Program Overview

In a time of rapid change, banking professionals must do more than just manage tasks—they must sustain focus and communicate clearly in high-stakes environments.

This six-part virtual workshop series strengthens both internal and external communication by deepening emotional intelligence, enhancing trust-building skills, and developing the capacity to communicate with greater business acumen. Participants learn how to elevate their own resilience and presence so they can show up with clarity, energy, and consistency.

These highly interactive workshops are designed as a progression - each one builds upon the last, deepening understanding and sharpening skills. We’ll move from foundational principles to advance techniques, layering insight with practice so growth is real, applicable and sustainable. Each of the six sessions are 2-hours in length and delivered virtually via Zoom in a small-group setting. Each participant receives a 45-minute 1:1 coaching session with the facilitator, Donna Rustigian Mac.

Dates & Times

March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15

9:20AM Zoom Sign In | 9:30AM Program Start | 11:30AM Program Ends

What You Will Learn

Session I: Credibility and confidence, emotional intelligence and executive presence, the elements of trust and collaboration, the modes of persuasion.

Session II: Mindful listening, controlling stress and focus, organizing thoughts for successful meetings and presentations.

Session III: Facilitating meetings/discussions with greater authority, anticipating and answering questions, strengthening your call to action to drive business.

Session IV: Communication across the generations, communicating with Psychological Safety, strengthening the ability to coach and delegate with clarity.

Session V: Providing 'empowering' feedback,  business acumen and follow-up, becoming proactive to conflict and challenging personalities.

Session VI: Expectations and accountability, organizing and measuring success, cultivating a leadership communication ‘practice’.

Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for advancing leaders who collaborate daily, guide teams, and are preparing for expanded responsibility. It also supports anyone seeking to enhance performance management systems and drive measurable, sustainable results.

Your Facilitator

Donna Rustigian Mac has spent more than 30 years helping people discover and strengthen their voice. The first half of her career was built in media, where she learned how to communicate with presence, clarity, and authenticity under pressure. The second half has been devoted to coaching leaders—teaching them how to manage nerves, break unproductive habits, and communicate with the skills today’s workplace demands. Donna has been training members of the Mass Bankers Association since 2022.

She’s here to help you find your leadership voice, speak confidently and communicate successfully so you can strengthen business outcomes, while developing healthy human connections.

Express Grant

The course ID for the Strengthening Leadership Communication Program is C-4341. Banks with 50 or fewer employees can be reimbursed 100 percent for the program's cost. For more information on the Commonwealth Corporation's Workforce Training Fund Program, please visit their website. If you need assistance with the Express Grant, please contact the Commonwealth Corporation directly. 

Questions? Check out our FAQs or contact registrations@massbankers.org