The 6-Week Intensive for Early-Career Professionals Who Want to Stand Out
Program Overview
The Problem This Solves
Most early-career professionals struggle with a painful paradox: they know they need to “be professional,” but they don’t know how to do that while staying true to themselves. They end up either:
- Faking it (using corporate speak that sounds hollow and inauthentic)
- Hiding (staying quiet in meetings and missing opportunities)
- Overcompensating (trying too hard and coming across as desperate or pushy)
The Solution: Authentic Communication Mastery
This 6-week intensive virtual group coaching program teaches participants how to communicate with genuine confidence, build meaningful professional relationships, and advance their careers without sacrificing their authentic selves.
Program Promise
“By the end of 6 weeks, you’ll know exactly how to communicate authentically in any professional situation – from difficult conversations to high-stakes presentations – while building the relationships that accelerate your career.”
built for:
- Career changers entering new industries and unsure of communication norms
- Recent graduates feeling lost in professional communication
- High performers who excel technically but struggle with relationship building
- Remote workers who feel disconnected and want to build authentic virtual relationships
- International professionals working in US companies who want to communicate more effectively
Who Experience…
- Imposter syndrome in professional settings
- Difficulty building relationships with colleagues and managers
- Anxiety about speaking up in meetings or presentations
- Confusion about professional boundaries and authenticity
- Struggling to get noticed or promoted despite good work
- Feeling exhausted from “performing” professionalism
Program Structure & Curriculum
Format: 6-Week Intensive Program
- Group Size: 15 participants maximum (intimate, high-touch experience)
- Live Sessions: Weekly Tuesday mornings, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST (6 consecutive weeks), plus a final 7th meeting (virtual celebration & touch-base) 3 months after the final structured meeting
- Between Sessions: Focused practice assignments and peer accountability (1 week implementation cycles)
- Private Community: Invite-only LinkedIn group space for ongoing connection
- 1:1 Support: Two 30-minute individual coaching calls with Dr. Buxton
Week 1: Foundation – Your Authentic Communication Style
Week 2: Framework – Structure That Supports Authenticity (HOPES Framework)
Week 3: Confidence – Presentations That Connect
Week 4: Connection – Networking Without the Fake
Week 5: Courage – Difficult Conversations with Grace
Week 6: Commitment – Your Authentic Personal Brand & Future Growth
Program Benefits & Outcomes
Immediate Outcomes (During 6 Weeks)
- ✅ Clear, confident communication style that feels authentically you
- ✅ HOPES framework mastery for any professional communication
- ✅ Reduced anxiety around presentations and difficult conversations
- ✅ Stronger relationships with colleagues and managers
- ✅ Professional brand that attracts opportunities
- ✅ Supportive peer network of like-minded professionals
Long-term Benefits (3-6 Months Post-Program)
- ✅ Promotion or advancement opportunities due to improved communication
- ✅ Stronger professional network and meaningful relationships
- ✅ Reputation as a strong communicator and authentic leader
- ✅ Increased confidence in all professional situations
- ✅ Clear personal brand that opens doors
- ✅ Skills to mentor and develop others
Career Impact (6-12 Months+)
- ✅ Leadership opportunities based on communication excellence
- ✅ Industry recognition and thought leadership platform
- ✅ Enhanced earning potential through stronger relationships
- ✅ Career satisfaction from authentic professional expression
- ✅ Sustainable communication practices that compound over time
What’s Included
Core Program Elements
- 6 intensive learning sessions (live virtual group sessions via Google Meet)
- Two 30-minute private 1:1 coaching calls for personalized guidance
- Comprehensive workbook with exercises, templates, and frameworks
- Private LinkedIn community for ongoing support and networking
- Self-paced assigments between sessions
- Communication templates library for emails, presentations, and conversations
- Progress tracking tools and accountability systems
Bonus Materials
- Signed copy of Magnetic Communication with personalized inscription
- Professional communication templates (emails, LinkedIn messages, etc.)
- Lifetime access to private alumni community
- Annual alumni meetups (virtual) for ongoing connection
Post-Program Support
- Email follow-up sequence with additional tips and resources over 3 months
- Alumni-only workshops and advanced training opportunities
- Referral network for career opportunities and professional connections
- Annual reunion with program graduates
- Continued access to updated materials and new resources
Investment & Pricing
Program Investment: $1,997
Payment Options:
- Pay in Full: $1,997 (best value)
- 2-Payment Plan: $1,047 × 2 ($2,094 total)
- 3-Payment Plan: $697 × 3 ($2,091 total)
Payment includes:
- All live sessions and recordings
- Private coaching calls and community access
- Complete materials library and bonus content
- Lifetime alumni community membership
ROI Justification:
- Average participant sees promotion within 6-12 months
- Improved communication skills typically lead to $5K-$15K salary increases
- Enhanced networking leads to better job opportunities
- Authentic leadership development accelerates career progression
- Conservative ROI: 3-5x investment within first year
Application & Enrollment Process
Who Should Apply
✅ Early-career professionals (0-5 years experience) committed to growth
✅ Career changers ready to master professional communication
✅ High achievers who want to be known for both competence AND authenticity
✅ Remote workers seeking to build stronger virtual relationships
✅ Anyone willing to do the work and show up consistently
Who This ISN’T For
❌ People looking for quick fixes or magic solutions
❌ Those unwilling to practice new skills between sessions
❌ Anyone wanting to maintain “fake it ’til you make it” approaches
❌ People not committed to 6-week program attendance
❌ Those seeking purely technical skills (not relationship/communication focused)
Application Requirements
- Application form with communication goals and challenges
- Brief video introduction (3 minutes) sharing your communication story
- Professional background and current communication challenges
- Commitment statement to full program participation
Selection Process
- Application review within 5 business days
- 15-minute phone interview with program coordinator
- Acceptance notification and enrollment instructions
- Limited to 20 participants per cohort for optimal experience
Program Schedule
- Next Cohort: Starts January 27, 2026 (Tuesdays 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST, every week)
- Total Duration: 6 weeks with a final celebration 3 months after final meeting (so for this cohort, the celebration will be June 2, 2026
- Applications Due: [January 13, 2026 – 2 weeks before start]
- Early Bird Discount: $200 off for applications submitted 30 days early
Frequently Asked Questions
“How is this different from other communication courses?”
Most communication training focuses on techniques and formulas. We focus on helping you communicate authentically while being professionally effective. You’ll learn to be more yourself, not less.
“What if I can’t attend all the live sessions?”
All sessions are recorded and available within 24 hours. However, the group coaching and peer learning are crucial elements, so we firmly request your attendance at minimum 4 of 6 sessions.
“Is this appropriate for my industry/role?”
The principles work across all industries and roles. We’ve had success with participants in tech, finance, healthcare, non-profit, consulting, and more. Authentic communication is universally valuable.
“What if I’m not satisfied with the program?”
We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you attend the first two sessions and complete the exercises but don’t see value, we’ll refund your investment.
“How much time should I expect to invest weekly?”
Plan for 3-4 hours per week: 90-minute live session plus 90-120 minutes of self-paced work. The practice challenges happen during your regular work interactions.
“Will this help with presentation anxiety?”
Absolutely. We address presentation anxiety through authenticity-based confidence building, practical techniques, and supported practice in a safe environment.
Ready to Transform Your Professional Communication?
Next Steps
- Review the program details and ensure it aligns with your goals
- Complete the application at https://forms.gle/81zsLcB8kY9Bqrcm6
- Schedule your brief interview with our program coordinator
- Secure your spot in the next cohort (limited to 15 participants)
Questions?
Email us at carly.buxton@richmond.edu to ask more questions or to schedule a 15-minute clarity call to discuss whether this program is right for you.
Transform your career through authentic communication. Apply today!