The Edge Newsletter - Winter 2026
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations about 'Executive Presence'. Many talk about it as an important part of leadership… and yet, too often there’s a lack of clarity around what it means, or how to develop it.
So, with performance evaluation season upon us, I thought it would be a helpful time to offer some thoughts for consideration on the concept of executive (or leadership) presence. If you’ve received feedback about executive presence, I hope this provides a framework for reflection. And if you’re preparing to coach someone within your organization on executive presence, perhaps this information can help equip you with some language and tools to offer clear and actionable feedback to set your team members up for success.
Want to discuss this further? Let’s chat!
Executive or Leadership Presence
'Executive Presence' is not limited to executives. Every person has a presence, which is all about how others experience you: how you act, communicate, and look… especially under pressure. By building awareness of your behaviours – and what they are saying to others – you build trust and credibility.
How You Act: Gravitas
While the term can conjure images of grandeur and authority, gravitas is really about calm, grounded confidence.
While it may look different in each unique person and setting, there are some common elements:
Composure under pressure
Thoughtful responses
Decisiveness with openness
Owning a room without dominating it
How You Communicate: Concise, Clear, and on Point
Executives value clarity over completeness: leading with the point, following up with the ‘why’, and avoiding over-contextualizing. Executive communication is clear, intentional, and audience-centred. It builds connection.
How You Look: Signalling Intention
Appearance isn’t just about dressing a certain way; it comes down to deciding how you want to present yourself, and ensuring your look is aligned with the way you want to be perceived. This includes body language, tone, and yes… clothing and grooming, too.
Your appearance should:
Match your role and audience
Reduce distraction
Reinforce credibility
And it’s not a one size-fits all solution!
Remember: executive or leadership presence isn’t about being someone else—it’s about being intentional about how others experience you.
In Case You Missed It: 2025 Gain YOUR Edge Spotlights
Speaking of executive presence… here are some folks that are at the top of their game! While they work in a wide range of fields and roles, they each express themselves authentically and professionally, in their own unique way!
Over the past few years, I’ve been shining a spotlight on some of the incredible people in my circle: clients, colleagues, friends and mentors who are making an impact in their communities and beyond. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate their success, and to share their fantastic work. So today I’m sharing the 2025 Gain YOUR Edge Spotlights, along with the full list of profiles. And if you or someone you know would like to be featured, let's chat!
Consider This: What Makes a Great Leader?
Recently I’ve found myself reflecting on leadership: what I value in others, what I want to centre in my own leadership, and what qualities developing leaders can cultivate within themselves.
While there’s no ONE type of great leader, I believe that knowing what you value in a leader can help inform your own leadership. So today I invite you to spend some time thinking about the characteristics you most appreciate in a leader.
Ask a Coach
Is there a question you've always wanted to ask? Now's your chance!
Please send me your questions, queries, and curiosities, and I'll get back to you with some thoughts or suggestions or a tool or strategy you could try out.
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