Mastering the Five R’s: A Roadmap to Executive Impact

For female executives aiming to make a lasting impression in the boardroom, on stage, or in the media spotlight, Susan Harrow’s offers the Five R’s framework. These steps—Relaxation, Role Play, Repeat, Realign, and Revel—are not just about improving performance but embodying a presence that exudes confidence, clarity, and authority.

Relaxation is the cornerstone of executive presence. Whether it’s deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or even physical shaking to release tension, being calm and centered is crucial to projecting composure. Harrow’s box breathing technique—inhaling, holding, and exhaling for six counts each—is a quick and effective way to reset before high-stakes moments.

Role Play prepares you for the unexpected. Harrow emphasizes the importance of simulating real-world challenges, such as handling tough questions or engaging with difficult personalities. For instance, female leaders facing gender bias in meetings can practice responding assertively to interruptions or dismissive comments, ensuring they maintain authority without escalating tension.

Repeat builds muscle memory. Rehearsing scenarios multiple times ensures that your responses become instinctive. This is particularly valuable for media interviews, keynote speeches, or high-pressure negotiations where there’s little room for error.

Realign involves reviewing and adjusting your approach. After every presentation or meeting, take stock of what worked, what didn’t, and how you can refine your delivery. This iterative process ensures continuous improvement.

Finally, Revel in your successes. Too often, women downplay their achievements. Harrow’s advice is to celebrate victories—no matter how small—to reinforce confidence and fuel future growth.

By integrating the Five R’s into daily practice, female executives can not only prepare for key moments but also cultivate a lasting presence that inspires trust and commands respect.

Crafting Stories That Stick: The Power of the Five S’s

In a world where attention spans are shrinking, storytelling remains a leader’s most powerful tool. Harrow’s “Five S’s” framework—Stories, Suggestions, Successes, Statistics, and Startling News—offers a blueprint for crafting messages that resonate.

1. Stories: Share personal or professional anecdotes that illustrate your values or leadership style. For instance, a story about overcoming a major business challenge can inspire your team and showcase your resilience. Remember, stories humanize leaders, making them more relatable and memorable.
2. Suggestions: Offer actionable advice. Female executives, in particular, can use this as an opportunity to position themselves as thought leaders by sharing unique insights or solutions to industry challenges.
3. Successes: Highlight achievements, but frame them through the lens of impact. For example, instead of saying, “I grew revenue by 20%,” say, “Our team’s efforts helped secure the company’s future, enabling us to create jobs and invest in innovation.” This approach avoids sounding self-congratulatory while reinforcing your leadership contributions.
4. Statistics: Data drives credibility. Use numbers to back up your claims, but ensure they are relevant and easy to digest. For example, “Women-led companies outperform by 63% in terms of ROI” is a powerful statistic that underscores the value of female leadership.
5. Startling News: Capture attention with surprising or counterintuitive insights. For example, sharing that “Only 10% of C-suite roles are held by women, yet women’s leadership correlates with higher profitability” can spark meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion.

By weaving the Five S’s into your communication strategy, you’ll not only engage your audience but also establish yourself as a leader who combines vision with substance. These storytelling principles, paired with the Five R’s, create a compelling toolkit for female executives seeking to amplify their voices and drive meaningful change in their organizations and beyond.

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