Manager Identity: The Power of Presence

Episode Overview: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John explore one of the most essential yet misunderstood leadership capacities: presence. Moving beyond the idea of executive polish or charisma, they reframe presence as the ability to create safety, clarity, and forward movement simply by how a leader shows up with others. The conversation builds on recent discussions about influence, self-preservation, and development, grounding the idea of presence in lived experience rather than theory. Josh introduces a powerful reflection from poet and philosopher David Whyte, connecting presence to gravity and mass—the idea that true presence slows time, opens possibility, and invites others toward deeper engagement rather than resistance. John and Josh unpack how presence shows up in everyday leadership moments: listening without rushing to respond, resisting the urge to fix or dominate, and creating space for others to step forward at their own pace. Through a personal story about parenting and coaching, John illustrates how walls of self-preservation—fear, ego, and the need to prove something—can block presence, and how removing those walls creates growth and confidence. The episode also clarifies what presence is not. It is not positional authority, charisma without care, physical proximity without intention, or oversharing personal struggle in ways that burden others. Presence is not paralysis or endless collaboration, nor is it speed for the sake of productivity. Instead, presence is grounded, curious, and disciplined. It allows leaders to listen deeply, make decisions confidently, and move teams forward together. The conversation closes by emphasizing that presence is not a switch you flip, but a continual internal practice. In a culture that rewards constant motion and urgency, choosing presence is countercultural work. Leaders who cultivate it slow time for others, reduce unnecessary friction, and create the conditions for trust, development, and meaningful progress. Timestamped Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Framing the Conversation Josh and John set the stage for a deeper exploration of leadership presence and why it matters now. 03:15 – Influence, Self-Preservation, and a Personal Leadership Story A reflection on walls of self-preservation and how fear and ego show up in leadership and parenting. 09:45 – Defining Presence and Why It Changes Everything Introducing presence as gravity that slows time and invites others toward growth. 13:30 – Presence, Time, and the Work of Deep Listening Exploring how presence creates flow, reduces tension, and accelerates real progress. 18:45 – What Presence Is Not Clarifying common misconceptions around charisma, authority, visibility, and oversharing. 32:00 – Presence in Meetings, Decisions, and Daily Leadership Why meetings, priorities, and one-to-ones either create presence or quietly destroy it. 44:00 – Reflection and Homework Practical guidance for becoming more present with priorities or people this week. Listener Homework: This week, identify one place where your presence matters most right now. It may be a key priority that needs focused attention, or a person who needs deeper listening and understanding. Choose one and be deliberate. Slow yourself down. Ask better questions. Notice whether time feels different—whether tension eases, clarity increases, or progress accelerates. That shift is your signal that presence is taking root. Resources Referenced: David Whyte, Time and Consolations David Brooks, How to Know a Person Leadership Limbo frameworks on presence, influence, and developing others