TOPIC
From Expert to Executive: Shifting Your Leadership Altitude
This session explores how leaders move from being the go-to subject matter expert to operating as an enterprise-level, strategic decision-maker. We'll unpack the mindset, language, and behaviors that differentiate tactical problem-solving from executive influence, including how to frame issues in terms of risk, tradeoffs, and outcomes. You will practice elevating their “leadership altitude” by translating detailed operational realities into concise, strategic narratives that resonate with executives, boards, and cross-functional partners. You'll leave with practical tools to reposition themselves as trusted, future-focused business leaders—not just high-performing experts.
What you'll learn:
- Differentiate Roles: Identify the key differences between an expert mindset and an executive mindset, including how each frames problems, priorities, and decision-making.
- Elevate Communication: Practice translating detailed, technical or operational information into concise, strategic messages that highlight impact, risk, and tradeoffs for executive and board-level audiences.
- Strengthen Strategic Presence: Apply specific behaviors and language shifts that signal executive presence—such as leading with outcomes, asking higher-altitude questions, and aligning recommendations to organizational strategy.
- Build an Action Plan: Develop a personalized action plan to intentionally “fly at a higher altitude” in upcoming meetings, presentations, and cross-functional work, repositioning yourself as a trusted strategic leader rather than only a subject matter expert.
Shawn Essien, Esq., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is a People and Culture executive and employment attorney with deep expertise in HR strategy, labor relations, organizational culture, and equity-centered leadership. As Head of People & Culture for a unionized civil rights organization, Shawn leads end-to-end people operations, including workforce planning, labor and employee relations, performance management, and governance alignment with executive and board leadership. Shawn also draws on years of experience as a leadership coach and former educator to help organizations navigate complex change—especially where legal risk, culture, and equity commitments intersect.
Shawn is an experienced speaker and facilitator, having presented “Is DEI Dying?” at HRA 25 and led the “Culture, Leadership, and Engagement” session for CHRA (now Greater Baltimore SHRM) in 2019. In addition, Shawn has delivered numerous presentations for local governments and public-sector leaders on employment law, compliance, and respectful workplace practices, translating complex legal concepts into practical, people-centered action. Across these engagements, Shawn is known for blending clear-eyed legal and HR rigor with a grounded, values-driven approach that prioritizes trust, transparency, and sustainable culture.
