Executive presence doesn't exist.
Because it's nothing more than a construct through which people project their worst and best filters.
At its worst, it gets weaponized against women and underrepresented leaders as a reason to hold them back from promotions, because the cookie cutter mold of “traditional” leadership has white supremacy written all over it.
At the same time, injustice doesn't erase the common sense of the expression.
At its best, executive presence can point people to their unexpressed potential for greater self-confidence, to feeling at ease in their own skin even when they're a minority in the leadership suite. Regardless of who’s being biased and wrong.
So where's the middle ground?
My definition of executive presence is informed not by tradition but by the latest findings in neuroscience.
Which means it's really about expanding your nervous system capacity: the capacity to handle the expected and unexpected stress that comes with leading projects, people, and processes.
Wednesday, November 18th, I'm showing you the how, backed by neuroscience. I’m inviting you to my free and open training on executive presence tools for women and underrepresented leaders.
You’ll discover and experience firsthand:
How to go WIDE and see the bigger picture, especially when distractions abound
How to go HIGH and rise above the petty drama, even when either doubt or a difficult person interrupts your flow in the middle of a meeting
When and how to strategically go LOW, with a steady voice that helps everyone around you settle and get on the same page
Each tool works with your vagus nerve to shift you into an alert, aware, and engaged state, so your thinking brain stays online right when you need it most.
This is for you if you’re ready to hold the room without over-explaining, push back without apologizing, and manage up or advise peer leaders without freezing or shutting down.
You're ready to take the lead with expansive curiosity and adaptability, so people start trusting you with bigger decisions because of how you show up, nontraditional background and all.
P.S. Fun fact: While most of my clients are managers and business owners (their results here), a handful of my coaching clients are neuroscientists. They find value in these tools, and you will too. No science degree required.