韩国前总统朴槿惠到案 对国民致歉承诺坦白受查
Deepali Vyas
Global Head of Data & AI @ ZRG | Executive Search for CDOs, AI Chiefs, and FinTech Innovators | Elite Recruiter? | Board Advisor | #1 Most Followed Voice in Career Advice (800K+)
Elite Edge – Week 45: ?? Executive Presence Is a Lie ???? (Unless You Define It Yourself)????
Redefine what power looks like. Reclaim how it’s projected.
You’ve heard it in feedback. You’ve felt it in the room. You’ve watched someone less competent get the promotion — because they “just felt like a leader.”
Maybe you didn’t speak up with perfect polish. Maybe your voice shook for half a second. Maybe your tone didn’t match their idea of calm. And suddenly, the narrative became: “You’re not quite ready.”
Let’s call it what it is: Executive presence has become corporate camouflage for bias.
It’s a shape-shifting term — used when they can’t name the real reason, or don’t want to.
It’s used to reward people who already fit the mold — And stall the ones who are quietly breaking it.
Because when they say “presence,” they often mean:
But comfort doesn’t create change. And leadership isn’t a look — it’s an impact.
This week, we’re breaking the myth. Because executive presence isn’t something they give you. It’s something you define. Something you build. Something you own.
Whether your leadership is loud or quiet, commanding or collaborative — you don’t have to trade authenticity for authority. Not anymore.
??What I Read This Week…
???The AI Talent Frenzy Is a Mixed Bag for VCs – The Wall Street Journal
Even venture capitalists are feeling the heat from the AI hiring surge. This piece breaks down how inflated expectations, outrageous comp packages, and unclear value add from some AI “superstars” are creating friction — not just fuel — in the startup ecosystem.
?? Takeaway: It’s not just about having AI talent. It’s about deploying it smartly. Presence, clarity, and leadership matter more than ever — especially when the market is oversaturated with hype.
???What I Listened to This Week… (Podcasts)
?? Corporate Confession:
“I was told I didn’t have executive presence — by a guy who read from PowerPoint in every meeting.” – Senior Director, Tech, San Francisco
We’ve collected dozens of stories from high-performing professionals who were told they weren’t “leadership material” based on:
You know what’s rarely questioned? Mediocre leadership with the right voice and haircut.
?? The Elite Edge Playbook:
???5 Ways to Project Leadership — Without Playing Their Game
???Pro Tip: Executive presence isn’t about being liked. It’s about being believed.
??? Elite Tool of the Week: Say It With Authority
?? Download the Swipe File – “Say It With Authority” A ready-to-use PDF of high-authority phrases for:
Keep it handy for your next 1:1, team call, or boardroom moment.
???AI Corner: Tools to Sharpen Your Presence
???Tools I recommend this week:
Use AI to sharpen the signal — but don’t lose your voice in the process.
???Meme of the Week:
“You don’t have executive presence.”
— Manager with 0 vision, 12 open tabs, and a flip phone
(Image idea: split screen of chaotic Zoom caller vs. calm, poised leader who’s clearly doing the real work.)
???Elite Edge Thought of the Week:
They’ll say you’re too soft. Then say you’re too direct. They’ll tell you to speak up. Then punish you for saying too much.
Define your presence — or they’ll define it for you.
Leadership isn’t about mimicking power. It’s about embodying your own version of it.
?? Final Word:
Don’t contort yourself to match a broken mold. Upgrade the mold. Own the room. Lead like you.You've got the Edge. Now sharpen it.
See you next week,
— Deepali Vyas
Your Elite Recruiter
Doing the research so you don’t have to.
Want to go deeper? ???Join the next live Career Game Plan session?(July 31st at 5pm EST) Let’s move with meaning. ???Follow | Book a Session
??This Week’s Elite Job Drops ??
These openings are under the radar — not on LinkedIn, not on job boards. I’m sharing them here first, to connect top talent with real, unposted opportunities ??
I’m here to help — and your opportunity will reach thousands of highly engaged, top-tier professionals. Let’s lift as we climb!???
?? Elite Resources
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???Forget Generic — Let’s Get Personal!!
Feedback is a Gift
I would love to know what you thought of this newsletter and any feedback you have for me. Do you have a favorite part? Wish I would add something? Felt confused? Please reply and share your thoughts!
Project Manager | Six Sigma Green Belt | Logistics & Finance Operations | Driving Cross-Functional Project Success
5 天前Thank you for sharing this—it's an important topic. I've witnessed similar situations in leadership over the years. In one instance, I observed a woman exhibiting unprofessional behavior and later justifying it by saying she was simply "mirroring leadership" within the organization. It was difficult to watch unfold, especially as she was later promoted. This highlights the profound impact leadership behavior can have on organizational culture.
Helping others achieve greatness while guiding leaders & business owners to lead with purpose | 26+ yrs Leadership Coach, Business Owner & PT | CEO: Three Tree Leadership | Founder: Great Lakes Seminars
6 天前Such a relatable truth. Growth often comes with tough but necessary realizations.
Executive Leadership Development Expert ??Certified Executive Coach Practitioner ??HR ??Culture Transformation ??I empower leaders to lead with clarity, vision, and impact ??Published Author ??Awarded Style Expert '23
6 天前Executive presence is not just about how a leader looks or sounds—it’s the ability to consistently inspire confidence, command respect, and influence others. In leadership development, it serves as a foundational pillar because it’s the visible embodiment of competence, credibility, and confidence. Inspires Trust and Confidence Enhances Influence and Impact Signals Readiness for Advancement Elevates Communication and Gravitas Reinforces Emotional Intelligence Executive presence is the silent skill that determines how a leader is received, trusted, and promoted. Without it, even the most talented professionals may be overlooked. With it, leaders are able to amplify their effectiveness, credibility, and long-term impact.
Senior Continuous Improvement Leader | Maximizing Productivity by Leveraging Data and Technology to Solve Operational Puzzles
6 天前Deepali, thanks for this reminder that, like Hamlet's soliloquy, we have to reflect on whether "To be, or not to be" our authentic selves.
Helping Leaders Adopt GenAI & AI Agents with Clarity, Trust & Business Impact | AI x Transformation | Ex-Big 4 (PwC, EY) | AI Evangelist | Perplexity Fellow | Community Builder
6 天前An important perspective, Deepali - Recognizing and redefining executive presence can truly empower authentic leadership.