How to Enhance Your Executive Presence

I recently worked with a client who came to me looking to improve her “executive presence.” Through our coaching conversations, we uncovered her challenge: staying true to her authentic self while also wanting to be taken seriously by her more seasoned, senior colleagues. She said, “I’m a bubbly, outgoing person, but sometimes I fear that comes off as immature or unprofessional. How can I reconcile these two things?”

To help her, I asked a series of questions designed to build awareness and bring the idea of executive presence to life in a way that felt real for her:

• How do you define ‘executive presence’? Think of a few people who embody this trait well (real or fictional).

• What is it about the way they behave or carry themselves that resonates with you?

• When you think of that ideal presence, what elements really stand out to you? Why do they matter?

  
  

Through these questions, my goal was to help my client see that executive presence is not a one-size-fits-all trait. It's about aligning with your authentic self while understanding how to adapt your presence in different environments.

Next, I shifted the focus to better understand the gap between my client’s ideal state and where she felt she currently stood. I asked:

• What kind of environment would help you step into this presence more fully?

• What are the barriers you’re facing right now that prevent you from showing up the way you want to?

  
  

Rather than focusing solely on “fixing” executive presence, I encouraged my client to zoom out and consider the bigger picture. This reframe often leads to deeper insights and more meaningful action steps. I asked:

• What kind of legacy do you want to leave as a leader?

• When you leave a room or a conversation, what do you want people to think or feel about you?

• What are the ways in which your presence is already making an impact, even if it’s not yet “perfect”?

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By exploring these deeper questions, we were able to clarify not only her leadership vision but also the values and behaviors that would truly make her feel aligned with her executive presence.

Final Thoughts:

Enhancing your executive presence is not about becoming someone you’re not; it’s about aligning your authentic self with the leadership qualities that will make you feel confident and impactful. It’s a journey of self-discovery, awareness, and adaptation—one where you get to define what leadership means for you.

If you’re ready to explore how to step into your leadership presence more fully, reflect on the key elements that resonate with you, and uncover any barriers standing in your way, I invite you to schedule a free consultation. Let’s work together to uncover your unique leadership strengths and help you show up as the leader you were meant to be.