The Secret to Executive Presence: It’s Not What You Think
When people hear the phrase “executive presence,” they often imagine someone standing in front of a room, delivering a flawless speech, exuding confidence with every word. While that’s one version of it, the truth is, executive presence isn’t just about charisma or speaking skills. It’s about trust, clarity, and showing up authentically.
In this post, I want to break down what executive presence really is, why it matters for everyone (not just executives), and how you can start building it today—even if you don’t feel confident yet.
1. What Is Executive Presence, Really?
At its core, executive presence is the ability to inspire confidence—confidence in yourself, confidence in your team, and confidence in the decisions you make. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.
People with executive presence:
• Communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
• Stay calm under pressure, even when things don’t go as planned.
• Project authenticity, earning the trust of others.
It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about being the most intentional voice in the room.
2. Why It Matters at Every Stage of Your Career
You don’t have to be a CEO or senior leader to benefit from executive presence. Whether you’re interviewing for a new job, managing a team, or simply trying to make an impact in your current role, how you show up matters.
Here’s why:
• First Impressions Are Everything: People often form opinions about us within seconds. Executive presence helps ensure that impression reflects your true strengths.
• It Builds Trust: When others see you as confident and composed, they’re more likely to trust your leadership and ideas.
• It Opens Doors: Opportunities often go to those who project the ability to handle them—even if they’re still learning.
3. How to Start Building Executive Presence Today
You don’t need to overhaul your personality to develop executive presence. It’s about amplifying the best parts of yourself. Here are three small but powerful steps:
• Own Your Voice: One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to sound like someone else. Practice speaking in a way that feels natural and authentic to you—whether that’s in meetings, emails, or presentations.
• Master Nonverbal Communication: Your body language speaks volumes. Practice standing tall, maintaining eye contact, and using intentional gestures to reinforce your message.
• Stay Calm Under Pressure: When things go wrong (and they will), take a breath before reacting. A calm response signals confidence and keeps others grounded.
Why This Matters to Me
At Throughline Consulting, I’ve worked with leaders and professionals at all levels, and one thing is always clear: executive presence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. It’s about stepping into your story, finding your voice, and using it to make an impact.
I’ve seen clients transform when they embrace this, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping others do the same.
If this resonates with you—or if you’re curious to learn more about building your own executive presence—stick around. I’ll be diving deeper into actionable strategies in future posts. In the meantime, what’s one small thing you can do this week to show up with confidence?
Let’s build it together.
– Maribeth
