Bambi walked into the room wearing a hot-pink leather suit.
Heads turned. Some whispered. Some rolled their eyes. But one thing was certain: she was unforgettable.
Her presence arrived before she ever opened her mouth.
Now, not every leader needs a hot-pink suit (though honestly, I wouldn’t be mad at it 👀). But here’s the truth: your presence is always saying something. The question is — is it saying what you want?
Presence Is More Than Appearance
When we talk about “presence,” most people jump straight to clothes and posture. And yes, those matter.
But presence is deeper. It’s the energy you bring. The story you tell without speaking.
Research backs this up: According to a study by the Center for Talent Innovation, executive presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted.
And it isn’t just about looking the part — it’s about:
- Gravitas: How you carry yourself under pressure.
- Communication: How clearly and confidently you speak.
- Appearance: How you show up visually (yes, the hot-pink suit counts here).
Presence shapes perception. And perception shapes opportunity.
Lisa, the Quiet Disruptor
One of my clients, Lisa, taught me this. She wasn’t flashy. She wasn’t the loudest voice in the room. But she had a way of pausing before she spoke, leaning in, and asking one powerful question.
And every time, the room shifted.
Lisa’s presence wasn’t about volume. It was about intention. People listened when she spoke because she radiated calm authority.
Leaders, Here’s the Real Talk
You can’t not have a presence. The only question is: are you letting others define it for you, or are you owning it?
Presence speaks before you do. It sets the stage for every interaction. And if you don’t shape it intentionally, people will make their own assumptions.
How to Elevate Your Presence This Season
The holidays are full of gatherings — work events, family dinners, community celebrations. It’s the perfect time to practice shaping your presence.
Here’s how:
1. Walk in with intention.
Before you enter a room, set your energy: grounded, open, curious.
2. Use the power of pause.
Don’t rush to fill silence. A thoughtful pause communicates confidence.
3. Align appearance with message.
Your clothes and body language should reinforce what you want to say, not distract from it.
Your Turn
This season, notice the presence you bring before you say a word.
✨ Because presence speaks first. And when you own it, it can open doors you never expected.
👉 Over to you: What’s one way you’ve seen presence change the dynamics of a room?