Part 1: A case for using that special skill to lead others – Presence

When Sylvia Ann Hewlett published her book “Executive Presence” in 2012, it sparked a movement in leadership development — along with a cascade of similar publications aimed at decoding what makes certain leaders stand out.

One of the main components of Executive Presence is gravitas – “ the signal to others that you’re leadership material”.  In other words, it’s about your capacity to inspire confidence — in yourself, in your vision, and in your ability to lead.

So, what does it actually take to hold that coveted “it” factor? And why do so many leaders seek coaching on this very topic? In this post, I’d like to share a few insights from my perspective as a leadership coach and explore how developing your Executive Presence can amplify your influence.

Breaking It Down: Executive + Presence

Let’s start by separating the two parts: Executive and Presence. For the sake of brevity, I’ll focus on “Presence” here, and I’ll tackle the “Executive” component in the next post.

Presence goes far beyond simply looking confident or exuding some kind of mystical magnetism. At its core, it’s about being fully present— mentally, emotionally, and physically — with the people you’re trying to lead and influence.

Many rising leaders I coach tell me they spend a considerable portion of their meetings worrying about how they’re being perceived or what to say next. Instead of being mentally front stage and present with the moment, they slip backstage into overthinking, hypothetical scenarios, and second-guessing themselves.

The result?

  • Wasted mental energy
  • Missed opportunities to share insights
  • Unclear or overlooked contributions
  • Lower engagement with peers and stakeholders
  • Feeling deflated

If you want others to see you as a credible, inspiring leader, your ability to be fully present matters more than you might think.

So, how do we strengthen Presence? 

Here are a few practices you can use to bring more focus, energy, and intention into the room — whether in person or online:

  • Clarify your intent:  Before entering a meeting or presentation, get clear on your role and what you want to achieve.
  • Listen to others: Take fewer notes and stay engaged. Trust yourself to remember the essentials.
  • Take up space: Sit or stand tall, and claim physical presence — even virtually.
  • Make eye contact while expressing your thoughts:  Look at the person speaking or, on video calls, directly into the camera.
  • Take smart risks: Ask questions and comment on what you hear. Give yourself permission to disagree and not care so much. Presence isn’t passive — it’s participatory.
  • Get coaching: Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you uncover blind spots and accelerate growth.

Your ability to inspire others starts with your ability to be present. The next time you step into a meeting, leave the mental noise at the door. Focus on truly engaging with the people in front of you, and notice the difference it makes — not only in how others perceive you but also in how confidently you lead.

In my next post, we’ll dive into the “Executive” side of executive presence — the authority, vision, and strategic impact that complete the picture. And hopefully answer the title question!