In episode 118, we're talking about how to build executive presence without losing yourself in the process.

You have probably heard the feedback — your executive presence is a little lacking. And you are left wondering: does that mean be more confident? Command a room? Become someone entirely different? It does not. Your leadership is not the problem. The feedback just did not come with enough information to act on.

In this conversation, I break down what executive presence feedback actually means, how to decode it into something specific and actionable, and how to decide what is worth building versus what you get to keep exactly as you are.

In this episode, I cover:

→ Why "executive presence" is often code for something nobody will explain to you

→ How to go back and get specific, actionable feedback from your manager

→ The framework for deciding what is a skill worth building vs. what is worth owning

→ A client story: how one woman kept her directness and changed the outcome

→ How to lead at the next level without erasing who you are

Key Takeaways:

– You cannot build a strategy around vague feedback, get specific examples first

– Executive presence feedback can be useful or it can be asking you to code switch, know the difference

– Your values (directness, community, humility) are leadership strengths, not liabilities

– Decode, decide, then build, in that order

– You do not have to become someone else to lead at the next level

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Building Executive Presence Without Becoming Someone Else

01:30 What "Executive Presence" Feedback Actually Means

03:15 Phase 1: Decode the Feedback

05:30 You Cannot Change What Nobody Has Named

07:00 Phase 2: Decide What Is Worth Changing vs. Owning

09:00 Client Story: Same Person, Better Framing

11:15 Dani's Personal Story

12:30 What If the Feedback Is Valid?

14:00 Closing: You Do Not Have to Become Someone Else

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