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✨ Executive Presence (Blog 1) – Why It Matters More Than Ever
- katrincharlton
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Let’s talk about something I’ve seen make a real difference in leadership—yet it’s rarely spoken about directly.
Why does executive presence matter?
Because in moments that count—when pressure rises, uncertainty looms, or change is in the air—people don’t just look for leaders. They feel them.
And often, you can’t quite define it—but you know when it’s there.And just as quickly—you sense when it’s not.
🧠 A 2022 survey by the Centre for Talent Innovation found that executive presence accounts for over 25% of what it takes to get promoted. In senior leadership spaces, it’s often an unspoken factor—a quiet edge that influences who gets heard, trusted, and followed.
But here’s the interesting part: Executive presence isn’t about being the loudest voice or having all the answers. It’s not reserved for extroverts or those in sharp suits.And in my experience, it rarely comes from trying to ‘perform’ leadership.
🎯 It’s something deeper. Calmer. Built from the inside out.
So, What Is Executive Presence?
Leadership expert Sylvia Ann Hewlett offers a helpful framework, breaking it down into three key pillars:
Gravitas – How you act (67%)
Communication – How you speak (28%)
Appearance – How you look (5%)
Yes—appearance only accounts for 5%.That surprised me at first too.
And yet, from what I’ve seen in coaching rooms and boardrooms, these numbers feel true.Many leaders focus heavily on how they appear, but the ones who lead most effectively—especially through transitions—tend to show up with something else: clarity, intention, and quiet confidence.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aligned—with yourself and with what matters in the moment.
The Neuroscience of Presence
Our brains are wired to sense congruence.
Even before the logical part of our brain engages, the limbic system—our emotional radar—is scanning the room:
Is this person safe? Real? Trustworthy?
When someone’s words and tone don’t match their energy or body language, we feel it.In neuroscience terms, it’s a disconnect between the prefrontal cortex (our reasoning brain) and the limbic system (our intuitive brain).
This is one reason why the old advice to “fake it till you make it” often falls flat.People may not be able to explain why, but they feel when something’s off.
High vs Low Executive Presence – A Personal Lens
From my coaching perspective, here’s how the difference often shows up. This isn’t a strict rulebook—just patterns I’ve noticed again and again:
Dimension | Lower Presence | Stronger Presence |
Thinking | Reactive, self-doubting, externally driven | Grounded, values-led, aware of impact |
Communication | Over-explaining, vague, apologetic | Clear, calm, considered—even in tension |
Body Language | Closed, fidgety, tense | Open, relaxed, anchored posture |
Energy | Anxious, performative, people-pleasing | Centred, responsive, intentional |
Decision-Making | Hesitant or over-controlling | Inclusive, composed, able to hold complexity |
Presence in Room | Overlooked or overpowering | Creates safety, holds space, speaks with weight |
Of course, we all have moments across both columns. This isn’t about judging—but noticing. Becoming more aware of how we show up when it matters.
A Gentle Reframe
Executive presence isn’t just for CEOs or senior leaders. It’s relevant to anyone trying to lead, influence, or support others—whether you’re managing a team, navigating change, or holding a tough conversation.
In my view, presence isn’t a fixed trait. It’s a practice. A way of tuning into what’s needed—and responding from a place of clarity rather than pressure.
Final Reflection
Executive presence, for me, is less about performance and more about alignment. Between your thoughts, your energy, and how others experience you when you walk in.
And like most things that matter in leadership—it’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about growing awareness, staying open, and choosing to show up with intention.
📌 In my next post, I’ll share 7 simple but powerful ways to strengthen executive presence—without acting or pretending to be someone you’re not.
🗯 Reflection prompt:
Where in your leadership could your presence be more aligned with your intention this week?
If this speaks to where you are right now, or you’re curious to explore it more deeply, I offer bespoke coaching programmes designed to support leaders navigating transitions or looking to grow their impact from the inside out.
You can book a complimentary discovery call or simply drop me a message to katrin@kbccoaching.com or +44 7881 644 323.
✨ Coaching can offer a space to slow down, reflect, and rebuild presence in a way that’s true to you—not a version you think you need to become.
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