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The latest trend in business may shock you - seasoned executives are going to finishing school. While it’s still a luxury, it’s also an edge that sets someone apart from hundreds of others at the same level. And today, it’s more accessible than ever; the real investment isn’t the price tag, it’s the time you devote to elevating your presence.
In this recent Forbes article, founder of the new virtual Finishing Program and etiquette expert Myka Meier (who attended Swiss Finishing School before starting New York City company Beaumont Etiquette), says the lessons you learn there are “more important now than ever before”. It’s no longer about forks and knives, but how to have a powerful presence in any room. In fact, in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, even the most seasoned executives are rethinking how they present themselves; not just on paper, but in every interaction. Across the C-suite, modern finishing training has emerged as a strategic advantage for leaders operating in high-stakes, global environments. “Etiquette is having a renaissance,” and that the need for polished, human-centric leadership skills are crucial says Myka.
Curious what modern finishing training actually looks like? This video explains the exact finishing techniques high-level leaders are using to strengthen their influence.
From multinational founders to senior partners, executives increasingly recognize that etiquette and presence are not superficial -they are strategic. As Forbes explains, today’s etiquette movement is rooted not in elitism but in “kindness, confidence, and connection.” Those three qualities now define how leaders communicate, negotiate, and influence. Join the many executives completing finishing programs virtually by clicking here, and start your transformation today.
First Impressions Shape Leadership Success
Executives are turning to finishing training to refine the subtle signals that communicate authority and approachability. Everything from greetings to posture to conversational presence affects perception. Forbes highlights that modern etiquette is less about rigid tradition and more about “learning to make people feel comfortable, respected, and valued.”
These skills translate directly into stronger business relationships and higher trust.
Global Leaders Need Cultural Intelligence
With international expansion and cross-border partnerships increasing, leaders face more cultural complexity than ever. Understanding the etiquette norms of different countries has become essential for avoiding missteps and demonstrating respect.
Today’s finishing programs include global protocol training, cross-cultural dining etiquette, and strategies for navigating diverse business settings - all of which Forbes describes as part of a “new era of etiquette shaped by a global, interconnected world.”
High-Level Deals Still Happen at the Table
Whether hosting a client dinner, attending a diplomatic event, or leading a board retreat, leaders must navigate the social dynamics that accompany business. Dining etiquette, hosting skills, and conversation strategy play a part in every high-level interaction.
As Forbes puts it, etiquette today “isn’t about perfection- it’s about presence.” Leaders who create ease, confidence, and connection gain a competitive edge. While finishing school has long been popular in many social circles, it only recently has caught the attention of business executives. Now with the ability to attend an online finishing school or a virtual finishing program like this one, it’s accessible to even more people than ever.
What Modern Finishing Programs Teach
Today’s finishing training is dynamic, inclusive, and tailored to modern life. A typical curriculum includes:
- Leadership presence and body-language refinement
- Advanced dining etiquette and hosting skills
- Communication finesse for social and professional settings
- Cultural awareness and international protocol
- Event, media, and public-facing confidence
- How to create your brand, personal brand polish and strategic social presence
While the structure has evolved, the goal remains timeless: empowering leaders to show up at their very best.
Why This Movement Matters Right Now
The resurgence of etiquette comes at a time when many feel the business world is moving too fast, too digitally, and too impersonally. Forbes notes that this renewed interest in civility and connection is driven by a desire for “a more human-centered approach to leadership.”
Executives who invest in finishing training position themselves at the forefront of this shift. They lead with clarity, confidence, respect, and warmth; qualities that strengthen teams, build trust, and elevate brands.
