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Coaching my son on executive presence (yes, really)
Published about 6 hours ago • 4 min read
Hello Reader,
This weekend, I watched one of my favourite business lessons unfold at a market table on the grounds of Parkwood Estate, the historic home of GM Canada's founding president, Robert Samuel McLaughlin.
Both of my kids had booths at the Fall Market. My daughter has run her own small crochet plushie business since she was 11, so she's a seasoned pro. My youngest son, who's 10, was newer to it. He designs ugly-cute plush toys with resin teeth, inspired by Fugglers. He taught himself to sew and has worked incredibly hard on them.
When the customers arrived, though, he buckled. He sank into his chair behind the table, sketched, picked up my phone, and did anything except look at the people walking toward him.
So we had a quick Customer Service 101 talk. As I coached him, I realized that none of this is just for kids or entry-level jobs. These basics apply in every client meeting, sales call, networking event, and Zoom you'll have this year.
1. Stand up and meet them at eye level when speaking to a customer. He was hiding in his little chair, but once he stood up, he changed. He was more confident, people engaged with him more, and he started selling. At work: stand when a client walks into the room. On video, turn your camera on, sit up, and look at the lens. Being present physically signals that you're ready for them.
2. Devices away, especially when someone approaches. He was nervously scrolling or sketching on his notepad, avoiding that awkward feeling when people were just walking past his booth. At work: put your phone away in meetings and when a colleague stops by, and close your inbox and Slack on calls. People notice when they're competing with a screen.
3. Read the room: engage, or give them space. Say hello and let people know you're there. Some will want to chat, so ask questions and make small talk, because it makes them feel they matter. Others would rather browse quietly, and you'll usually sense that right away. Don't hover or push. Friendly silence is fine. At work: open meetings by asking about their week or the project they mentioned last time, but when a client is reviewing a proposal or thinking something through, give them room.
4. When someone opens the door to conversation, walk through it. One-word answers end conversations. If someone asks you something, answer fully, and if things go quiet but they're still there, ask them something back ("Are you enjoying the market? Find anything good yet?"). At work: when a client asks how things are going, that's an invitation to build the relationship. Answer properly and return the question.
5. Always say thank you. Before a customer walks away, thank them and tell them how much their support means. At work: thank clients when a project wraps up, when they renew, when they refer you, or when they simply give you their time. A short handwritten note is still memorable, in my humble opinion.
None of this is complicated, and that's why it's so easy to let it slip. Watching my son go from hiding behind his table to chatting confidently with strangers reminded me that people respond to you when you're engaged and when you show them respect by acknowledging them.
We all have our own "sinking in the chair" moments: the phone glance when a colleague stops by, the half-listening on a call, the rushed goodbye. This week, notice yours. The people around you already do.
New on Boosted: What Doing Business in Turkey vs. Canada Taught Gizem Uysal
What happens when you ask a Canadian stranger if she's had Botox? Gizem Uysal found out the hard way.
In this episode, Gizem, founder of Deal Business Design and Director of Business Development at the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, shares the funniest (and most eye-opening) culture clashes from her move from Turkey to Canada. She also talks about the bus ride that convinced her this was home, and how she turned her accent from something she apologized for into her biggest professional asset.
SPEAKING: Business Summit: Future Ready Enterprise
📅 Thursday, October 22 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Harmony Event Centre, 1011 Bloor St. E, Oshawa
I'll also be speaking at Business Summit 2026: Future Ready Enterprise, making the case for why human connection and networking is key, even at an event built around technology. The day is built for business owners, senior leaders, and non-profit professionals who want practical ideas on leadership, workforce planning, and staying ahead of what's next. Join me there!
WEBINAR: Network Like a Top Marketer, with the CMA
📅 Friday, Oct. 23 | 📍 Zoom We're partnering with the Canadian Marketing Association to bring you Network Like a Top Marketer. I built my career on strong connections and community, and in this workshop, I'm passing on what I learned, including the WAVE framework for starting and sustaining conversations that actually lead somewhere.
WORKSHOP: Co-Design Your Network With BACD (And Me!)
📅 Monday, November 16 | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. 📍 BACD - Durham Region HQ, Oshawa Room, 605 Rossland Rd. E, Whitby Part of Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week, hosted by BACD
Most networking workshops tell you what to do. In this one, you build your strategy in the room. Through a guided co-design process, you'll leave with a personalized networking plan that fits your goals, industry, and personality. We'll cover auditing your current network, sharpening your elevator pitch, preparing for events, writing outreach that gets replies, and building a simple system to maintain relationships over time.
I recently delivered a workplace civility training for leaders at the Municipality of Clarington. We looked at how small, everyday moments of disrespect spread through a team, what triggers them in a high-pressure public-service environment, and how leaders set the tone, especially when dealing with frustrated residents and difficult team dynamics. Every participant left with a self-assessment and a practical action plan for building a more respectful culture.
If you're interested in a similar workshop for your team, please contact me.
Christmas and the Holiday Season Are Closer Than You Think
Planning your team's Christmas or holiday celebration? Make it fun and useful. I offer interactive team-building sessions and business dining etiquette training that prepares client-facing teams for the art of the business table, just in time for holiday parties and client dinners. December fills up quickly, so reach out now to book.
P.S. The market went well for both kids. It was incredible watching them both interact with customers and learn confidence and independence. Proud mom moment. ❤️
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