I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Bold Leader Speaker Series at Texas Woman’s University, hosted by the JNIWL Center for Student Leadership! This upcoming panel, “The Power of Persuasion in Achieving Professional and Organizational Goals,” will dive into one of the most valuable skills in any career—the ability to influence, negotiate, and communicate effectively.

Persuasion isn’t just about changing someone’s mind—it’s about understanding what drives people, crafting compelling narratives, and building trust. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how these skills can shape opportunities, elevate careers, and help organizations succeed. I wish I had been more intentional about developing them earlier, but that’s why I’m excited to share what I’ve learned along the way!

Event Details

📆 Thursday, February 27, 2025
⌚ Refreshments at 5:00 PM | Panel Discussion from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
📍 TWU Denton Campus – Old Main Building, 2nd Floor, Rm 257

This is a must-attend event for students and professionals looking to sharpen their communication skills, navigate negotiations, and develop a reputation as a strong, confident leader. The panel will feature industry experts and seasoned leaders sharing real-world insights, practical strategies, and the experiences that have shaped their careers.

My Recommended Resources for the Discussion

To help frame our conversation, I’m sharing some books, TED Talks, and learning resources that have been invaluable to me:

📚 Books:

• Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss (Read Chapter 5, pages 80–85, 94–95 in hardcover) – This book completely changed how I approach negotiations and professional conversations.
• The 48 Laws of Power – Law 5 (“So much depends on reputation – guard it with your life”) – A bit of a controversial recommendation. Some lessons in this book can feel manipulative, but reputation matters and is difficult to repair once damaged. Open to discussing different perspectives on this!

🎤 TED Talks:

• Julia Dhar – How to Disagree Productively and Find Common Ground – Essential for anyone who wants to persuade without conflict.
• Amy Cuddy – Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are – Small shifts in how you present yourself can make a huge impact on confidence and influence.
• Emily Jaenson – Six Behaviors to Increase Your Confidence – Practical takeaways to help build confidence and credibility.

🎓 Lessons/Classes:

• LinkedIn Learning: Delivering an Authentic Elevator Pitch – Your first impression matters, and this course helps you craft the perfect introduction.
• LinkedIn Learning: Communicating with Confidence – A great resource for learning how to express yourself effectively and persuasively.

I can’t wait to connect with the students at TWU, share experiences, and hear different perspectives on persuasion, reputation, and confidence. Whether you’re stepping into leadership, advancing in your career, or just want to strengthen how you communicate, this panel is for you.

Hope to see you there! 🚀