Leadership isn’t just about holding a position of power—it's about how you carry yourself in every interaction to connect, influence and build trust within teams and organisations. This elusive yet critical quality is often referred to as executive presence. But what exactly does it mean, and how can leaders cultivate it?

One of the leading voices on this subject is economist and leadership expert Sylvia Ann Hewlett, who explores the concept in her book Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success. Hewlett defines executive presence as a combination of gravitas, communication, and appearance. Let’s break these down and see how they come together to shape how a leader is perceived.

The Three Pillars of Executive Presence

1. Gravitas

At the core of executive presence is gravitas. This involves qualities like decisiveness, emotional control, and credibility. Leaders who exhibit gravitas command respect and navigate high-stakes situations with calm and confidence. They are the ones people turn to in a crisis, trusting their judgment to steer the ship through stormy waters.

2. Communication

While gravitas gives you the foundation, communication brings it to life. Leaders with strong executive presence don’t just speak with clarity—they listen actively, engage deeply, and inspire confidence in every conversation. Hewlett emphasises that effective communication is essential to how leaders are perceived, especially in critical moments when trust must be built quickly and maintained consistently.

3. Appearance

Often misunderstood as superficial, appearance in the context of executive presence is more about alignment. It’s about presenting yourself in a way that reflects professionalism and confidence. In essence, it’s not just about looking polished—it’s about ensuring your outward presentation mirrors the leadership role you aspire to or hold.

Cultivating Your Signature Presence

Executive presence is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all model. Rather, it’s a dynamic quality that can—and should—be adapted to different situations. The key is flexibility. As leaders, there are times you may need to dial up one element of executive presence more than another. In high-stress situations, for example, gravitas may be your primary focus. In a different context, clear and inspiring communication may take centre stage.

Moreover, the cultural context of your organisation or team plays a role in shaping how executive presence is perceived. What might be seen as gravitas in one organisation may come across differently in another. The important takeaway? Executive presence is unique to each leader. By balancing these elements in a way that reflects your values and strengths, you develop a signature presence that is distinctly yours.

Why Executive Presence Matters for Leaders

Leaders with strong executive presence don’t just inspire confidence—they drive organisational success. Here are a few ways executive presence plays a crucial role in effective leadership:

1. Projecting Credibility and Authority

Leaders who exude confidence and decisiveness are more likely to gain the trust of their teams, peers, and stakeholders. This projection of credibility helps leaders establish themselves as competent and reliable, enabling them to command respect and authority in their roles.

2. Inspiring Trust and Confidence

When a leader is composed and communicates clearly, it reassures others that they can handle complex situations. This inspires confidence across the organisation, especially during times of uncertainty.

3. Influencing and Persuading

Leadership often involves persuading others to buy into a vision or embrace change. Leaders with executive presence can articulate their ideas compellingly, making it easier for them to influence stakeholders and drive initiatives forward.

 4. Navigating High-Stakes Situations

In moments of crisis, executive presence is essential. Leaders who remain calm and composed set the tone for the organization, providing stability and guidance when it is needed most.

 5. Setting the Standard

A leader’s executive presence can influence the entire organisational culture. When leaders project professionalism and confidence, they set a standard for behaviour and performance that others will follow.

Executive Presence is a Leadership Skill You Can Build

Sylvia Ann Hewlett’s research underscores a key point: executive presence is not an innate trait—it can be cultivated. Emotional intelligence and self-awareness play a critical role in shaping how leaders adapt their behaviour, communication style, and appearance to fit different contexts. The more self-aware a leader is, the more effectively they can fine-tune these aspects of executive presence to resonate with their audience.

So, while executive presence may sometimes seem like an intangible "X-factor," it’s ultimately a skill—one that can be developed through practice, reflection, and continuous growth.