Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style

493: Why the Leadership Promotion You Earned Still Leaves You Feeling Out of Place at the Executive Table

Dec 1, 2025

Did you know high-performing professionals often feel like imposters even after a promotion? This discussion uncovers how those feelings can cause silence in important meetings, hurting visibility and career growth. Learn why using charm and humor can be a game changer, helping leaders feel more at ease. Plus, discover actionable strategies to encourage speaking up, like making small observations or asking clarifying questions. Empower your voice and boost your executive presence.

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INSIGHT

Under-Communicating Undermines Performance

High performers often under-communicate despite strong competence, causing visibility gaps.
Silence is misread as absence or apathy, not humility, which harms advancement.

INSIGHT

Good Work Alone Doesn’t Guarantee Visibility

Doing flawless work doesn't automatically translate into promotions or visibility.
Organizations reward drivers who are heard, not just doers who stay invisible.

ANECDOTE

Unpolished Voice, Big Credibility

Laura describes meeting a famous investor who sounded unpolished but was highly respected.
The example shows you don't need a polished accent to be credible and influential.

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To see if Laura’s Executive Presence Mastery System 90-day coaching intensive is right for you, set up a strategy call here.

Have you ever walked into a meeting, fully qualified — and still found yourself freezing or staying silent?

If you’ve been promoted, trusted, and experienced — yet still feel like an imposter in high-stakes rooms — this episode is for you. We’re unpacking why high-performing introverts often fall into the trap of under-communicating, and why charm and humor (yes, really) might be the exact tools to break the silence.

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

😳 How imposter syndrome can derail you after that juicy promotion

🚀The executive mindset shift that helps you speak up without spiraling into overthinking.

🔥Practical strategies to use lightness and humor as a strategic communication edge — even in high-stakes rooms.

Press play now to learn how to finally speak up with power, clarity, and authenticity — even when imposter syndrome tries to shut you down.

If you would like FREE coaching for our episode #500 coming out December 17 send me your burning executive presence question, plus your first name, role and company to hello@speakupwithlaura.com.

If you’re done letting imposter syndrome rent space in your head… Then this is the moment to shift.

I’ve built a structured, proven program specifically for experts and executives like you — people who’ve earned the seat but still struggle to use their voice once they get there.

👉 Head to www.speakupwithlaura.com/speakup (or click the top link in these show notes).

Inside, you’ll find a link to schedule a strategy call. We’ll break down what’s really holding you back and build the executive presence strategy for you so that you command respect — without faking, forcing, or posturing.

This is the voice of the next version of your leadership.

Let’s unlock it.

To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New 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.