281. Stop Leading with Words and Start Leading with Presence

What if the thing standing between you and the promotion, the client, or the leadership opportunity isn't your preparation? What if it's what your body is communicating before you've said a single word? In this episode, Susan Callender breaks down why executive presence in 2026 is a physical signal first, and why even the most prepared, knowledgeable professionals can lose the room before they open their mouth. You'll learn: Why we form competence and trustworthiness judgments in as little as 100 milliseconds Why physical presence acts as the filter for everything else you bring to the table The five physical signals that are either building your executive presence or eroding it How stress leaks through your body in high-stakes settings and what to do about it Why hybrid work has doubled the executive presence challenge and how to show up with authority on camera Resources mentioned: Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett   Free resource: The 7 Biggest Social Mistakes High-Potential Professionals Make    **  Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? The Step Into the Spotlight Intensive The School of Social Mastery Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at [email protected]  LinkedIn Instagram TikTok