From boardrooms to virtual meetings, how you show up often matters more than what you say. Executive presence, the ability to project confidence, credibility, and composure, has become a critical differentiator for leaders navigating today’s high-stakes environments.
That theme set the tone for Talentfoot’s latest webinar, “Executive Presence Unlocked: The Secrets to Speaking, Leading, and Influencing Like a Fortune 500 CEO.” Featuring Kathryn Janicek, three-time Emmy-winning media and communications expert, and Camille Fetter, Founder & CEO of Talentfoot, the session explored what separates good leaders from magnetic ones and how small shifts in body language, tone, and mindset can transform your impact.
Recap and Key Takeaways:
1. Executive Presence Is Learned, Not Inborn
Too often, organizations assume leaders “just have it.” But according to Janicek, presence is a learned skill — one that can be built intentionally with coaching and practice.
“People think if someone’s good enough to be promoted into leadership, they should naturally have executive presence. But it’s something that’s taught. Even top performers you see on stage have practiced for years.” — Kathryn Janicek
Moving from expert to executive requires a shift in mindset — from mastering your craft to mastering the performance of leadership. “You’re no longer just the smart engineer or the CFO,” Janicek said. “You have to be a magnetic, influential leader who rallies people around an idea.”
2. The 3 “S’s” to Avoid in Body Language
Your body language speaks before you do. Janicek shared three simple cues to elevate how you show up in any room:
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Slumping – Sitting or standing hunched makes you appear unsure or disengaged.
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Sitting back – Leaning away from your team signals disinterest. Sit forward, even in virtual meetings.
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Swiveling – Nervous energy can make you sway or fidget. Stay grounded and steady.
“Walk around your life like everyone likes you. Look up, make eye contact, and project openness. Your body language tells people whether you’re confident in your brand, your numbers, and yourself.” — Kathryn Janicek
3. The Power of Language and Tone
Language habits reveal mindset. Janicek challenged leaders to eliminate weak phrasing like “I think” or “I believe” and replace it with confident statements.
“Instead of ‘I think we’ll hit our targets,’ say ‘Here’s how we’ll hit our targets.’ Those two words completely change your authority.”
She also encouraged leaders to end emails with intention. Skip the default “Thanks!” and try forward-looking phrases like “Looking forward to talking again” or “Excited to connect soon.”
When it comes to tone, practice is non-negotiable.
“Gone are the days of rehearsing in the mirror. Record yourself and ask, ‘Would I want to do business with this person?’ Practice smiling with your eyes and letting your voice convey warmth and energy.” — Kathryn Janicek
4. Practice Bigger and Slower
Before high-stakes presentations, most people underprepare. Janicek advised blocking prep time on your calendar, practicing bigger than you’ll perform, and slowing your pace.
“When you’re in front of people, nerves make you speed up. Practice slower so you can breathe and let others absorb your message. Pace matters.” — Kathryn Janicek
She also recommended using AI tools to analyze your speaking cadence. “People often don’t believe they’re talking too fast until the data shows them.”
5. Projecting Confidence When You Feel Inexperienced
When asked how to exude confidence as the most junior person in the room, Janicek shared a powerful mindset shift.
“You’re not faking it. You belong there. Everyone’s just figuring it out. Move your body, shake off the nerves, and tell yourself, ‘I’m ready and I have great ideas.’” — Kathryn Janicek
Her advice? Before walking in, do something physical (push-ups, stretches, even a walk) to reset your energy and get out of your head.
6. Handling Tough Questions with Grace
When faced with difficult questions, preparation and composure are key.
“Practice for the worst questions you could get. If you truly don’t know, skip ‘I don’t know, but…’ and go with ‘That’s a moving target. When do you need that data by?’” — Kathryn Janicek
Taking a breath before responding allows you to regulate yourself and respond from calm, not defensiveness.
7. Wardrobe Is Communication
While presence begins internally, Janicek reminded attendees that how you dress speaks for you before you say a word.
“If we look sloppy, people assume we won’t deliver. Tailoring matters. Even the best-dressed executives have help.” — Kathryn Janicek
She encouraged leaders to choose colors that project energy and health and ensure clothing fits well.
8. One Small Change That Makes a Big Impact
When asked for one immediate shift leaders can make to strengthen their presence, Kathryn didn’t hesitate.
“Look up. Put your phone down. Make eye contact. Say hello.” — Kathryn Janicek
In a world where most people walk around heads-down and distracted, true presence has become a superpower. Kathryn noted that when you lift your head — literally and figuratively — you not only project confidence but also make others feel seen.
“Presence starts there. It’s not about being the loudest voice. It’s about being fully engaged in the moment.” — Kathryn Janicek
Camille added:
“Practice presence in the everyday moments — the coffee shop, the grocery store, the morning drop-off line. When you make connection a habit, it naturally extends into how you show up professionally.” — Camille Fetter
Final Word
Executive presence isn’t about perfection. It’s about authenticity, awareness, and preparation. As Janicek put it:
“The leaders who command respect aren’t the loudest in the room. They’re the most grounded, self-aware, and intentional.” — Kathryn Janicek
Ready to Strengthen Your Executive Presence?
At Talentfoot, we help executives and organizations unlock potential through confident, credible leadership. From coaching senior leaders to hiring transformative talent across Sales, Marketing, Technology, Operations, and Accounting and Finance our team empowers companies to lead with presence and purpose.
