Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style

445: Why Over Reliance on Your Brilliance is Keeping You Out of the C Suite

Aug 11, 2025

Discover why relying solely on technical expertise might be holding you back from executive leadership roles. Learn how to transition from being just a knowledge expert to a strategic influencer. Gain insights on the importance of collaboration and asking the right questions. Uncover a mindset shift that empowers you to communicate confidently, even without all the answers. This engaging discussion encourages high-performing individuals to embrace their unique skills and cultivate their executive presence.

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ADVICE

Speak With Directional Answers

Give a directionally accurate partial answer instead of deferring when unsure.
Do this to appear composed and executive-ready in strategic meetings.

INSIGHT

Expertise Can Cage Your Career

Your technical brilliance can become a cage that limits senior leadership opportunities.
Recognize this to stop boxing yourself into roles where you must know everything.

INSIGHT

Leaders Decide With Incomplete Data

Senior leaders are paid to make smart decisions with incomplete information.
Build judgment and synthesis skills instead of trying to know everything.

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Are you still trying to earn your seat at the executive leadership table by knowing everything—only to feel like you’re left out of the critical executive conversations?

This episode is for high-performing introverts and technical experts who’ve mastered their craft but feel shaky when stepping into strategic conversations.

If you’re stuck thinking leadership equals deep expertise in every area, you’re probably holding yourself back from the influence, recognition, and senior-level opportunities you deserve.

By the end of today’s episode you’ll know:

😭Why clinging to your identity as the expert might be sabotaging your executive leadership potential.

🎯A simple mindset shift that allows you to speak up with authority—even when you don’t have all the answers

🚀How top performers are transforming their careers by shifting from knowledge holders to strategic influencers

To chat with Laura to see if her Executive Presence Mastery System is right for you click here.

Listen now to learn how to lead confidently, communicate like an executive, and step into the strategic roles your career is ready for.

I created the Executive Presence Mastery System. It’s designed specifically for technical experts like you, making the leap to strategic leadership. We’ll show you how to leverage your expertise without letting it hold you back.

Want to learn more? Head to the show notes and click the first link, or visit speakupwithlaura.com. Book a strategy call with me, and let’s map out how you can step into your full leadership potential.

Our Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities.

By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.