Executive Presence Is a Skill You Can Build

Executive presence is the difference between being in the room and being trusted to lead it. It is not about being the loudest, the most polished, or the most impressive. It is about clarity, calm, and credibility. In interviews and conversations, it is what makes boards, CEOs, and executive teams believe that you can guide the organisation through uncertainty and change.

The good news is that presence is not something you are born with. It is a skill and a muscle that grows through practice. Every meeting, every conversation, and every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen it. For IT leaders, this matters even more because you are often operating in environments shaped by disruption, risk, and high expectations. How you carry yourself, your composure, and your energy send powerful signals about your readiness to lead.

Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on consistency. Small, steady repetitions build lasting presence over time. In the end, presence is not just about what you say. It is about the trust you earn each time you show up.

Practical tip
After each interview or important conversation, write down one thing you did that reflected calm, clarity, or credibility. Build on that in the next interaction so your presence grows through small, intentional improvements.