Executive Presence Redefined

Dr. CK Bray
May 8
2 min read

For decades, executive presence meant one thing: confidence, polished communication, and the kind of appearance that fit the corporate mold. In the early 2000s, the unspoken rules were clear. Gravitas meant authority, not empathy. Communication meant commanding the room, not opening it up. And appearance meant a tailored suit, a firm handshake, and fitting in—not standing out.

But the world has changed, and so has our definition of leadership. After two decades marked by global disruption, cultural movements, shifting workforce dynamics, and the rise of virtual work, the qualities that define executive presence have evolved—and fast.

Recent research comparing leadership trends from 2012 to 2022 reveals that while confidence and decisiveness still rank highly, a new class of leadership traits has emerged: inclusiveness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity. Gravitas now includes empathy. Communication includes listening. And appearance is less about polish and more about being real.

This shift is visible in today’s most impactful leaders. MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle responded to the challenges of the COVID era by empowering employees with a “culture of yes,” reshaping executive presence through empathy and flexibility. Todd Sears used his lived experience to pitch a groundbreaking strategy to better serve LGBTQ+ clients at Merrill Lynch, proving that authenticity and inclusion can drive business innovation. And Laura Garza at Dyson attributes the company’s global product success to diverse leadership perspectives—something rarely celebrated in traditional leadership models of the past.

Even communication has transformed. In the early 2000s, leaders were expected to control the conversation. Now, the best leaders know how to create space. Rosa Gudmundsdottir manages high-stakes virtual meetings with intentional structure, while former LEGO CEO Jørgen Vig Knudstorp turned around the brand by listening deeply to employees and customers alike.

And appearance? It’s no longer about height, suits, or “dressing for the next job.” Leaders like Thasunda Brown Duckett of TIAA show that being true to your roots, values, and identity resonates far more than fitting a decades-old mold. Sundar Pichai of Google adapts his presence for context—professional yet approachable, culturally attuned, and always authentic.

What’s clear is this: executive presence is no longer about projecting perfection—it’s about leading with purpose, presence, and a sense of realness that builds trust. And perhaps the most important takeaway from the research is this: executive presence is learnable. You don’t need to master every trait or fit an outdated mold. You just need to lead with the strengths that matter now—and that increasingly means showing up as the best version of who you already are.

In a world that values transparency over image and connection over control, the new rules of executive presence are no longer about fitting in. They're about standing up—with clarity, courage, and authenticity.

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