Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style

517: 3 Shifts That Take You From Proving to Positioning to Build Massive Executive Presence & Influence

Jan 9, 2026

Discover how to enhance your executive presence without burning out. Learn the powerful shift from 'proving' your worth to 'positioning' yourself strategically in conversations. Explore how to define your unique perspective and connect insights to decisions that bolster your credibility. Gain tips on orchestrating discussions rather than merely reacting and mastering the art of concise, impactful communication. Finally, implement simple self-review questions to accelerate your leadership journey and truly influence at an enterprise level.

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INSIGHT

Less Busy, More Deliberate

Executive presence grows from doing less and doing what matters more deliberately.
Busy work doesn't equal leadership; strategic choice and stopping some tasks signal seniority.

ADVICE

Shift From Proving To Positioning

Position yourself instead of proving by explaining who you are in the company's context.
Answer what perspective you bring, what decisions your insight enables, and what risks you help avoid.

ANECDOTE

The Introvert Coach Example

Laura contrasts typical theater-trained communication coaches with her lifelong introvert approach.
She uses this personal difference to show how your unique background becomes your positioning asset.

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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.

In today’s episode I’m answering a question from listener Ibrahim, a sales agent at group vivendi Africa that deals with getting better results without working MORE.

Many high-performing introverts think that outperforming their earlier self means logging more hours, proving value, or being ultra-responsive. But in today’s episode, you’ll discover why those strategies can actually stall your influence—and what to do instead.

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

🔥The 3 high-impact mindset shifts that signal executive presence without burnout

🏆How to move from "proving" to "positioning" in every conversation

🚀 A simple weekly self-review questions you can use to accelerate your leadership evolution

Listen now to discover how to outperform your earlier self with more influence, clarity, and strategy—not more effort.

Today’s episode comes from a listener question I love because it signals ambition, self-awareness, and leadership readiness.

If you’re in a fast-paced global company and you’re tired of being the one who’s always “reacting” — answering fast, fixing issues, being helpful — but still not getting invited into higher-level strategy or trusted with bigger decisions… and deep down, you know you’ve outgrown that version of yourself…

That’s why we created the Executive Presence Mastery System — to help you move from personal success to enterprise-level influence, with coaching designed for introverts and international leaders who want to speak with authority — without changing who they are.

Head to the link at the top of these show notes or visit speakupwithlaura.com/speakup — find a time that works for you.

Episode 404: How to Instantly Build Trust with Senior Executives and Avoid Being Laid Off.

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.