Executive Presence Is Not One Size Fits All

Executive presence is not a single style that works everywhere. Different boards, CEOs, executive teams, and ownership structures value different tones and different signals. The presence that works in a fast-moving startup may not land in a large, listed organisation. Before any high-stakes moment, ask yourself what this audience expects. Do they need challenger energy that disrupts and provokes, or steady stewardship that reassures and stabilises? How this group defines trust should shape how you show up, while still staying true to your own leadership style. That balance is what builds credibility.

Your mindset also plays a powerful role in presence. Before interviews or important conversations, take a moment to anchor yourself. Visualise the outcome you want, which is that your audience leaves trusting your clarity, judgement, and fit. Simple grounding phrases such as calm, clear, credible can help settle nerves, and a slow breath can stop you from rushing. Silence is often more powerful than filling every gap with words.

Energy matters just as much. Executive presence is not a one-off performance. It requires stamina. High-stakes moments need to be balanced with recovery, whether that is a walk, reflection, or proper rest. Protect time for deep preparation rather than constant output. Presence strengthens through consistency, not perfection. In times of transformation or disruption, especially for IT leaders, people look to you for steadiness. Your composure becomes a signal that sets the tone for everyone else.

Practical tip
Before an important meeting or interview, write down one word that reflects the presence your audience needs, such as challenger or steady. Pair it with a grounding phrase like calm, clear, credible, and use it to guide your energy, pace, and focus in the room.