Welcome to the final part of our three-part series on Cultivating Leadership Presence. In Part 1, we explored the foundation—self-awareness and self-management. In Part 2, we looked at communication and non-verbal skills. Today, we bring it all together with a focus on putting presence into practice—how executive presence shows up in real moments of leadership.
Leadership presence is not a concept. It is not something we “have” or “don’t have.” It is something we demonstrate—moment by moment, choice by choice. It becomes visible in how we show up under pressure, how we hold space in meetings, how we respond to conflict, and how we carry ourselves through uncertainty.
This final part focuses on what it looks like to live out presence in everyday leadership. Presence is not only about style. It is about substance. It is about character, intention, and the discipline to lead with consistency.
The Impact of Executive Presence
Executive presence influences how people perceive your credibility, trust your leadership, and follow your direction. It gives weight to your voice, confidence to your team, and calm to moments that require clarity.
Presence builds over time through patterns. Small actions. Repeated behaviours. Purposeful choices. When presence is grounded in values and reinforced through action, it becomes a leadership signature—what people come to expect from you.
Putting Presence Into Practice
Below are some key areas where executive presence is most visible and impactful. These are the moments where theory becomes practice.
Decision-Making
Presence in decision-making requires clarity, calm, and courage. Gather the information you need. Consider the implications. Communicate your decision with confidence. Indecisiveness erodes trust. Clarity builds it.
Managing Conflict
Presence is often tested in conflict. Stay grounded. Stay curious. Avoid reacting. Choose to respond. Ask thoughtful questions. Acknowledge emotion without absorbing it. Use your tone and posture to create safety and structure.
Handling Pressure
Under pressure, people look to their leader for cues. Stay steady. Use your breath to reset. Pause before speaking. Project calm. Presence under pressure is not about control. It is about self-regulation. It is about leading from the inside out.
Being Seen and Heard
Presence includes visibility. Speak up in meetings. Share insights. Take up space with intention. Do not wait for permission to lead. Claim your seat at the table. Let your voice reflect your experience and your point of view.
Modelling Values
Presence means alignment. What you say and what you do must match. Model the standards you expect. Honour your word. Show consistency between public and private behaviour. People trust what they can rely on.
A Leadership Practice, Not a Performance
Presence is not performance. It is not about trying to appear impressive. It is about becoming someone others want to follow. It is built in quiet moments. It is strengthened through reflection. It grows through alignment between who you are, what you value, and how you lead.
Here are a few prompts I often use with clients to bring presence into their daily leadership:
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What do I want to be remembered for after this meeting?
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What energy am I bringing into the room today?
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What is my intention in this conversation?
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Am I reacting or responding?
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Where do I need to pause and listen before speaking?
Consistency Creates Confidence
Leadership presence is not about always having the right answer. It is about showing up consistently. When your team knows what to expect from you—when your words, actions, and energy align—you build trust. You earn respect. You lead with integrity.
The work of presence is never finished. It evolves with experience. It grows through challenge. It deepens through reflection. Each interaction is an opportunity to practice and refine.
Final Thoughts
This three-part series has offered a framework for developing leadership presence—starting with self-awareness, moving through communication, and arriving at practical integration. These are not checkboxes. These are areas of practice.
Your presence matters. It influences more than performance. It shapes culture, trust, and the possibilities available to you and those you lead.
If this series has resonated with you, I invite you to connect. Reach out to hello@businessgems.co.bw and share your reflections. What part of this series sparked something for you? What area are you working on? What support would help you continue to grow?
Together, we are shaping a future where women lead with intention, presence, and impact.
