HBR On Leadership cover image

HBR On Leadership

How to Develop Your Executive Presence

Feb 19, 2025
Megan Bock, COO of an insurance technology company, and Laura Sicola, a cognitive linguist and executive coach, dive into the nuances of executive presence. They discuss how leaders can project confidence, especially in remote settings. Key topics include strategies for enhancing engagement during virtual meetings, the importance of gravitas in communication, and the role of preparation and authenticity. They also emphasize overcoming perfectionism and the need to connect with audiences for effective leadership.
44:57

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Executive presence encompasses confidence, gravitas, and communication skills, all of which can be developed through intentional practice and feedback.
  • Remote work challenges the development of executive presence, necessitating proactive engagement and effective communication to maintain visibility and connection.

Deep dives

Understanding Executive Presence

Executive presence is a vital quality that leaders must cultivate to enhance their authority and influence. This concept includes traits such as confidence, gravitas, and communication skills, which can be developed over time. Effective communication, for example, involves not only articulating ideas clearly but also engaging with the audience through active listening and body language. Personal anecdotes from successful leaders illustrate how mastering executive presence can lead to career advancement and greater leadership opportunities.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode