotions while maintaining a high level of communication.
Instructors
Brenda Jin is a software engineer and advocate for women’s empowerment and education. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she taught herself to code in 2013 and has since become one of the highest-ranking technical contributors at Slack. Brenda is passionate about sharing the professional, leadership, and communication tools to support women in their careers. As an organizer and teacher for Girl Develop It, Brenda has trained teachers and TAs to deliver inspiring and engaging newbie-friendly software development workshops since 2013. She is excited to bring her experience as a leader and educator to women advancing their careers and achieving professional success in industries beyond technology.
Nicolette Amarillas, founder of Expansive Voice, runs her own business as a holistic exercise and life coach where she guides clients one on one through movement, nutrition and mental wellbeing. Her success as a two time founder and dual business owner, and her passion to help women find their authentic voice in their professional lives, inspired her to co-create this series. Nicolette’s main goal is to share her experience as a businesswoman and leader, through this powerful workshop series, with women looking to thrive in their career.
What we'll cover
How to prepare for a difficult conversation
How to visualize a variety of outcomes for the conversation
Practice your conversation with supportive peers
What to bring
Bring a difficult conversation you’ve had in the past or are about to have, or choose from the following:
Asking for a raise or promotion
Negotiating new work conditions (remote work, different team, new hours)
Talking to your manager about a controversial workplace issue
The conversation should be one that you feel comfortable workshopping with peers
Something to write or take notes with
Business cards if you have them
Wear something you'll be comfortable in that you would wear to work on a normal day.
Schedule
6:30p - 7p Doors open and Welcome Activity
7p - 8:30p Workshop
8:30p - 9p Networking & Goodbye
*Downtown/Financial District San Francisco location to be announced soon.
*This workshop is for women.
Need help asking your employer to pay for this class? Use this template to ask.
DEVELOPING EXECUTIVE PRESENCE is a 4-part series
Posture for Powerful Presence Thursday, May 17th
Own Your Story & Claim Your Power Thursday, May 31st
Activate Success: Deconstructing Blockers to your Professional Vision Thursday, June 7th
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Confidence Thursday, June 14th