This entire post is a masterclass, Deb. Especially the line: “Executive presence isn’t about having all the answers… it’s built in the simple moments.” That resonated deeply.
I’m a military officer about to take command of a U.S. Army Battalion, and I’ve found that executive presence in uniform isn’t just about projecting strength, it’s about building trust when the stakes are high and the room is full of silence, not applause.
What you laid out, especially around subtext, alignment, and clarity, tracks perfectly with what I’m seeing on the ground. I’m documenting this journey publicly in a leadership series called Friction Made Me. It’s raw, in-motion reflection on what it takes to lead when you’re not polished… just present and accountable.
Would love your take on how executive presence shows up in environments shaped by hierarchy, history, and tension, not just ambition.
I really like the exercise you provided in point one about landing your message. I'm constantly pitching myself and my fund to various types of people, and will use this exercise going forward. It's important to be aware of the relationship at play, and to consider where the other person is at as well.
Really valuable insights here.Thanks for sharing Deb!!
Thanks for writing this! Can’t
appreciate more and it is so helpful.
This entire post is a masterclass, Deb. Especially the line: “Executive presence isn’t about having all the answers… it’s built in the simple moments.” That resonated deeply.
I’m a military officer about to take command of a U.S. Army Battalion, and I’ve found that executive presence in uniform isn’t just about projecting strength, it’s about building trust when the stakes are high and the room is full of silence, not applause.
What you laid out, especially around subtext, alignment, and clarity, tracks perfectly with what I’m seeing on the ground. I’m documenting this journey publicly in a leadership series called Friction Made Me. It’s raw, in-motion reflection on what it takes to lead when you’re not polished… just present and accountable.
Would love your take on how executive presence shows up in environments shaped by hierarchy, history, and tension, not just ambition.
Jason
Really great advice. Thanks for sharing Deb!
That is a good topic for a future post for sure.
This is so well said. Thank you!
I really like the exercise you provided in point one about landing your message. I'm constantly pitching myself and my fund to various types of people, and will use this exercise going forward. It's important to be aware of the relationship at play, and to consider where the other person is at as well.
Brilliantly put. I wish I’d learned this earlier—thanks for laying it out so clearly.
You write so well. You should write much more :)
Very good advice!