leverage the pres model to stay grounded in moments of stress, communicate with empathy and clarity, and inspire those around you— especially when times are tough.

Program Overview

“Wonderful dive into difficult topics - strengthened my understanding through the use of demos, examples, guidance, and expertise. Excellent!”

In the face of volatility, uncertainty, and constant change, today’s leaders must be both courageous and compassionate. Leadership in Challenging Times helps participants strengthen their emotional intelligence, communication, and leadership presence, enabling them to stay grounded in their values and lead with authenticity even under pressure.

In this program, participants will think through how to show up as a leader, how to be responsive to others, and how to adapt meetings and processes to the moment. Grounded in the IE PRES Model (Being Present, Reaching Out, Being Expressive, and Being Self-Knowing), this highly interactive experience blends theatre-based techniques, reflection, and practice to help participants:

  • Respond (rather than react) when under stress or facing crisis.

  • Build trust and connection by listening for strengths, values, and emotional connection.

  • Communicate with clarity, vulnerability, and purpose to inspire others.

  • Identify personal triggers (“hot buttons”) and align behavior with values to sustain wellbeing and trust.

Leaders will consider fundamental questions:

  • How can you get yourself & others present using the most resilient part of the brain when many are experiencing fear or grief?

  • How can you show up with authenticity and vulnerability?

  • How can you help people to feel appreciated, empowered and tethered to your mission?

  • How can you most effectively and authentically frame a difficult present and hopeful future for your staff?

This program serves as a community space for leaders to debrief their experiences, engage in dialogue and mutual support, and build their capacity to be stable, grounded, inspiring forces for change in challenging times. Participants leave with practical tools for self-regulation, authentic communication, and relationship-centered leadership that they can immediately apply to their schools, teams, and communities.

Core Objectives

“The material is very intentional and transferable to all school settings, but specific enough that it addresses current needs in my school environment.”
“This session could not have come at a better time for me as it was relevant to addressing the challenges I am facing as a school leader. The tools presented are very relevant, I’m taking these with me as I meet with my teachers.”
“This was powerful; didn’t know I needed it. It was right on time and provided relevant strategies that I can implement as I return to my building.”

  • Explore how to tap into the most resilient part of the brain to better manage feelings of anxiety, fear or grief. Shift your response in high stress moments in order to better support teachers, staff, and community stakeholders.

  • Practice listening to help staff feel appreciated and empowered. 

  • Practice communication strategies to deepen trust with staff.

  • Learn how showing up with authenticity + strategic vulnerability strengthens culture. Explore strategies for owning and managing your hot-button tendencies in a way that will strengthen your relationships with your team.

  • Build connections and mutual support with colleagues.

Program Components

  • Getting present in high stress situations (in 4 key steps)

  • Reaching out through active listening

  • Becoming more expressive with an inspiring message

  • Skill application discussion and practice

  • Coaching (from facilitator and peers)

  • Breakout sessions for small group conversation

  • Integrated opportunities for targeted reflection

“This program has something for everyone. It will hit you on every emotional level and give you inspiration and encouragement.”

This program can also be offered virtually. Our virtual programming is delivered through Zoom and includes: 

“The relevance of the content combined with the caring presence of my facilitator really helped me get into the session.”

  • An expert IE facilitator, trained for virtual program delivery 

  • A comprehensive slide deck developed for the virtual context 

  • Opportunities for whole group, small group, and 1-on-1 discussion 

  • Option for IE tech host to facilitate smooth implementation

“I always feel a form of imposter syndrome in my leadership roles. It’s helpful to have a community to engage in professional development with in a manner that is responsive to the stress and pressure we experience.”