How to Expand Your Executive Presence Without Losing Yourself
Executive Presence is often described as the “it factor” that distinguishes high-potential leaders from those who remain overlooked. But what if we told you it’s not just about charisma, gravitas, or a commanding presence—it’s also about alignment, authenticity, and adaptability?
In today’s fast-paced business environment, how you show up is just as important as what you do. Whether you’re presenting to stakeholders, leading a team through change, or stepping into a more visible role, Executive Presence can either amplify your message—or dilute it.
At the Leadership Coach Group, we believe presence is a practice. And like any skill, it can be refined with the right tools, strategies, and support.
What Is Executive Presence—Really?
Too often, Executive Presence is misunderstood as something you’re either born with or not. But the truth is, it’s a blend of learned behaviors and self-awareness. According to research from the Center for Talent Innovation, Executive Presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted to the next level.
This presence comprises three key skill sets:
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Communication – Clear, confident, and concise delivery—verbally and nonverbally.
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Movement and Behavior – Grounded body language that signals calm authority.
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Appearance – Intentional and context-appropriate presentation.
But here’s the twist: it’s not about fitting a mold. It’s about expanding your range while staying grounded in your values.
Charisma vs. Gravitas: Why You Need Both
Great leaders know when to lean into charisma—the approachable, empathetic, relationship-building style—and when to channel gravitas—the calm, confident command that inspires credibility in high-stakes situations.
The playbook helps you assess which style comes more naturally and which one you need to intentionally develop. Ask yourself:
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When have I demonstrated gravitas under pressure?
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Where has charisma helped me connect and influence?
Balancing both dimensions is what separates average leaders from those who truly inspire.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Growth and Authenticity
One of the biggest barriers to developing Executive Presence is the fear of losing authenticity. Many leaders worry, “If I try to speak or show up differently, will it still be me?”
The answer is yes—if you lead with intention.
Growth doesn’t mean becoming someone else. It means expanding how you express who you already are. The most powerful leaders are those who:
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Start with their natural strengths
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Stretch into new ways of showing up
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Connect new behaviors to their deeper purpose
Executive Presence isn’t a performance—it’s a signal. It tells the room who you are before you speak.
Managing Self-Doubt Is Part of the Journey
Even the most seasoned executives face impostor syndrome and moments of uncertainty. What makes the difference is how they navigate that doubt. The playbook offers three powerful strategies:
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Reconnect to Your Values – Let your purpose be your compass.
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Act the Part – Project the presence you aspire to—your mind will catch up.
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Shift Focus Outward – Serve the team and the message, not your insecurities.
Leadership isn’t about the absence of fear. It’s about showing up anyway—with courage, clarity, and care.
Practice, Reflect, and Repeat
Like any high-impact habit, Executive Presence grows through consistency. Use tools like:
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The P.R.E.P. framework for speaking confidently
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Weekly reflections to track growth
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Feedback loops to calibrate how others perceive your presence
And remember: progress, not perfection.
Want to explore your presence and grow your leadership range?
Download the Executive Presence Playbook and dive into reflection prompts, confidence-building exercises, and proven strategies for showing up with impact.
Webinar Recap: How Do I Develop a Bolder Executive Presence—Yet Still Be Me?
In this powerful session, Marie-Jeanne Juilland helped demystify what Executive Presence really is, and how to develop it without losing your authenticity.
Marie-Jeanne introduced the two key styles of Executive Presence—Charisma (approachability) and Gravitas (authority). Through stories, live coaching, and real-time reflection, attendees explored where they naturally fall on the Charisma-Gravitas continuum and how to flex their style based on the context.
She emphasized that Executive Presence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a set of learnable skills. And sometimes, the most powerful growth comes from stepping slightly outside your comfort zone, not changing who you are.
Key Takeaway: You don’t need to become someone else to lead with presence. The goal is to expand your range, align your presence with your values, and lead in a way that inspires trust and confidence.
Missed the session? Watch the full webinar below!
We Are Your Partner for Leadership Growth
At the Leadership Coach Group, we are committed to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights needed to thrive in leadership roles. We offer a range of services designed to support your growth and development:
- One-on-One Executive Coaching – Personalized guidance to help leaders refine their personal brand and maximize their leadership potential.
- Team Coaching – Strengthen collaboration, communication, and alignment within teams to drive collective success.
- Leadership Training – Develop essential leadership skills through workshops and interactive learning experiences.
- Leadership Assessments – Gain clarity on strengths and areas for growth through proven assessment tools.
- Inspirational Speakers – Engage your teams with expert insights and motivation from experienced leadership coaches.
