September 2026
ARISE Newsletter
September 2026, Issue 25.
Career Planning Insights for Mid‑Career Professionals.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the September issue of ARISE.
September is a month of harvest, and in addition, it reminds me of that "first day of school energy and promise to work harder."
September is also a reminder that the year is drawing to a close, and that awareness can stir a range of emotions.
For some professionals, this month brings a sense of career fulfilment; for others, it’s the quiet discomfort of career stagnation. Some other professionals may view this month as an ideal time to make a career shift before the end of the year.
Whatever your views about September, I would encourage you to do three things this month.
Pause and Reflect.
Celebrate all that you have achieved in your career so far this year.
Map out how you want your career to evolve by the end of the year.
The September editorial focuses on the ARISE Journey for 2026, while the featured article by our guest contributor, Fatmata Oladeinde, explores Executive Presence. This topic is a fitting conclusion to our theme on Personal Image.
This issue brings the ARISE 2026 newsletter cycle to a close. Thanks to all our readers and guest contributors for being part of this journey. Your encouragement and feedback have helped shape this newsletter.
I invite you to sit back, read, and explore how the insights in this issue can enrich your career development.
Regards
Pamela Odukoya
Calabash Coach
This month's issue
My ARISE Journey: Nine Months of Growth, Lessons, and Leadership - Calabash Coach
Career Recharge Workbook
The Quiet Power of Executive Presence - Fatmata Oladeinde
Quote for the month
My ARISE Journey: Nine Months of Growth, Lessons, and Leadership -Calabash Coach
Career Recharge Workbook
This workbook takes you through the seven pillars for career progression: Career Growth, Beliefs, Values, Work-Life Balance, Personal Brand, Network, and Feedback.
Through a series of assessments, reflective activities, and suggested actions, you will gain clarity and confidence to map out your next steps.
Executive Presence - Fatmata Oladeinde
I used to think executive presence was something people were born with — like a natural glow that some people have and others don’t. But after watching one of my managers and other leaders closely, I realised something important: executive presence is not about being special. It’s about being steady.
It’s the pause you take before reacting, instead of speaking too fast.
It’s being okay with not having every answer right away, instead of pretending you do.
It’s explaining complex things in a simple way — not because you’re hiding how smart you are, but because you actually understand the topic well.
Most importantly, it’s about how people feel after talking to you. Do they feel listened to? Do they feel calmer or more confident after the conversation?
A Moment That Changed My Understanding Executive Presence
I learned the importance of executive presence when I worked in a client‑contact role. On occasions when a client was angry, I understood why. They wanted a quick resolution — but that’s not how the process works. There are steps we must follow first, like checks and official notices, before we can resolve an issue.
In those moments, presence meant staying calm while someone was upset, without becoming defensive or rushing them off the phone. It meant explaining a slow process in simple, human words, instead of hiding behind official language. It meant saying, “I understand why you’re upset,” even when I couldn’t solve the problem right away.
Those interactions taught me that executive presence is not about power. It’s about steadiness, clarity, and emotional maturity.
Quote of the month
The biggest thing you can bring to the table as a leader is calmness. When you are steady, people trust you.”
Indra Nooyi (Former CEO, PepsiCo)
Finally
Executive presence is a valuable trait that can be learned, developed, and strengthened. You build it through observation, intentional practice, and expanding your knowledge.
Consider the calmness executive presence brings, not only to your own emotional state, but to everyone around you.
If this is an area you find challenging, choose one action you can take today to begin developing your executive presence.
Maya Angelou captutres the impact of executive presence in these words, " People will forget what you said and what you did, but never how you made them feel.”
As you reflect on this month’s insights, consider how you will harvest the seeds you have sowed so far this year and how you will intentionally demonstrate executive presence in both your professional and personal life.
You don’t have to navigate your career shift alone.
At Calabash Careers Coaching, we help mid‑career professionals clarify their next steps and prepare for the journey ahead.
If you’re ready to explore your next career shift, an ARISE Insight Call is a powerful place to begin. Book your call today
Regards
Pamela Odukoya
Career Coach
ARISE and Beyond: Stay tuned for more insights
The next ARISE cycle begins in January 2027, a fresh start for your leadership journey.
What to expect?
Career Planning Workshops: Practical and interactive sessions designed to help mid‑career professionals prepare for their next career shift.
More Guest Contributors: We are expanding our pool of contributors and would love to feature your lived experience of career planning, leadership, and management. Get in touch!
Leadership Topics: Focused guidance for mid‑career professionals who are ready to take their first steps into leadership and management.
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