If you’ve ever seen The Devil Wears Prada, you probably remember Andy Sachs.
At the beginning of the film, Andy is intelligent, hardworking and more than capable. Yet she’s often underestimated. Not because she lacks talent, but because she hasn’t yet learned how to project confidence, communicate her value, or navigate the expectations of the environment around her.
As the story unfolds, Andy becomes more intentional in the way she communicates, presents herself and carries herself. And as she does, people begin to see her differently.
While Andy’s story is a fictional account of the fashion world, the lesson plays out in organizations every day. Throughout my career, I’ve seen incredibly talented people passed over for opportunities—not because they lacked the skills or experience, but because they underestimated the importance of executive presence.
We often assume promotions and leadership opportunities go to the most capable person in the room. In reality, they go to the person others have confidence is ready to lead. That’s where executive presence makes all the difference.
Executive presence is one of those leadership qualities we hear about often, yet few people can clearly define—or explain how to develop.
Some assume it’s simply charisma. Others believe it’s about having a commanding personality or being the loudest voice in the room. In my experience, it is none of those things.
Executive presence is the confidence you project, the credibility you earn and the trust you inspire. It’s how people experience you as a leader.
Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with leaders who had very different personalities. Some were outgoing and charismatic. Others were quiet, thoughtful and measured. What they all shared wasn’t a particular leadership style—it was the confidence they instilled in others. They communicated with clarity, remained composed under pressure, and consistently demonstrated sound judgment. People believed in their ability to lead.
“Technical expertise may earn you a seat at the table, but executive presence gives others the confidence to trust your leadership once you’re there.”
The good news is that executive presence isn’t something you’re born with: it’s something you intentionally develop.
It begins with preparation. The leaders who appear the most confident are often the ones who have prepared the most. They understand their audience. They anticipate difficult questions. They think carefully about the message they want people to remember. Preparation creates confidence, and confidence is something others can see.
Executive presence is also reflected in how you communicate.
Strong leaders don’t speak simply to be heard. They speak with purpose. They listen actively. They ask thoughtful questions. They know when to contribute and when to create space for others. They understand that influence isn’t measured by how much you say, but by the value you bring to the conversation.
It also extends to how you present yourself.
Whether we like it or not, people begin forming impressions before we’ve even introduced ourselves. The way you dress, your posture, eye contact, body language and even the energy you bring into a room all communicate something about your confidence and professionalism. Executive presence isn’t about looking perfect or fitting a particular mould. It’s about presenting yourself in a way that reflects the leader you aspire to be.
Perhaps the biggest misconception is that executive presence is about changing who you are.
I believe the opposite.
The strongest leaders I’ve worked with were authentic. They didn’t try to imitate someone else’s leadership style. They understood their strengths, communicated with confidence and led in a way that was genuine to who they were. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is one of the most powerful leadership qualities you can have.
Executive presence also requires intention.
Before an important meeting, presentation or networking event, ask yourself:
- What impression do I want to leave?
- How do I want people to describe me after I leave the room?
- Am I showing up as the leader I want others to see?
Those simple questions can change the way you prepare, communicate, and ultimately, the way you’re perceived.
At ROOM, we often talk about investing in your leadership. Developing executive presence is one of the most valuable investments you can make because it influences every opportunity that follows. Technical expertise may earn you a seat at the table, but executive presence gives others the confidence to trust your leadership once you’re there.
The next time you walk into a room, remember that executive presence isn’t built in that moment. It’s built in all the moments leading up to it—in how you prepare, how you communicate, how you carry yourself and how consistently you show up. Those small, intentional choices are often what separate being seen as capable from being seen as ready to lead.
