MJ Klimas is the Principal of PresencePlus. Fortune 500 leadership experience, combined with her passion for presenting and mentoring uniquely qualify her to counsel individuals through career advancement.
lets start"MJ absolutely lights up a room with her energy, presence, and sense of humor. She inspires everyone to be their best, and to live a bold and brilliant life, both personally and professionally."
Every consultation starts with an 'Intake Session' where you share your story with MJ. This allows her to better understand your specific objectives and the unique challenges you face in accomplishing those goals. MJ will then create a customized plan to address your challenges and opportunities.
MJ brings to PresencePlus more than 40 years in client-facing, business development, and senior leadership roles with Blue Chip firms like Citibank, GE Capital Corp, and Bank of America. Her corporate career culminated with the role of President and Chair of the Board of Banc of America Public Capital Corp.
As an individual becomes familiar with the strategy components such as Presence, Personal Brand, Presentation Skills, Job Search Tools, and Interview Strategies, they then work with MJ to develop the skills they need to improve while building a thoughtful career advancement strategy.
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After decades in client-facing and leadership roles with Top 50 Fortune 500 firms, MJ Klimas’ career journey culminated at Bank of America as President and Chair of Banc of America Public Capital Corp. Years of interviews (and interviewing), mentoring, and strategizing prepared her well to support others in navigating career advancement and its challenges. MJ’s success is based on personal values that include kindness, integrity, service, and the value of humor. MJ was and still is known for her energized presence and unique presentation style which she leverages to help others enhance their own executive presence.
MJ is a passionate supporter of the local music scene from individual artists all the way to local symphonies and symphonic bands. When not working with clients, MJ can be found with her Fender Telecaster in hand as she plays lead guitar locally with her band @RubyandTheRiptides. MJ is proud of her Polish and Italian heritage; she studied the Polish language as a child and currently enjoys two Italian language classes weekly.
MJ teaches her clients to build confidence using bold, muscular language; developing and refining networking and “pitch” skills; and leveraging strategy and planning techniques. These approaches also help to improve and enhance meeting and team participation, as well as team performance.
Become aware of the physical and emotional components of executive presence. Understand the relationship between presence, power, and success. Learn to ensure that you are presenting your boldest and most brilliant self to the world each day.
Understand that we all have a Personal Brand. Ensure that you know your brand as well as what your presence, network, digital footprint, and values say about you. Make it stronger – even if it’s damaged. Learn to present your brand with an impactful Elevator Pitch that leaves people wanting to know more.
Communicate with a bolder, more confident approach that delivers results. Craft impactful opening and closing statements. Learn skills to ensure that you advance your personal objectives as well as those of the organization.
MJ works with people of all ages, at all stages of their careers to craft job search strategies. She’ll ensure you have the tools to succeed from a bold, fresh resume, bio and ideas for customized, impactful cover letters. Identify specific networking goals and tactics to further augment the process.
Confidence is a key factor in our ability to present ourselves with credibility and poise. MJ will counsel you to identify strategies to affirm strengths that build confidence. Become aware of the signs of 'Imposterism'. Learn techniques like the "PowerPlus Pose" to manage anxieties and enhance your executive presence.
Interviews are dynamic opportunities to showcase accomplishments. Learn to take control of the interview process – do so much more than answer questions that interviewers ask. MJ will work with you to create opening and closing statements and guide you in crafting anecdotes to powerfully communicate your skills and successes.
Through more than forty years of experience, MJ collected a wealth of experience that she leverages to guide individuals as they encounter challenges. Whether it is working with a tough, direct report, thriving under new management, or deciding how and when to position for advancement, MJ brings thoughtful, creative, and effective ideas.
MJ brings exceptional corporate leadership experience and innovative style to clients and audiences. She is uniquely positioned to counsel and mentor those who want to enhance personal brand, executive presence, and communication style while navigating career advancement.
Here is what some of those people have to say.
MJ has been an instrumental figure in transforming our engineering leader's approach to leadership. Her expertise in developing leadership presence is evident through the substantial improvements we've observed. We highly recommend her coaching services to any organization looking to enhance their leadership capabilities
We all know her, we all love her. She’s Pittsburgh’s Rockstar… MJ Klimas is bold and fearless - and she does it with a Fender guitar! If you don’t know her, please do.
I was navigating a complex decision during a leadership job transition. MJ was able to summarize, pivot and offer a different approach. We produced a strategy that yielded a successful outcome. Working with MJ was a pleasure. She is sharp, knowledgeable, and creative when it comes to the complicated landscape of career decision making.
I write to express my admiration and gratitude to MJ Klimas, Principal at PresencePlus, who worked with me as I transitioned to my current role. Her unparallel professionalism married with years of corporate leadership experience contributed to my success. MJ listened to understand my situation and properly assessed the scope of work and outlined the steps. We scheduled ongoing meetings covering myriad topics and tactics to lead through interviews and management meetings. MJ’s detailed, written plant helped us stay on track and make sure we did not miss anything through the process. We rehearsed interviews. We edited strategy as discussions with the hiring team continued until I had an offer in hand.
“When I decided it was time to leave my position at a small private practice, I felt like I was in over my head. I lacked certainty and experience navigating the corporate world. Therefore, I sought the expert counsel of PresencePlus. MJ Klimas exudes savoir-faire. Together we were able to identify my career goals, translate my strengths into words, and maneuver through applications, interviews, and negotiations with confidence. In just a few short weeks, I found myself with multiple offers, including a 38% raise. With all the knowledge, passion, and encouragement brought by MJ, you will always put your best foot forward when reaching for your goals. I whole-heartedly recommend MJ Klimas to anyone seeking success!”
As a member of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council, MJ Klimas brings her energy, passion, and talents to lift lives and our community. She is an active volunteer, community leader, and, is driven to empower people to be the best version of themselves, personally and professionally. MJ absolutely lights up a room with her energy, presence, and sense of humor. She inspires everyone around her to live a bold and brilliant life! MJ led WLC members in January 2022 in a virtual, interactive presentation titled “SMART and Present You” where 100 members learned skills to build personal and professional brand. The response was overwhelming!
I worked with MJ Klimas as an executive for Bank of America. She is highly regarded in the financial services industry. When I learned of her venture into executive presence and career consulting, I knew she would be an excellent mentor for me. MJ invested time to listen and learn of my challenges and customized a strategy to proceed, identifying and crafting crisp anecdotes that I presented with poise and effectiveness. MJ’s decades as a hiring authority in blue-chip corporate America were invaluable as we ensured that I presented with confidence and competence. The experience was positive and uplifting!
MJ was the host of a Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship Member Coffee Hour where she shared her knowledge about the importance of networking and making personal connections. MJ brought her talent, experience, and life lessons to offer valuable insights. MJ shared these insights with her fellow CWE Members and explained how to leverage these skills to confidently navigate career advancement!
MJ developed programming for the first Schneider Downs Women’s “Power Up Summit” . . . a customized presentation specifically for our audience with the purpose of building “Confidence, Presence, and Power”. MJ’s powerful language and energy connected with everyone in the room. A true professional, we are thankful for her contributions to our successful event. I look forward to the opportunity to work with MJ again
After 18 years building a career at a high-profile bank, I realized that my career had plateaued. I knew I needed help to realize my goals. I was extremely fortunate to work with MJ Klimas. MJ’s counsel helped me produce a fresh resume that was laser-focused on the new job I targeted. It showcased my experience and skills. I learned to communicate with confidence during interviews and take charge of the process. To do this, MJ and I strategized before each interview and developed corporate culture and market presence questions. I am delighted to report that I started a new position that gives me the flexibility, career-path, and compensation I wanted. This would not have been possible without MJ!
MJ is the definition and true representation of her brand, ‘PresencePlus.’ Searching for a new role, I struggled with a lack of confidence to present as that stellar candidate. Working with MJ helped me know the blind spots that I needed to address to bring my best self to the discussion. You do not know how much your presence means until MJ points out flags that can kill your dream. She made me aware of what my body projects each time I interview even if it is a phone call. MJ is the kind of expert focused on details you may never think about! MJ surely taught me to sell myself . . . and to negotiate a great package.
I was hired for an executive position that required a high level of communication and leadership skills. I recognized that I needed to strengthen how I shared and presented ideas with greater confidence. MJ worked with me to identify specific areas to improve, and she designed a program that taught me the skills I needed to present myself and my ideas in a professional and compelling manner. We role played scenarios to reinforce these new skills. The entire process was engaging, and I was able to reduce the stress of presenting, feel confident when sharing my ideas, and materially improved my presentation skills. Communicating effectively is a critical skill and I am incredibly grateful to MJ for helping me improve.
I sought MJ's expertise during transition from university student to young professional. She provided impactful, valuable career advice that I had never heard before - not even from college counselors or professors! From interview prep to email strategy, MJ guided me to find my unique professional presence. I received seven offers in two months! MJ’s magic comes not solely from her wealth of experience; her infectious, positive energy and passion inspire you to empower yourself and achieve your full potential. With MJ, it’s not "if" you will succeed, but "when.
MJ Klimas is one of those rare individuals who embodies what she teaches - confidence, poise, and presence. Based on her own experiences and backed by research, MJ tailors her approach to the needs, personality, and situation of each individual client. As a professional coach and a trusted advisor, MJ has provided me with confidence, skills, techniques, and a positive mindset. Working with MJ has had a tremendous impact on my life, both professionally and personally. I highly recommend MJ to anyone looking to positively impact their career and their life.
“I met MJ through the United Way's Women's Leadership Council and we quickly became friends. After 22 years in communications, I was in between jobs and needed support – someone to bounce my thoughts and ideas off. MJ to the rescue! Throughout our three one-hour sessions, MJ gave me the confidence to believe in myself – both personally and professionally. She pushed me out of my comfort zone. Since our meetings, I have decided to begin a freelance media relations business. I have secured three clients in my first week! Without MJ's coaching and mentoring, I do not think I would have had the courage to take that risk.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you at the PICPA Women's Leadership Conference. I really enjoyed your presentation and will take your advice - I am going to use the PowerPlus pose daily and speak boldly in meetings! Thank you for sharing your message!”
“Looking for a job when you do not have one is very stressful. It is a position I found myself in last year. MJ got me through the worst of it. She took the time to get to know me and give thoughtful advice for my resume and job search. She understood exactly what I needed to build confidence in communicating with potential employers. Her advice has been invaluable.”
I have known MJ for many years, and I was excited for her when she launched PresencePlus. I was even more grateful when I was able to utilize PresencePlus services. I was looking for a job and needed to fine tune my resume, profile, and personal presence. MJ’s knowledge and expertise helped me get several job offers. What a great feeling to have choices. She is very easy to work with, thinks creatively, and effectively communicates her ideas while listening to mine. MJ knows what works!
There is no one like MJ Klimas — bravery in business and sizzling savvy.
OsteoStrong enjoyed a truly energizing and fun session full of excellent insights from powerhouse MJ Klimas. Everyone wanted more, so we will be sure to invite her to return!
MJ’s energy is contagious. MJ gave me the confidence to believe in myself. She is a rockstar!
I was one of the attendees at the PICPA event. Enjoyed participating in your presentation and becoming aware of the small things we can do to make big changes to our confidence!
Thank you so much for the sessions. The recaps and slides sent after each will be valuable references forever. I especially loved the way you helped me wordsmith multiple Elevator Pitches. They flow so much more easily now!
I absolutely loved your session MJ! It was inspiring and motivating! The information you provided was very valuable and I am excited to put your suggestions into practice.
I recently faced a career challenge and turned to MJ. She guided me on my journey, reconnecting me with both my value and my values while providing me with direction. As I engage in new projects, my work reflects the core values and training that were instilled in me with the kind and present leadership, mentoring and talents of MJ.
OMG how I appreciate MJ. She included succinct, practical information that we could use right away to garner results .... also covered "Personal Brand" and demonstrated how to curate a 30 second elevator pitch!
MJ Klimas brings her energy, passion, and talents to lift lives in many ways. She is driven to empower people to be the best version of themselves, personally and professionally. Reach out today and let MJ Klimas help you take the first steps on your journey to self-improvement.
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