CS Leadership Presentations??

Farkhanda Stewart

Hi CS Leaders! I'm in interview processes with a few companies and they've asked (all 3 of them) for leadership presentations. Two are open-ended, one is about exec sponsorship. Are you guys and gals seeing this as a trend or have any tips on how to ace a leadership presentation during an interview cycle. Wishing you all well! 

Jeff Wayman

Are there any specifics on what they are asking to be delivered?

Personally, I've interviewed at the Director level, and never been asked to give a presentation on leadership. In fact it's so rare I'm asked about my approach to leadership, it tends to be a sign for me a culture won't fit for me. I tend to connect with companies that are in the early to mid-startup phase. Maybe that makes a difference.

Farkhanda Stewart

Thanks for your response Jeff! I think you pointed to an important fact. Two of the organizations are very well established - one has 600+ employees and the other has nearly 2000.  One is for a Director role and another is a VP role.

In terms of specifics - one has asked me about creating a presentation/discussion around exec sponsorship in the land and expand model. The other one was completely open-ended so I focused on areas I knew would resonate with the company and the stage they were at, as well as my 90 day plan. 

I'm curious if others have seen presentations pop up in interview cycles for larger organizations...

Warwick Brown

Hi Farkhanda - I've uploaded a presentation I created on Executive sponsorship that might help point you in the right direction.


Good  luck with the interviews!

Brian Hartley

Hey @Farkhanda Stewart I see this popping up the more senior level you get OR if the job requires a lot of presentations as part of the job (in my old role at a market research firm, presenting was part of the interview process even as a Project Manager)

Jay Nathan

@Warwick Brown you are the best! Thanks for sharing this with the community.

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Jay Nathan
Founder, Managing Partner | Customer Imperative
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2020 11:52
From: Warwick Brown
Subject: CS Leadership Presentations??

Hi Farkhanda - I've uploaded a presentation I created on Executive sponsorship that might help point you in the right direction.


Good  luck with the interviews!

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Warwick Brown
Account Manager Tips Ltd
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 15:24
From: Farkhanda Stewart
Subject: CS Leadership Presentations??

Thanks for your response Jeff! I think you pointed to an important fact. Two of the organizations are very well established - one has 600+ employees and the other has nearly 2000.  One is for a Director role and another is a VP role.

In terms of specifics - one has asked me about creating a presentation/discussion around exec sponsorship in the land and expand model. The other one was completely open-ended so I focused on areas I knew would resonate with the company and the stage they were at, as well as my 90 day plan. 

I'm curious if others have seen presentations pop up in interview cycles for larger organizations...




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Farkhanda Stewart

Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2020 06:39
From: Jeff Wayman
Subject: CS Leadership Presentations??

Are there any specifics on what they are asking to be delivered?

Personally, I've interviewed at the Director level, and never been asked to give a presentation on leadership. In fact it's so rare I'm asked about my approach to leadership, it tends to be a sign for me a culture won't fit for me. I tend to connect with companies that are in the early to mid-startup phase. Maybe that makes a difference.

------------------------------
Jeff Wayman

Original Message:
Sent: 07-28-2020 22:00
From: Farkhanda Stewart
Subject: CS Leadership Presentations??

Hi CS Leaders! I'm in interview processes with a few companies and they've asked (all 3 of them) for leadership presentations. Two are open-ended, one is about exec sponsorship. Are you guys and gals seeing this as a trend or have any tips on how to ace a leadership presentation during an interview cycle. Wishing you all well! 

Matt Myszkowski

I have to admit I see this frequently in EMEA, and needing to present on various aspects of leadership too.

I am unsure I have the magic answer to "acing" it though. 

I actually like it - the "provide a 90 day plan" is lazy recruiting for me. I think I touched on this in a post elsewhere recently - 90 days for me is about listening and learning only, very little else.

Farkhanda Stewart

Thanks Brian! Appreciate the input and the interview presentations I had this week and last week were certainly great learning opportunities and an opportunity to showcase my presentation skills (bc its definitely part of the role). Cheers!

Farkhanda Stewart

Thanks @Matt Myszkowski, appreciate the input. Based on the two I just completed, I think working in your own style within the parameters of the exercise was a win for me. I am sure they get a ton of content specifically addressing the question but maybe not being as fun/interactive. I made sure to make both sessions interactive, calling on the audience for input, with questions about their programs and views on specific recommendations I made.