The Art Of Executive Presence: Unlocking The Power Within

I have more clients coming to me with questions about executive presence than almost any other topic, and that might be because it feels a bit hard to pin down. After all, it’s more than just a polished exterior or commanding voice—it’s an intricate blend of emotional intelligence, communication skills, and gravitas that together create a compelling and effective leader.

So, let’s begin by defining executive presence and understanding why it’s important...

What Is Executive Presence?

At its core, executive presence refers to the ability to inspire others through a combination of personal attributes and skills. It’s the blend of confidence, gravitas, and communication skills that make others believe in your ability to lead, influence, and drive results. It’s not just about how you speak or carry yourself, it's about the impact you have on others and how you show up when it counts. Research indicates that leaders with strong executive presence are often perceived as more competent and influential, making it a crucial element for anyone who wishes to lead at the highest levels.

Unlocking Executive Presence

Take V, a female VP who’d been passed over for promotions multiple times despite her stellar track record with her team. She worked at a company where the leadership structure was an “old boys’ network”. Despite her hard work and dedication, the feedback she received about why she was passed over was vague. When we conducted a 360 assessment, it became clear that her leadership style was perceived differently by her peers and leaders than by her team. While her team gave her outstanding marks for servant leadership and her “roll up your sleeves” attitude, those above her saw her as more of a follower than a strategic leader.

Once V understood what the leadership team valued - visibility, strategic contribution, and assertiveness - she made subtle yet powerful changes. She began to share her team’s accomplishments publicly, added agenda items for executive meetings, and engaged more actively in strategic discussions. Instead of harmonizing with existing viewpoints, she introduced diverse perspectives. This shift not only elevated her profile but also aligned perfectly with a cultural change within the organization where a balance between employee care, client focus, and the bottom line was increasingly valued.

Let’s look at the key elements of executive presence and how V and others made conscious shifts in each of these areas.

Gravitas: The Quiet Power Of Presence

Gravitas is the essence of executive presence, conveying confidence, decisiveness, and authenticity. It’s what makes others sit up and take notice. It’s the ability to command a room with your presence alone. Leaders with gravitas inspire trust and confidence even in the most uncertain situations. A study by The Center for Talent Innovation found that 67% of executives believe that gravitas is a crucial factor in leadership effectiveness.

When V presented to the board, she often lacked confidence and poise. Early experiences had shaken her confidence, particularly when she was unprepared for the level of detailed scrutiny the board expected. We worked together to build out her presentations, rehearsed extensively, and used mental and emotional exercises to help her feel grounded. We also brainstormed potential questions she might face and discussed how to handle situations where she didn’t have immediate answers. A key part of this transformation was shifting her communication style from a narrative approach to a more concise, briefing-style format. This preparation helped her feel more in control, allowing her to project the confidence and poise that are central to executive presence.

S, a strategic powerhouse, had gravitas in spades. Throughout her career, she’d been a rockstar, consistently outperforming expectations, but as she took on more complex responsibilities, her quiet demeanor started to make her feel less visible. She’s always focused on strategy, but the organization now needed a leader who could confidently guide them through change. We worked on demonstrating her strategic thinking more overtly - engaging peers proactively and adding her insights to critical conversations. Her ability to remain composed and confident, regardless of the stakes, reinforced her status as a trusted leader. This gravitas enabled her to influence change beyond her immediate function, solidifying her role as a key player in the organization’s transformation.

Then there’s M, an up-and-coming CFO who initially struggled with gravitas. M started his career in a highly hierarchical organization where data analysis was paramount. As he moved up the ranks, he hadn’t managed all the functions he now oversaw, which eroded his confidence. A management change further complicated his situation, leaving him doubting his capabilities. Despite his deep knowledge, his quiet, studious demeanor didn’t project the authority of someone in his role.

Through our coaching, we focused on building a leadership identity that felt true to his strengths while meeting the expectations of his senior role. He began to embrace brevity in his communication - using half as many words but with more impact. By focusing on outcomes rather than detailed context, he started to project a more strategic, decisive presence. We also concentrated on building his social skills through relationship-building with peers. As M’s communication became more concise and outcome-focused, his gravitas grew, boosting his confidence and his influence within the company.

Communication: The Bridge To Connection

Clear, persuasive communication is another pillar of executive presence. It’s not just about what you say but how you say it - whether through body language, tone, or the words you choose. Leaders who communicate clearly and persuasively create a culture of transparency and trust. They engage their teams, articulate their vision and foster collaboration. Research from the Institute of Corporate Productivity reveals that companies with effective communicators are 50% more likely to have lower employee turnover rates. Leaders who communicate well help employee retention.

For V, this meant moving into a more visible role, taking the opportunity to introduce agenda items, manage a key initiative, and successfully present to the board. By adopting a more assertive communication style, she began contributing to higher-level discussions, making her leadership more visible. This change, though subtle, had a profound impact. It allowed her to demonstrate her strategic acumen while still honoring her naturally warm and supportive leadership style.

For M, the breakthrough came when he shifted from sharing extensive data in meetings to focusing on the big-picture outcomes. His concise, impactful communication elevated his status among peers and his ability to connect with others individually helped him build stronger, more collaborative relationships across the executive team.

A study by Bain & Co. found that decisive leaders who communicate clearly and with authority are 12x more likely to be seen as effective. When Jeff Bezos was leading Amazon, he banned PowerPoint presentations in favor of structured narrative memos. This approach ensured the focus remained on substance rather than style, streamlining decision-making and communication.

Emotional Intelligence: The Heart Of Leadership

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is one of the cornerstones of executive presence. It involves recognizing and managing one’s own emotions while also empathizing with others. Leaders with high EQ are adept at navigating complex social dynamics, fostering a positive work environment, and responding to challenges with grace. A study by TalentSmart found that emotional intelligence is responsible for 58% of performance in all types of jobs. Clearly, cultivating EQ isn’t just beneficial, it’s imperative for effective leadership.

Cultivating both of these “minds” is essential for great leadership.

For V, this meant recognizing that while her servant leadership style endeared her to her team, it wasn’t enough to signal leadership potential at the next level. By tuning into the expectations of her leadership team and peers, she adjusted her approach. 

Similarly, M’s journey involved building greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. He learned to manage his internal self-doubt and outwardly project confidence, all while maintaining his thoughtful, data-driven approach.

A study published by the Harvard Business Review found that leaders with higher emotional intelligence create environments where employees are more engaged and productive, which directly correlates with organizational success. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, transformed the company’s culture by fostering a “learn-it-all” mindset, emphasizing empathy and active listening, key components of emotional intelligence.

Practical Steps To Build Your Executive Presence

We’ve compiled a list of eight things you can do to strengthen your executive presence that touches on all three areas - gravitas, communication and emotional intelligence:

1. Practice Self-Reflection

Set aside time each week to reflect on your emotions and reactions in various situations. Consider journaling about your feelings, triggers, and responses. Self-reflection practices increase self-awareness, allowing you to recognize patterns in your emotional responses and understand the impact they have on your behavior and decision-making.

2. Seek Feedback

Ask trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors for constructive feedback on your emotional interactions and communication style. Be open to their insights and suggestions. External feedback provides a different perspective on how your emotions are perceived by others, helping you identify areas for improvement and gain a fuller understanding of your emotional impact.

3. Cultivate Empathy

Make a conscious effort to listen actively when others speak. Focus on understanding their feelings and viewpoints without immediately responding or judging. Empathy is essential for emotional intelligence. By genuinely trying to understand others’ emotions, you can build stronger relationships and improve your ability to connect with people on a deeper level.

4. Practice Public Speaking

Join a public speaking group like Toastmasters or participate in local workshops. Start by presenting on topics you’re passionate about and gradually tackle more complex subjects. You could even flex your creative muscles and audition for a local play. Public speaking allows you to become more comfortable expressing your ideas in front of others, enhancing your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and build confidence in your communication style.

5. Practice Non-Verbal Communication

Be mindful of your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice during conversations. Practice mirroring the body language of the person you’re speaking with to create rapport. Non-verbal cues can significantly impact how your message is received. And being mindful of your body language and ensuring it aligns with your words can improve both clarity and connection with your audience.

6. Cultivate Self-Confidence

Additionally, engaging in new activities—whether by taking on new projects at work or developing new skills—can significantly boost self-confidence. When you challenge yourself with new tasks, you face and overcome obstacles, expand your comfort zone, and build resilience. When you believe in yourself and your abilities, others are more likely to respect and follow your lead.

7. Develop Emotional Resilience

Focus on managing stress and handling challenging situations with composure. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and reflective journaling can help you develop resilience (and break the burnout cycle). Leaders with gravitas maintain their poise under pressure. Emotional resilience allows you to navigate difficult circumstances without losing your composure, thereby projecting strength and reliability.

8. Build Authentic Relationships

Take the time to connect with others on a personal level. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and practice empathy in your interactions. Engage in networking opportunities to expand your circle. Authentic relationships foster trust and respect. When people feel valued and understood, they’re more likely to see you as a leader with gravitas, someone worthy of their attention and loyalty.

Executive presence is a multi-faceted leadership skill that requires the right balance of gravitas, communication, and emotional intelligence. It’s not something that can be achieved overnight, but through self-awareness, feedback, and coaching, leaders at every level can develop this elusive quality.

For leaders like V, S, and M, the journey to mastering executive presence was about aligning their natural strengths with the expectations of their roles while remaining authentic.

Whether you’re a data-driven CFO or a people-oriented VP, the key is to understand how your leadership is perceived and to make the subtle but powerful shifts that will help you stand out as a confident, strategic leader capable of guiding your team - and your organization - forward.