The Global
Authority
International Executive Etiquette & Protocol
Executive bearing for those who lead
on the global stage
For executives, board members, and leaders of distinction
The pinnacle
of executive bearing
The boardrooms of global enterprises, the negotiation tables between nations, the keynote stages of international forums, business banquets attended by heads of state, the M&A discussions of multinational corporations — these are stages of the global executive world, where the leaders of nations and the pinnacles of international finance gather.
To stand within this world with unshakeable authority, language and strategy alone are not sufficient. What is required is the mastery of international business protocol, the bearing of the executive, the logic of cross-border negotiation, the system of intercultural communication, and the dignity that moves others — cultivated to a depth that has been refined over centuries.
The Global Authority is the body of international executive etiquette and protocol that ICPA offers to executives and leaders. Beyond conventional international business etiquette, it encompasses the discipline of executive thinking, the conduct of meetings, the strategy of negotiation, and the art of presentation — a comprehensive education in executive bearing. The programme may be undertaken through the three-stage curriculum, the Specialist Certification, or a customised executive course, according to one’s position and aspirations.
ICPA, in distinguished partnership with the United Kingdom’s pre-eminent etiquette and protocol institution, The English Manner, presents the knowledge and bearing of the world’s foremost executives in a structured form.
Stages of
global business
The Global Authority is conceived for the most influential stages of the world’s economic life. Those who complete the programme stand with unshakeable authority at the foremost gatherings of each field.
The board meetings of multinational corporations, international M&A negotiations, the chambers of global strategic decision — places where the world’s decision-makers convene. From the conventions of seating to the order of speech, and the logic of consensus, bearing across cultures is what is asked of those present.
The World Economic Forum at Davos, APEC, the great international gatherings of various nations — the intellectual stages where global leaders convene. The form of the keynote address, the comportment of the panel, the art of executive networking among the foremost minds.
Business gatherings attended by state guests, receptions at the embassies of various nations, economic dialogue with senior government officials — the conduct demanded at the pinnacle of corporate diplomacy, governed by international protocol.
Serious negotiations with the executives of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. The art of building trust and securing accord across the boundaries of culture — strategic in conception, gracious in execution.
Those who choose
The Global Authority
The Global Authority is the choice of those who stand upon the world’s foremost stages of business — executives, board members, and the leaders of global enterprises — who come for the cultivation of executive bearing. ICPA receives the leaders of various fields.
Those who lead global enterprises and stand upon the world’s economic stage. Negotiation with overseas dignitaries, international receptions, the embodiment of the corporation’s dignity at moments of corporate diplomacy. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Toyoda Trike, among other executives of distinction, are presently studying with us.
Those engaged in dialogue with the royal house of Malaysia, the Prime Minister, the principal figures of China, and the royal family of Thailand — the President of Asian Development Capital, among others, who stand at the frontier of global investment, study with us.
Those who guide their executive clients to a higher plane — consultants and advisors of standing. For those who would add the authority of executive bearing to their accumulated expertise.
Those who lead their enterprises and venture into the world — the founders and entrepreneurs of distinction. As one brings Japan’s finest products and services to international stages, the bearing and dignity of an executive determine how one is received by the world.
Those entrusted with the conduct of international operations. In serious negotiations with overseas partners, foreign capital alliances, M&A discussions, and partnership accords — to project a presence that does not waver.
Those frequently called upon for speaking engagements, panels at international forums, and media appearances. To refine the dignity that moves others — through presentation, non-verbal communication, and the executive’s command of public discourse.
The structure
of the course
The Global Authority may be undertaken according to one’s position and aspiration. Those who wish to study the discipline of executive bearing in its depth pursue the three-stage curriculum. Those who would teach others as a Specialist receive the Specialist Certification. For the busy executive, customised programmes addressing particular concerns are also available.
From the foundations of international executive manner and protocol to the authoritative conduct of one in the senior boardroom — the three stages of Foundations, Refinement, and Mastery are presented as a structured course of study. The point of entry may be chosen according to position and experience. Upon completion of each stage, an ICPA Certificate of Completion is conferred.
The Specialist Certification of The Global Authority, internationally accredited by LEPSW. In addition to the full content of the three-stage curriculum, the discipline of teaching and systematic instruction is conferred. Graduates may, as ICPA Certified Instructors, conduct their own programmes for their clients. Management consultants, executive coaches, and business advisors are among those studying with us.
For the busy executive, a course in which the curriculum is arranged according to particular concerns. For an executive facing a major M&A negotiation, the focus may rest upon negotiation protocol; for an officer prior to an overseas assignment, upon intercultural management — the composition is rendered with flexibility according to one’s position. Certificates are not issued, but the essential teaching is conveyed without diminution. Private online instruction is also available.
Seven modules
of the executive
The three-stage curriculum and the Specialist Certification programme are composed of the seven modules below. Beyond conventional international business etiquette, the course encompasses the discipline of executive thinking, the conduct of meetings, the strategy of negotiation, and the art of presentation — a complete education in executive bearing.
Foundations of International Business Etiquette & Protocol
The principles of bearing across cultures in business. The universal code of professional respect, the structure of business dialogue, the foundation of trust in international commerce. A logical framework for understanding “why one acts as one does.”
Bearing in the Boardroom & Executive Council
The dignified conduct demanded within the council of an international enterprise. Conventions of seating, order of speech, language of consensus, the form of presentation, the entire constitution of the senior executive’s comportment.
International Negotiation & Cross-Cultural Discourse
Cross-cultural negotiation across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. The opening rites, the place of patience, the reconciliation of differing views, the unwritten rules of negotiation, the art of gracious accord. Strategy for the building of trust across the boundaries of culture.
Business Hospitality & Executive Dining
Business hospitality and international banquets at the senior executive level. The choice of establishment, the responsibilities of the host, the form of champagne and wine, the building of substantive business relationships beyond the boardroom.
Executive Presentation & Command of Discourse
The international forum keynote, the panel of conference, the encounter with media. Non-verbal communication, bearing, gaze, the use of the voice — the executive’s command of public discourse, refined upon scientific foundations, that moves others beyond words.
Cross-Cultural Management & Leadership
The leadership that conducts a multinational team. The European tradition, the executive culture of the Americas, the relational priorities of Asia, the hospitality of the Middle East. The strategic intelligence of traversing nations whilst maintaining one’s own dignity.
Executive Thinking & International Correspondence
The structure of executive thinking and the establishment of one’s standards of judgement. Formal correspondence at the international executive level — the conventions of email, formal letters, and official communications. The whole conception of dignified written communication that supports the executive’s decisions.
Reflections from
executive members
The voices of executives and leaders who have studied The Global Authority.
For executives of both major and smaller enterprises, this is essential. Through my dealings with the royal house of Malaysia, the Prime Minister, the principal figures of China, and the royal family of Thailand, I came to realise that we were not yet equal to international protocol — and that brought me to this course. From the moment I began, my confidence grew. Knowledge accumulated, and it became, in the end, my own confidence. In business and in diplomatic settings alike, I now stand with more assurance.
The highest, deeply moving, and a matter of profound gratitude — these words alone suffice. I have lived a transformative experience. From bearing and etiquette to the manner of dining, from the larger questions to the finest details of dress and accoutrement, I was taught as a structured discipline. Knowledge and confidence followed. As I undertake to broaden business in China, I shall surely make a success of it. For executives working both in Japan and globally, this is coaching of the highest order.
I came to know the course through an introduction from a shareholder. At the outset, I thought we would be taught etiquette and the rules of business. In fact, we were taught a great many things that bear directly upon business itself. I had thought I understood matters, but I came to see that there was a great deal I did not know. For enterprises wishing to take Japan’s finest qualities into the world, this is a most excellent course. I recommend it warmly.
At first, I was uncertain. But as I proceeded, I found that I could speak of history and a wide range of subjects, which gave me much to share with my staff and those around me. My way of receiving employees has clearly changed. Many now tell me they find me approachable in conversation. And I have come to understand how non-verbal communication speaks more powerfully than words. To grasp what the world’s standards truly are, and to be able to speak of them — this has been my greatest gain.
The ICPA
Group
ICPA, as the members-only foremost institution of international protocol, undertakes the structured transmission of executive bearing. IPAA (the International Protocol Academy Association), a sister institution of the group, stands as an independent body that confers ICPA’s certifications — preserving objectivity and international standing.
Our sister academy TEA (The Elegance Academy) offers, as a place where elegance is taken pleasure in, tea gatherings, salons, and the hosting of social occasions — the gracious play and study of refinement. For executives who would pursue the academic discipline in its full form, ICPA stands open.
The ICPA
Letter
From ICPA, a letter of academic standing — on executive bearing, international business protocol, and global leadership — is dispatched with measured frequency. Notices of briefings, the principal’s column, mentions in the media, and conversations with executive members — the official communication of ICPA, the members-only foremost institution, to those who hold a considered interest.
To the pinnacle
of global business
Where international authority is built
The Global Authority is the course for executives and board members
who hold the discipline of executive bearing as a competitive advantage
in international business. The three-stage curriculum, the Specialist
Certification, and the customised programme may be chosen according
to position and aspiration. Please first consult with us through
our private online briefing.