The Evolution of Executive Presence: Confidence, Authenticity, and Influence

Executive Presence Series, Part 2

Hosted by the CWBA Programs Committee

Click HERE to watch the video

Have you ever met someone who instantly commands attention the moment they walk into a room? Someone whose words carry weight, whose presence inspires confidence, and who seems to navigate high-pressure situations with ease? That’s Executive Presence.

At its core, Executive Presence is a combination of qualities and skills that help you influence others, build trust, and create a lasting impact. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting in a boardroom, or negotiating a deal, the way you show up matters.

The Power of Executive Presence

Executive Presence isn’t just about confidence—it’s about how you make others feel. It allows you to:

• Lead and inspire teams effectively.

• Build strong, meaningful relationships.

• Persuade and influence decision-making.

• Foster an environment where people feel valued.

A great leader isn’t just heard—they are felt.

4 Key Qualities of Executive Presence

1. Compassion – Leading with Empathy

The best leaders don’t just focus on results; they care about the people achieving them. Compassion in leadership means:

• Actively listening to both words and emotions.

• Treating others with dignity and respect.

• Building trust by showing you genuinely care.

• Acknowledging emotions in tough situations and offering support.

Compassionate leaders create spaces where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to do their best.

2. Composure – Staying Calm Under Pressure

Ever notice how the most respected leaders rarely seem rattled? That’s composure in action. It’s about:

• Maintaining a steady presence, even in stressful situations.

• Dropping the need to be perfect and embracing thoughtful responses.

• Creating a sense of stability so others feel they can rely on you.

A composed leader earns trust because people know they can count on them when it matters most.

3. Confidence – Owning the Room

Confidence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself and embodying that trust for others. You can build and demonstrate confidence by:

• Preparing well so you can speak with authority.

• Surrounding yourself with trusted advisors and mentors.

• Engaging with others in a way that is warm and open.

• Admitting when you don’t know something—authenticity is confidence, too.

People naturally gravitate toward confident leaders because they make others feel secure and assured.

4. Charisma – Making People Feel Seen

Charismatic leaders don’t just talk—they connect. True charisma comes from:

• Being fully present in conversations.

• Showing curiosity about others and their perspectives.

• Finding common ground and keeping the focus on the other person.

• Staying grounded and engaged, even in difficult moments.

Charisma isn’t about being flashy—it’s about making people feel valued and heard.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Executive Presence

✅ Do:

• Be yourself and lean into your natural strengths.

• Adapt your approach to different audiences and situations.

❌ Don’t:

• Try to force confidence—it should feel authentic.

• Use the same communication style for every scenario.

The Role of Self-Love and Self-Care

Executive Presence begins long before you step into the room—it starts with how you treat yourself. Self-love and self-care are essential foundations of confidence and poise. After all, how can you stand tall and command attention if you’re constantly criticizing yourself?

When we prioritize our well-being, we set ourselves up for success. We cultivate the resilience needed to handle challenges with grace. The ability to walk into a room with confidence, knowing we are worthy of being there, is not just about external presence—it’s about inner strength.

How Executive Presence Has Evolved

Over time, our understanding of Executive Presence has shifted. It’s no longer about dominating a room with authority; it’s about inspiring commitment and fostering meaningful connections. This evolution makes space for leaders with diverse personalities, backgrounds, and experience levels.

As professionals, we’ve transitioned from individual contributors to managers and leaders. The focus has moved from technical expertise to interpersonal skills. More than ever, Executive Presence is about self-assurance—owning our value rather than seeking external validation.

Breaking Barriers: The Changing Landscape for Women and People of Color

Historically, the voices of young women and people of color have been discounted in professional spaces. Many of us learned to navigate this by using humor or strategic communication tactics. Early in our careers, confidence had to be projected before it was truly felt.

With experience, however, the need to “fake it until we make it” fades. Our expertise and leadership naturally command respect. The strategies we once used—framing ideas as questions rather than direct suggestions—may still be necessary in some settings. However, as we gain credibility, our voices carry more weight without the need for extra maneuvering.

Balancing Authenticity with Influence

We often hear conflicting advice: “Be yourself,” “Stand firm,” “Don’t worry about what others think.” Yet, the reality is more nuanced. Understanding your audience and adapting your approach is key to influencing effectively.

Authenticity doesn’t mean rigidly sticking to one mode of expression. It means being true to yourself while also recognizing how to communicate in ways that resonate with different audiences. This flexibility isn’t inauthentic—it’s strategic.

Embracing Imperfection and Growth

Perfection is a myth. The more we acknowledge this, the more we empower ourselves and those around us. Making mistakes is part of growth and handling them with humor and grace is a powerful leadership skill. Instead of fearing failure, we can say with a smile, “Well, that didn’t work—let’s try this instead.”

Executive Presence and DEI: Creating Inclusive Spaces

Navigating Executive Presence as a leader committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requires balance. Stay true to yourself in safe spaces while recognizing that adapting to certain environments may be necessary for your voice to be heard.

This doesn’t mean compromising values—it means understanding the landscape and choosing the most effective approach. Resist the urge to respond with anger or defensiveness when met with resistance. Instead, focus on fostering inclusive dialogue and embodying the change you want to see.

Holding Executive Presence in Difficult Moments

Anger is rarely productive in professional settings. When frustration arises, take a deep breath. Think carefully about your next words. You don’t need to concede, but you do need to remain composed.

Respect isn’t demanded—it’s earned. And the best way to earn it is through authenticity, vulnerability, and unwavering professionalism.

The Digital Age of Executive Presence

In a virtual world, Executive Presence extends beyond physical spaces. On Zoom, for example, curating a professional appearance—through attire, background, and minimizing distractions—reinforces credibility. Digital environments require just as much intentionality as in-person interactions.

Final Thoughts

Executive Presence isn’t about being the loudest or most dominant person in the room. It’s about making people feel confident, inspired, and valued in your presence. By cultivating self-care, resilience, and strategic influence, you can create an Executive Presence that not only earns respect but also uplifts others.

So, ask yourself:

• How do you show up?

• How do you want people to feel when they’re in the room with you?

The answers to these questions define your Executive Presence.

Arlene Cohen Miller

Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, a Work-Life Balance & Harmony Coach for Women, CEO of Jewel Consultancy, an AV-Rated Colorado Attorney

Judge Jaclyn Brown

Court of Appeals Judge, Liason

to the 11th Judicial District 

Jackie Roeder

Partner and Executive Committee member at Davis Graham, chair of the Trial Department and leads the White Collar Defense & investigations practice

Melissa Lou

Sr. Director, Assistant General Counsel,

Head of Investigations at DaVita

---

About the Author...

Arlene Cohen Miller is  is an A-V Rated Colorado Attorney, a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, a Coach-Facilitator with Ingomu, a National Coaching Company, and the CEO of Jewel Consultancy where she offers coaching, mentoring, and soul readings. Arlene also has a Diploma in Transformational Holistic Counseling (Australia) and is a Certified Meditation Facilitator.  

As a Work-Life Harmony & Balance Coach, Arlene brings a wealth of training and experience to help you compassionately and wholeheartedly lead yourself and create the life that works and feels right for you, a life where you experience less stress and more patience, kindness, and peace; a life where you experience more contentment and joy.  Arlene facilitates virtual group coaching sessions to boost the confidence and self-esteem of corporate employees and university students as a coach-facilitator with Ingomu. She also offers Transformational Healing & Heart Alchemy Mentoring. 

Arlene is the recipient of the President’s Cup for lifetime service with the Commercial Law League of America, where she served in many leadership positions including Chair of the Creditors’ Rights Section, Chair of the Western Region, Arrangements Chair for the Western Meeting, and Board Representative for the Creditors’ Rights Section.