Executive Presence Is Not One Size Fits All

Confidence. Gravitas. Charisma. Sparkle!

I’ve been having some great conversations about Executive Presence lately. It’s fascinating how, in a business setting, we can often recognize it right away when someone has it—and just as quickly notice when it’s missing. This has me wondering: what does executive presence look like to you? What specific qualities make you feel like you’re seeing it?

Seasoned professionals often share similar answers, but I’ve noticed that the differences can be striking when expectations aren’t clearly communicated. For example, if “sparkle” is expected, does that apply to everyone—even those whose natural demeanor isn’t flashy or attention-grabbing? If gravitas is a requirement, what about individuals who are less polished in their communication with clients and colleagues?

What stands out to me is how often our view of executive presence is shaped by our personal expectations rather than the unique traits of the individual in front of us. This brings the conversation back to authenticity. If someone doesn’t have charisma, can they still have executive presence? And if someone exudes quiet confidence (which is a thing, btw), does that count as executive presence in your eyes?