1. EachPod

Stop Faking It: Real Executive Presence Under Pressure

Author
Lindsay Lyman
Published
Fri 01 Aug 2025
Episode Link
https://morethanapaycheck.libsyn.com/stop-faking-it-real-executive-presence-under-pressure

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Tired of workplace anxiety ruining your executive presence? You're not alone.

I used to think executive presence meant being perfect and articulate under pressure. Turns out, I was completely wrong—and so are 78% of mid-career professionals.

The real secret? Being authentically you when stakes are high. Not polished perfection.

Research from 2024 shows a shocking disconnect. While most professionals think executive presence requires flawless performance, 89% of C-suite executives value authenticity under pressure instead.

I learned this the hard way during my 12 years at Amazon. Watching S-team members work with nervous, rambling employees taught me something powerful: good leaders expect you to be nervous—and that's okay.

Key Takeaways:

·       Executive presence isn't about being perfect—it's emotional intelligence under pressure

·       Strong leaders allow you to be nervous while still gathering what they need

·       Authentic engagement beats polished presentation every time

·       Saying "I don't know, let me find out" shows more strength than fumbling for answers

·       Being comfortable with uncomfortable situations is the real superpower

Stop performing. Start showing up as yourself. Your career depends on it.

Ready to stop second guessing yourself?

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