Scenario
Alex, a senior director at a global healthcare company, was a highly skilled and results-driven leader, but feedback from leadership consistently pointed to one critical gap: “You need more executive presence.” Unsure of what this entailed or how to develop it, Alex found himself frustrated by the ambiguity. While his technical expertise was impeccable, he struggled to command the room in high-stakes meetings, articulate his ideas with clarity, and project the confidence expected at the senior leadership level. Realizing that executive presence was essential to unlocking his full potential, Alex sought coaching to address this challenge.
Strategy
Step 1:
Define Executive Presence
Step 2:
Develop Communication Skills
Step 3:
Enhance Non-verbal Presence
Step 4:
Build Strategic Relationships
Step 5:
Own the Room
The coaching process began by demystifying executive presence. Through discussions with key stakeholders and feedback analysis, we identified the core components of executive presence that mattered most.
One of Alex’s key areas of focus was communicating with greater impact. Coaching sessions included techniques, practice, and video reviews of his presentations and meeting interactions. We worked on organizing his thoughts into concise, compelling messages and delivering them with confidence. Alex also learned to adapt his communication style based on his audience.
Body language and vocal tone were critical aspects of Alex’s executive presence. He practiced maintaining open, confident posture, steady eye contact, and intentional pauses to convey authority and composure. Through feedback and self-awareness exercises, Alex became more attuned to how his energy and demeanor influenced others' perceptions of him. Over time, he learned to project calmness under pressure, which inspired confidence in his leadership.
Executive presence isn’t just about how one speaks or looks—it’s also about how one engages with others. Alex worked on strengthening his strategic relationships, and, through coaching, he developed strategies to navigate high-stakes conversations with empathy and influence, enabling him to establish a stronger leadership presence across the organization.
Finally, Alex practiced "owning the room" in both virtual and in-person settings. This included refining his approach to meeting preparation, learning to ask powerful questions, and ensuring his voice was heard in critical moments. He also embraced moments of vulnerability, sharing personal insights to connect authentically with others while maintaining authority.
Results
Within nine months, Alex transformed the way he was perceived as a leader:
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Improved Confidence and Composure: Alex reported feeling more confident and composed in high-stakes situations. His ability to stay calm and focused under pressure elevated his credibility with peers and senior leadership.
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Stronger Communication Impact: Leadership noticed a marked improvement in Alex’s ability to articulate his vision and strategy. His concise, compelling communication style made him a trusted voice in executive-level discussions.
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Increased Influence and Visibility: Alex gained greater visibility and influence across the organization by building stronger relationships and contributing more effectively in cross-functional initiatives.
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Recognition of Growth: Feedback from senior leaders acknowledged Alex’s enhanced executive presence. Within a year, he was promoted to a higher-level role, where his ability to lead with confidence and clarity positioned him as a key player in the company’s strategic goals.
Alex’s journey highlights that executive presence isn’t an innate quality but a skill that can be developed with intentional focus. By learning how to communicate with impact, project confidence, and build strategic influence, he unlocked the next level of his leadership potential.