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.
One thing I’ve noticed from the recruiter side is that executive presence often becomes visible before someone is ever in the room. At senior level, it shows in how clearly someone communicates their value, how they frame complex decisions and how confidently they engage with different stakeholders throughout the hiring process. It’s rarely about being the loudest or most polished person. Often it’s the ability to create clarity and confidence around 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.
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 valuable insights here.Thanks for sharing Deb!!
Thanks for writing this! Can’t
appreciate more and it is so helpful.
Really great advice. Thanks for sharing Deb!
That is a good topic for a future post for sure.
One thing I’ve noticed from the recruiter side is that executive presence often becomes visible before someone is ever in the room. At senior level, it shows in how clearly someone communicates their value, how they frame complex decisions and how confidently they engage with different stakeholders throughout the hiring process. It’s rarely about being the loudest or most polished person. Often it’s the ability to create clarity and confidence around you.
This really resonated with me. Being a great leader means that you lead by example and aptent taciti sociosqu.
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!