Executive Strategic Presence & Systemic Storytelling Program (ESP)

A 4-Week Online Program for East African Leaders

This program is built for leaders who want to stop performing leadership and start embodying it. This program integrates systemic thinking with authentic presence, giving you the tools to understand your inner world and tell stories that truly inspire.

Executive Strategic Presence & Systemic Storytelling Program (ESP)

Lead with Authentic Presence. Tell Stories That Reveal the System.

True leadership presence is not a set of techniques—it is the authentic expression of a well-understood self. This program integrates the proven tools of the Decalogue Management Methodology™ with the timeless principles of executive presence and storytelling. You will learn to see yourself as a system, understand the mental models that shape how you show up, and craft narratives that inspire genuine alignment.

Why The Systemic Entrepreneur Program is Different

Traditional Executive Presence Programs	The GSE Systemic Approach
Focuses on techniques—body language, vocal tone, presentation skills	Reveals executive presence as a systemic phenomenon—understanding the underlying structure of your identity, mental models, and constraints
Teaches storytelling as a set of narrative structures	Teaches systemic storytelling—crafting narratives that reveal the interconnected reality of challenges and solutions
Treats nervousness as a problem to overcome	Sees nervousness as vital data—revealing the core conflicts and limiting mental models that constrain your authentic expression
Uses case studies from Western multinationals	Uses rich, relevant cases drawn from Kenyan and East African leaders across sectors

Duration: 4 Weeks | Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week | Format: Online, Mentor-Guided

"The program helped me to delve into the sort of operator I am and work toward getting people on board to achieve change in the workplace."

Jane Mwai,

Communications Manage ESP 2025 Pilot Participant

Who Will Benefit

This program is built for leaders who carry responsibility for shaping strategy and culture—and who understand that who they are is inseparable from how they lead.

Senior Executives & Functional Heads – Enhance your impact and foster a culture of empowerment within your teams.
Client-Facing Leaders & Consultants – Build and sustain long-term, meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.
CXOs, New CEOs, and Founders – Craft impactful narratives that engage internal and external stakeholders.
High-Potential Professionals – Stand out and accelerate your career by developing authentic leadership presence.
Entrepreneurs & Business Owners – Command attention with investors, partners, and customers by telling your venture’s story.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this program, you will be able to:

A. Systemic Self-Understanding

See yourself as a system—understanding the mental models, constraints, and conflicts that shape your presence. Use the Conflict Cloud to diagnose what blocks your authentic expression.

B. Authentic Executive Presence

Show up with confidence and congruence in any setting, from boardrooms to public forums. Learn to align your inner state with your outer expression.

C. Systemic Storytelling

Craft narratives that reveal cause-and-effect relationships, expose core conflicts, and invite others into shared understanding. The Future Reality Tree becomes a storyboard for your vision.

D. The Unrefusable Offer in Communication

Frame your messages so that others experience them as solutions to their own conflicts. Move beyond persuasion to genuine alignment.

E. Deep Listening & Feedback Integration

Hear what others are truly saying—including what they cannot articulate. Receive feedback as vital data about your system, not as personal judgment.

F. Thought Leadership & Public Presence

Build a public presence that reflects your systemic understanding. Develop a plan for speaking, writing, and engaging that serves your community and builds your legacy.

Break

through

here.

You don't need to become someone else to command the room. You need to become fully yourself, and to understand the system that is you.

Upcoming Cohorts

Start Date	Apply By	Price	Duration	Format
May 12, 2026	May 4, 2026	$[Fee]	4 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week	Online, Mentor-Guided
July 14, 2026	July 6, 2026	$[Fee]	4 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week	Online, Mentor-Guided
September 15, 2026	September 7, 2026	$[Fee]	4 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week	Online, Mentor-Guided
November 10, 2026	November 2, 2026	$[Fee]	4 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week	Online, Mentor-Guided

Limited scholarships available based on merit, organizational impact, or economic hardship. [Learn More]

Application Requirements

Start Date	Apply By	Price	Duration	Format
May 12, 2026	April 28, 2026	$410	4 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week	Online, Mentor-Guided
July 14, 2026	June 30, 2026	$410	4 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week	Online, Mentor-Guided
September 8, 2026	August 25, 2026	$410	4 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week	Online, Mentor-Guided
November 10, 2026	October 27, 2026	$410	4 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week	Online, Mentor-Guided

Limited scholarships available. [Learn More]

What You'll Earn

Certificate in Executive Strategic Presence & Systemic Storytelling

A credential from the Graduate School of Entrepreneurs at CIRMI Innovation School, recognizing your ability to lead with authentic presence and communicate with systemic depth.

A complete Leadership Presence Portfolio ready to guide your ongoing development
A portfolio of tools and frameworks (Conflict Cloud, Future Reality Tree, Unrefusable Offer)
A personal leadership identity diagnosis and development areas
A network of peers facing similar challenges across East Africa
Alumni access to the Decalogue Network—a global community of systemic leaders

Break

through

here.

You don't need to wait for the perfect title to lead with presence. You can start discovering your authentic voice now, with systemic tools, visionary mentors, and a community that sees the real you.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. What is the weekly time commitment for this 4-week program?

The program requires 2-4 hours per week. This includes engaging with short, focused video lectures, analyzing case studies, participating in weekly live mentor huddles, and completing your weekly deliverables. The format is designed to fit into the demanding schedule of a busy professional.

B. How is this different from other "executive presence" courses?

This is not a conventional communications course. It uniquely integrates the Decalogue Management Methodology™, teaching you to see yourself as a system. You won't just learn techniques; you will diagnose the inner constraints and mental models that block your authentic presence, and learn to craft systemic stories that reveal truth and inspire genuine alignment.

C. Is this program for me if I'm not yet in a senior leadership role?

Absolutely. The program is designed for leaders at all levels who carry responsibility for shaping strategy, culture, or teams—whether you're a new manager, a high-potential professional, a functional head, or a seasoned executive. The skills of self-understanding and authentic communication are foundational for anyone looking to increase their influence and impact.

D. What is the "Systemic Storytelling" in the course title?

Systemic storytelling moves beyond anecdotes and persuasion. It is the craft of building narratives that reveal the cause-and-effect relationships and core conflicts within a challenge. Using tools like the Future Reality Tree, you'll learn to tell stories that help others see the big picture, understand the need for change, and genuinely align with a path forward.

E. Will I have interaction with the faculty and mentors?

Yes. A cornerstone of the GSE experience is accessibility. You will participate in live weekly mentor huddles with experienced practitioners in small groups. Our faculty, listed on the page, are not distant experts but practitioners who engage directly with your questions and challenges.

F. What is the tangible outcome of the program?

You will complete the program with a comprehensive Leadership Presence Portfolio. This includes your

+ Leadership Identity Diagnosis,
+ a Systemic Story draft for a real-world situation,
+ a Presence Reflection,
+ a Thought Leadership Plan, and
+ a Personal Legacy Statement.

You'll leave with a clear, actionable roadmap for your ongoing leadership development.

G. Do I need a specific business idea or challenge to join?

You should come with a genuine intention to explore your own leadership. The program is most powerful when you apply the tools to real situations—a presentation you're nervous about, a team you need to inspire, a public presence you want to build, or an inner conflict you sense is holding you back. Your personal leadership journey is the "case study."

Program Enquiry

Graduate School for Entrepreneur’s short courses cater to:

Independent leaders who wish to upskill and grow their network.

Organisations looking to expand or deepen the capabilities of their team.

Organisations who would like to co-design custom learning experiences.

If you have any questions about our short course portfolio or would like to arrange a volume booking, please fill out the form below with details of your enquiry and our team will respond to your request within three business days.

Made, Not Born

Africa’s first school of Systemic Management.

Senior Management

Leadership Development

Strategy & Transformation

Emerging Leaders

Executive Strategic Presence & Systemic Storytelling Program (ESP)

A 4-Week Online Program for East African Leaders

Executive Strategic Presence & Systemic Storytelling Program (ESP)

Lead with Authentic Presence. Tell Stories That Reveal the System.

Why The Systemic Entrepreneur Program is Different

Who Will Benefit

Key Takeaways

See yourself as a system—understanding the mental models, constraints, and conflicts that shape your presence. Use the Conflict Cloud to diagnose what blocks your authentic expression.

Show up with confidence and congruence in any setting, from boardrooms to public forums. Learn to align your inner state with your outer expression.

Craft narratives that reveal cause-and-effect relationships, expose core conflicts, and invite others into shared understanding. The Future Reality Tree becomes a storyboard for your vision.

Frame your messages so that others experience them as solutions to their own conflicts. Move beyond persuasion to genuine alignment.

Hear what others are truly saying—including what they cannot articulate. Receive feedback as vital data about your system, not as personal judgment.

Build a public presence that reflects your systemic understanding. Develop a plan for speaking, writing, and engaging that serves your community and builds your legacy.

Break

through

here.

You don't need to become someone else to command the room. You need to become fully yourself, and to understand the system that is you.

Upcoming Cohorts

Application Requirements

What You'll Earn

Certificate in Executive Strategic Presence & Systemic Storytelling

Break

through

here.

You don't need to wait for the perfect title to lead with presence. You can start discovering your authentic voice now, with systemic tools, visionary mentors, and a community that sees the real you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The program requires 2-4 hours per week. This includes engaging with short, focused video lectures, analyzing case studies, participating in weekly live mentor huddles, and completing your weekly deliverables. The format is designed to fit into the demanding schedule of a busy professional.

Yes. A cornerstone of the GSE experience is accessibility. You will participate in live weekly mentor huddles with experienced practitioners in small groups. Our faculty, listed on the page, are not distant experts but practitioners who engage directly with your questions and challenges.

Program Enquiry

Graduate School for Entrepreneur’s short courses cater to:

Independent leaders who wish to upskill and grow their network.

Organisations looking to expand or deepen the capabilities of their team.

Organisations who would like to co-design custom learning experiences.

If you have any questions about our short course portfolio or would like to arrange a volume booking, please fill out the form below with details of your enquiry and our team will respond to your request within three business days.

Made, Not Born

Enroll Now!