One of the most rewarding parts of my role at Kann Advisory Group is stepping back from the day-to-day work of shaping our growth strategy to speak with leaders who have seen our programs make a lasting impact. Those conversations continue to reinforce a simple truth: one of the best investments a leader can make is in helping people build communication skills they will carry with them for the rest of their careers.
To learn what that looks like in practice, I spoke with Chris McManus, a longtime executive leader at Accenture. Chris and Kraig Kann first connected years ago, and what began as a professional relationship has grown into a trusted friendship. Since 2018, Accenture has partnered with Kann Advisory Group on multiple Elevate Workshops, and several of its senior leaders have also completed one-on-one Elevate Coaching. Chris is a proud member of KAG’s alumni community. He has sponsored programs for his teams, referred colleagues and clients, and personally participated in the Elevate Workshop himself. That perspective gives him a unique view of what this work can do for both individuals and organizations.
KAG’s First Elevate Workshop with Accenture
Accenture is a global standard-bearer for strategy, filled with brilliant minds who have the IQ – the data, analysis, and expertise – perfectly dialed in. But as Chris told me, even the sharpest strategy is only as effective as the person delivering it.
He shared a story about a senior leader on his team who had tremendous potential, but struggled to engage an audience.
“He was not a good presenter.”
After going through KAG’s Brand New You https://kannadvisory.com/coaching/ one-on-one coaching program, the transformation was unmistakable.
“Months and months later, he was polished, thoughtful, articulate, facing forward, and engaging,” Chris said. “It was like a whole new person.”
That quote stuck with me because it captures what happens when someone learns to communicate with greater confidence and presence. Working with KAG helped them become a more confident version of themselves.
Chris has referred both colleagues and clients to KAG because he has seen firsthand that the benefits extend far beyond better presentations.
“The win is not single-threaded. It’s compounded.”
Accenture Leaders Like Brian Botwinksi are Becoming “Brand New”
That phrase perfectly captures the ripple effect. In Chris’s words, the people who are already good get better, and those who are nervous become much more comfortable. When a leader communicates more effectively:
● Client presentations become more persuasive.
● Internal conversations become more aligned.
● Teams gain confidence.
● Organizations build stronger trust.
For Chris, one of the most meaningful outcomes is seeing professionals recognize that their company believed enough in them to invest in their development.
“They come out better, and they know we’ve invested in them.”
That investment sends a powerful message: We believe in your potential.
“They know we’ve invested in them.” – Chris McManus
What stood out most from my conversation with Chris was his perspective on the lasting value of this work. When leaders feel that kind of support, they gain more than confidence. They gain trust in the organization and a stronger sense of ownership in their work.
The most valuable professional development leaves people with something they can use for the rest of their lives. As Chris put it:
“Once you’ve gone through it, it’s yours. No one can take it away from you.”
That may be the clearest expression of what Kann Advisory Group delivers. Confidence. Presence. The ability to tell your story and own the room. These are not temporary improvements. They become part of how a person leads, presents, and builds relationships for the rest of their career.
For organizations, the return is both immediate and enduring. Leaders show up stronger in the moments that matter most, and the confidence they build continues to shape every client conversation, presentation, and leadership opportunity that follows.
That is the true Elevate Effect.
If you’re interested in helping your leaders communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and executive presence, (just as Accenture has done) explore Kann Advisory Group’s Elevate Experience and Brand New You programs.
Stay tuned for more conversations with KAG alumni who are turning the insights they gained into lasting impact for their teams, clients, and audiences.
Taylor Twellman, Manager Growth Marketing & Partnerships
You can reach me through email: connect@kannadvisory.com