Based on decades of research and content described in his book “Composed: The Heart & Science of Leading Under Pressure,” Dr. Rob McKenna highlights the power of composure under pressure and the specific strategies you can use to be a better version of yourself when it matters most. You’ll also learn how to create an organizational culture marked by composure and emotional maturity instead of chronic anxiety and blame.

This presentation is a roadmap for standing firm in who we are while staying connected to those who matter most to us – especially when high-pressure moments come. It doesn’t matter whether you are a CEO, parent, manager, or student, all of us are susceptible to the possibility of losing it when the pressure is on.

Breakfast will be provided*

*We enjoy extending thoughtful hospitality to our community. To help offset meal-related costs, we invite our guests to consider a $5 contribution for breakfast on the day of the event. We are grateful for your support of Upper House programming and hospitality.

Speaker Bios

Rob McKenna, Ph.D., was named one of the top 30 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists alive today. He is passionate about developing leaders and transforming the way we see the people in our organizations. He is the founder and CEO of WiLD Leaders, Inc. and creator of the WiLD Toolkit, a whole and intentional leader development process. His research and coaching across corporate, not-for-profit, and university settings has given him insight into the real and gritty experience of leaders. Clients have included the Boeing Company, Microsoft, Heineken, Foster Farms, the United Way, Alaska Airlines and Children’s Hospital. He is the author of numerous articles and chapters on leadership character, calling, effectiveness, and leadership under pressure. His latest book, “Composed: The Heart and Science of Leading Under Pressure,” focuses the specific strategies leaders can use to stay true to themselves and connected to others when it matters most.

Daniel Hallak, Ph.D., is excited by opportunities to build authentic relationships and intentionally develop leaders. As the Chief Commercial Officer at WiLD Leaders, Daniel drives strategic commercial initiatives, and other operations, product development, and marketing efforts that support the development of whole leaders. Before WiLD, he spent 13 years developing whole leaders in business, academic, and not-for-profit settings. He has run his own coaching practice and had experiences Microsoft, Right Management Consultants, and Slalom, an award-winning consulting firm. He’s also served as a coach, professor, and advisor at three higher education institutions including Seattle Pacific University, where he helped build a new graduate business program. His research and writing focus on how to develop people and build authentic relationships founded on generosity.