Executive presence is traditionally described as the ability to project confidence, competence, and credibility—qualities that inspire trust, influence others, and command respect. It’s the invisible X-factor that makes people want to follow you, especially in high-stakes situations.
In her well-known research-based framework, Sylvia Ann Hewlett, in Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success (2014), identified three core pillars:
- Gravitas (67%) – Confidence, emotional intelligence under pressure, integrity, and a sense of purpose
- Communication (28%) – Clarity, assertiveness, and influence
- Appearance (5%) – Professional polish and physical presence
But in today’s world, what actually inspires trust?
We are no longer operating in stable, predictable environments. We live in a VUCA world -volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous – where attention is fragmented, trust is low, and polarization is high. Leaders are not just managing strategy; they’re navigating noise, distrust, and deep uncertainty.
From Gravitas to Genuine Connection
“Executive presence” still too often evokes the image of a self-assured, silver-haired, white man in a tailored suit commanding the boardroom. Think 80s TV series… But that archetype is becoming increasingly out of sync with the world we’re leading in.
Over the past decade – and especially since the pandemic – we’ve seen a shift in what organizations and individuals value in leadership:
- Empathy over ego
- Inclusivity over individualism
- Psychological safety over perfectionism
In her 2018 Forbes article, “It’s Time to Redefine Executive Presence,” leadership coach Liz Guthridge makes a compelling argument that traditional executive presence is outdated. She calls for a pivot toward situational presence – the ability to adapt authentically to your environment, connect across difference, and lead in context.
I couldn’t agree more.
But the World Is Pulling in Two Directions
While we’ve seen this evolution toward softer, more human-centered leadership values, recent global trends remind us there are competing narratives about what leadership should look like.
- The backlash against DEI
- The rise of authoritarian leadership styles
- The return to “strongman” figures in politics and media
These signal a reassertion of old paradigms – often rooted in control, dominance, and charisma. In some contexts, these traits still create influence, and seem to be able to grab power especially when times are chaotic. But do they inspire trust in the long run?
That’s the central question.
What We Need Now: Presence That Cuts Through the Noise
To truly inspire in 2025 and beyond, executive presence must evolve into something sharper, more human, and deeply attuned to the chaos around us.
Leaders must be able to:
- Cut through the noise – Speak clearly, act decisively, and make sense of complexity.
- Provide a credible yet inspiring vision – One grounded in reality, but compelling enough to move people.
- Get others to follow – Not through authority alone, but through trust, resonance, and consistency.
That requires:
- Authenticity – Be real. Be human. Be reliable. What you see is what you get.
- Emotional Intelligence – Read the room. Listen to understand the concerns of your audience. Manage your reactions. Adapt your tone.
- Strategic Communication – Deliver the right message, in the right way, for the right moment.
Final Thought
In a time when many are asking, “Who can I trust?” or “What do we believe?”, executive presence is no longer just about how you look or sound in the boardroom. It’s about how you show up when things are messy, unclear, and real. It’s also about how you unite people, collaborate across differences, install credibility and inspire optimism—without denying reality.
That’s the kind of leadership we need more of.
