Early in my career, I was told I needed to “show up with more executive presence.” No one explained what that meant. There was no checklist, no roadmap, just a vague expectation to somehow "be more." This left me frustrated, doubting myself, and trying to decode a message I couldn’t quite translate.
Has anyone ever told you that "you need more executive presence"... as if it were something you could buy at Target between dry shampoo and LaCroix?
“Gravitas.”
“Presence.”
“Confidence.”
These are words that frequently get tossed around in leadership coaching and performance reviews. Still, they’re often vague and unhelpful, especially for high-performers who don’t fit the traditional mold of what “executive” is supposed to look or sound like.
It’s like someone telling you to just be taller. Thanks for nothing.
Executive presence sounds like one of those magical traits you either have...or you don’t.
But here’s the truth: it’s not mystical. It’s measurable. And it’s absolutely buildable.
It’s giving “figure it out” energy, and that’s where AI changes the game.
So, let’s break it down, reframe it, and use the tools of the future to help you show up like the leader you already are.
THIS WEEK’S INSIGHTS:
- Executive presence is no longer a mystery. Research shows it’s made up of specific behaviors, and AI can help you develop them.
- Stop treating executive presence like a personality trait. Start treating it like a playbook.
- AI speech coaches, communication tone analyzers, and even personal style assistants are here to help you lead with confidence and clarity.
TRENDS
Presence and Gravitas
Sylvia Ann Hewlett’s research in Harvard Business Review breaks executive presence into three core pillars:
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Gravitas (67%) – how you act under pressure, your decisiveness, and emotional intelligence
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Communication (28%) – clarity, conciseness, and ability to hold attention
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Appearance (5%) – your polish, presence, and how you visually show up
Let’s be real...appearance might be the smallest percentage, but it’s often the first signal people receive before you say a word.
The good news? Every single one of these pillars can be built. And AI tools are here to help you build them—faster, with more feedback, and way less guesswork.
TIPS
From Frustration to Presence
What’s holding you back:
“Executive presence is something you’re either born with or you’re not.”
The empowering shift:
Executive presence is a learnable skill set. It's not a personality trait.
How AI can help:
Use Yoodli to rehearse high-stakes conversations. It gives real-time coaching on filler words, pacing, tone, and body language so you can show up with calm authority, even under pressure.
—
What’s holding you back:
“If I dress the part, I’ll seem like I’m trying too hard.”
The empowering shift:
Style is strategy. Dressing with intention communicates credibility.
How AI can help:
ShopLook.ai and Fashwell use AI to recommend outfits based on your industry, event type, and body type, helping you project polish without losing authenticity.
—
What’s holding you back:
“I’m not a natural public speaker, so I’ll never command a room.”
The empowering shift:
Great communicators aren’t born. THEY. ARE. COACHED.
How AI can help:
Use Grammarly Premium or Orai to practice and refine your delivery. These tools analyze your tone, structure, and word choice so you sound as confident as you are capable.
TOOLS
AI to Elevate Your Presence
Ready to move from vague feedback to clear action? Use these prompts and tools to start showing up with executive-level confidence and clarity.
Prompts to try:
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“Role-play a conversation where I push back on a deadline set by a senior leader. Help me sound assertive but respectful. Provide feedback on tone and pacing.”
→ Try it with Yoodli (use code: MONICAMARQUEZ20 for 20% off) or ChatGPT -
“Here’s my current LinkedIn ‘About’ section (copy/paste your 'About' section copy). Rewrite it to sound more strategic, confident, and aligned with a senior leadership brand without sounding robotic.”
→ Use Grammarly or Jasper.ai -
“Curate three professional outfit ideas for a board presentation. Prioritize confidence, polish, and executive presence. Include options for different body types.”
→ Try ShopLook.ai
AI Tools to explore:
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Yoodli – AI speech coach for real-time feedback on delivery and gravitas
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Grammarly Premium – Boost tone, clarity, and confidence in your communication
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ShopLook.ai – AI-powered style assistants to align your visual presence with your leadership identity
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Orai – On-demand coaching to help you sound like a polished, composed speaker
What’s one area you will level up this week - gravitas, communication, or visual polish?
Closing Thought
Executive presence isn’t about being loud. It’s about being clear. It’s not about dressing like everyone else...it’s about dressing like the leader you are.
You don’t need to fake confidence. You need to practice presence, and AI gives you a private, judgment-free space to do just that.
Real leaders don’t wing it. They work at it - intentionally.
You’re not here to blend in. You’re here to be unforgettable.
Hasta la próxima, Abrazos!
Monica Marquez
When You're Ready...
Here’s how I can help you and your organization take your leadership and professional growth to the next level:
Speaking: I deliver engaging, high-impact keynotes and workshops on AI-driven leadership, personal branding, career advancement, and transformation. Whether it's a corporate event, leadership summit, or industry conference, I bring practical insights and strategies that empower professionals to thrive in today's rapidly evolving world.
Learning & Development Consulting: I partner with organizations to design and implement learning experiences that drive real impact. From AI-powered career development programs to leadership training tailored for their talent, I help companies advance their workforce and create growth opportunities for high-potential professionals.
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