Hello Leaders,
Who here has seen Succession? If you haven’t, it’s a rollercoaster of power struggles and leadership missteps, wrapped up in the story of the Roy family and their global media empire. The stakes are high, the drama is wild, and the leadership? Let’s just say it’s a lesson in what not to do.
Logan leads with brute authority but alienates everyone around him. Kendall tries to inspire but falters under pressure. Shiv shows glimpses of potential but struggles to fully command the room. What the show highlights, intentionally or not, is the critical importance of presence in leadership.
Executive presence isn’t about being the loudest or the flashiest. It’s about your tone, your energy, and the trust you inspire. Neuroscience tells us people’s brains make snap judgments about you in seconds, based on your body language, your voice, and your overall presence.
Here’s the bottom line: If you’re not intentional about how you show up, you’re leaving your influence to chance. And leaders, that’s not a gamble worth taking.
This week, we’ll dive into practical ways to strengthen your presence, so you don’t just show up–you stand out…
Here’s How You Step Up Right Now:
Stop Pretending to Listen. Actually Listen.
Want to build trust fast? Listen like you mean it. Don’t just nod and wait for your turn to talk. Really lean in. Neuroscience shows that when people feel heard, their brains release oxytocin, the trust chemical. That’s when the real magic happens: walls come down, and trust builds up.
This week, try this: In every important conversation, ask at least one clarifying question. Something like, “What’s driving that idea?” or “How can I support that decision?” It shows you’re fully present and invested.
Read the Room. Then Own It.
One size does not fit all in leadership. Some rooms need inspiration. Others need strategy or calm authority. Great leaders don’t bulldoze through with the same approach every time, they adapt.
Before your next meeting, ask yourself, “What does this room need from me right now?” Then bring it. Whether it’s energy, clarity, or direction, meet people where they are and lead from there.
Master the Pause.
Pausing is not weakness. It is power. A pause before you speak gives your words weight and shows you are in control of the moment.
Next time resist the urge to rush your answers. Take two seconds to pause before responding. That silence is not awkward. It is authority.
Before Your Next Big Moment:
Here’s a quick move I use all the time: Before you walk into a meeting, take three deep breaths. Focus on how you want to show up—calm, clear, and intentional.
This small reset doesn’t just calm your nerves. It centers your thoughts and sets the tone for the energy you’re about to bring into the room.
And here’s the real takeaway: You don’t need to channel Logan’s bulldozing, Kendall’s neediness, Shiv’s overthinking, or Roman’s… whatever Roman is doing. Let’s leave the drama to the Roys.
Real executive presence isn’t about forcing authority or trying to be something you’re not. It’s about showing up with clarity, connecting with purpose, and earning trust that lasts.
The leaders who understand this don’t just succeed, they thrive. They inspire loyalty, drive action, and make a lasting impact. So step into the room, own your voice, and lead in a way that makes people say, “That’s the leader I want to follow.”
Let’s make it happen,
Share this post