by Lauren Parker, President & CEO, Slide Nine

Picture someone you know who just radiates leadership. They may not even be the smartest or most experienced in the room, but they have this quality that makes others lean in. That’s Executive Presence — the ability to inspire confidence in others through trust, clarity, composure, visibility and attention. The good news is, it’s not magic. It’s a skill you can build over time.

For years, research has reinforced its importance. A study by the Center for Talent Innovation found that executive presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted — more than likability and even hard work. In that same study, the majority of executives said ‘gravitas’ is the most important component of Executive Presence. Nearly all senior leaders agree it’s essential: without it, even the most competent professionals risk being overlooked. 

Banking on Executive Presence 

Think of your Executive Presence capacity as a bank. Every interaction you have is either a deposit or a withdrawal. A thoughtful question in a meeting? Deposit. Glancing at your phone while a colleague is speaking? Withdrawal. Over time, your balance tells the story of your leadership. If you break it down, there are five key “accounts” that make up your Executive Presence banking portfolio:

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1. Attention Capital

Presence is presence. If you’re not fully engaged, people notice.

• Deposits: Active listening, eye contact, asking clarifying questions
  Withdrawals: Multitasking, checking your phone, distracted demeanor
• Best practice: Try the “one conversation” rule—be fully with the person in front of you, no split screens.
  
  

2. Communication Capital

Clear, confident communication builds credibility faster than any résumé.

• Deposits: Tailoring your message, simplifying complexity, leading with the “so what”
• Withdrawals: Rambling, jargon, winging it
• Best practice: Rehearse elevator versions of your updates to sharpen clarity.
  
  

3. Visibility Capital

If you’re invisible, people can’t advocate for you. The key is to add value, not noise.

• Deposits: Speaking up strategically, showing up authentically, spotlighting your team
• Withdrawals: Staying quiet, disengagement
• Best practice: Prepare one key point before each meeting and commit to sharing it.
  
  

4. Composure Capital

In high-stakes moments, people notice your reactions more than your words.

• Deposits: Grace under pressure, calm responses, thoughtful pauses
• Withdrawals: Defensiveness, visible frustration
• Best practice: Use a three-second pause before responding to reset your tone and signal control.
  
  

5. Trust Capital

Trust is the currency of leadership. Without it, influence collapses.

• Deposits: Following through, transparency, owning mistakes
• Withdrawals: Avoiding accountability, missed commitments
• Best practice: Over-communicate progress. Even a short update builds reliability.
  
  

Executive presence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built like compound interest. Every micro-interaction is a chance to invest in your leadership portfolio. Over time, those small, intentional deposits grow into a balance of trust and influence that makes others confident in following your lead.