Executive Presence Lessons. Part 5 and Final: From the Savannah to the Boardroom
Throughout this series of five write-ups, we’ve followed the lioness and her lessons – instinct, observation, preparation, education, investing in people, and perseverance – and seen how each contributes to effective leadership. In this concluding article, all these attributes come together to shape what we often refer to as executive presence. Executive presence is that hard-to-define quality that causes others to say, “That person looks and sounds like a leader.” It’s not about having the loudest voice or the slickest PowerPoint; it’s about projecting confidence, credibility, and authenticity in a way that inspires trust and respect. In essence, it’s the modern boardroom equivalent of a lion’s commanding presence on the savannah. No wonder a Centre for Talent Innovation survey of nearly 4,000 professionals found that executive presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to land a promotion – it does matter.
I find the lioness analogy especially fitting. A lioness doesn’t need to announce that she’s in charge of her territory – it shows in her every move. She’s comfortable in her skin, alert to her surroundings, and unhesitating when action is needed. Likewise, a leader with executive presence will rarely need to declare, “I’m the leader.” It shows in the calm decisiveness of their decisions, the attentive way they listen and respond, and the confidence with which they handle both triumphs and setbacks. We often think of executive presence as something one either has or doesn’t have, but in truth it is very much a product of the behaviours and mindsets we’ve been discussing throughout this series.
From Instinct to Gravitas, Observation to Communication
What are the building blocks of this elusive presence? Consider gravitas, often cited as a core element of executive presence. Gravitas comes from a track record of sound judgement – essentially the fusion of instinct and observation – and from deep preparation. It’s hard to have gravitas on a topic you know nothing about or in a situation you haven’t thought through. In lioness terms, this means trusting your instinct (your informed intuition) and sharpening it with keen observation of your environment, then preparing thoroughly so you can act with confidence. When these come together, a leader exudes that quiet weight or credibility that others can feel.
Another core element is communication. Clear and compelling communication is improved by observation (knowing your audience) and by a teaching mindset – clarity in conveying complex ideas, perhaps using storytelling. In other words, great communicators are often great observers and educators. They know how to read the room and how to explain a vision in relatable terms. We saw in earlier parts how lionesses teach their cubs survival skills; in leadership, adopting an educator’s role (sharing knowledge, mentoring) forces you to distil complexity into simple guidance, which strengthens your own understanding and presence. A leader who can communicate with both clarity and empathy creates a lasting impression.
And then there’s the so-called “it factor” or charisma. Often, this boils down to authenticity and passion, which tie back to investing in what you genuinely care about and wanting to make a difference. In other words, when you pour yourself into a mission you truly believe in, people can sense it. Authentic enthusiasm is contagious. Rather than a theatrical show of charisma, it’s the genuine alignment of your values with your work that gives you that magnetic presence. A lioness is nothing if not authentic – she can’t be anything other than what she is – and similarly, a leader’s true passion and consistency of character over time build real charisma.
The Evolving Face of Executive Presence
It’s worth noting that the “rules” of executive presence are evolving with our culture. Traditional notions put a lot of emphasis on appearance and polished oratory – the crisp suit, the perfect rhetoric – but increasingly, authenticity and emotional intelligence are recognised as central. Modern leaders are expected to be real and emotionally attuned, not just perfectly poised. In my forthcoming book, I argue that true presence is “not about ‘dress for success’ in the traditional sense – it’s about aligning one’s inner values with outward impact.” In other words, your inner qualities (such as those instinctual principles that guide you) must be in harmony with how you act and communicate externally. People have a sixth sense for authenticity: they can tell when a leader is merely wearing a mask, versus when they genuinely embody their values. The lioness cannot fake being a lioness; nor can a person fake executive presence for long without substance. A façade will crack under pressure. But when a leader has substance – forged through real experiences and reflection – the polish on the outside is backed by steel on the inside.
Earning Your Stripes Through Adversity
One of the most encouraging truths is that executive presence can be developed. It’s not an inborn trait bestowed on a lucky few. Often, the crucible of development is adversity. I started out as a young educator and naturally evolved into a woman entrepreneur helping to shape a nascent industry. Now, working with established executives across different cultures, I am more convinced than ever that the challenges we face refine our presence. In one section of my book, I note that “crisis management and entrepreneurial activities are the most generous playgrounds for developing agile executive presence.” How true this is. When you’re thrown into a crisis, or when you build a business from nothing, you either cultivate the skills and values we’ve covered, or you don’t survive in that environment. The good news is, if you put in the effort – if you embrace the challenge – you come out the other side with a much stronger presence. You’ve essentially earned your stripes. I encourage emerging leaders to seek out stretch projects and, as Patrick Dunne says in his article, “to stimulate simulations” even of high-pressure scenarios. In practice, that means deliberately putting yourself in situations that test you – whether it’s taking on a tough project, volunteering for a leadership role in a unfamiliar area, or even role-playing crisis scenarios with your team. These experiences compress and accelerate growth. They teach you to trust yourself, to see broadly, to prepare deeply, and to stay resilient under pressure. Over time, by facing adversity and learning from it, we build a personal presence that is resilient, adaptable, and real.
Each setback or challenge you overcome becomes part of your leadership story – it adds to that track record of sound judgement, calm under fire, and principled action. Think of it like tempering steel: the heat of obstacles and the cooling of reflection make you stronger and more unshakeable. By the time you’re leading others, that authenticity and confidence shines through without you having to force it.
Conclusion: Thriving with a Lioness Mindset
Our series of learning from lionesses has encapsulated the idea that nature’s lessons often mirror what it takes to lead in human arenas. By focusing on core essentials – instinct (intuition), observation (awareness), and preparation (practice) – we create a solid base for effective leadership. By educating others and investing in them, we multiply our impact and create communities (our “pride”) that can thrive together. By persevering with purpose, fuelled by a true wanting, we drive change and inspire by example. These principles have guided me throughout my three careers to date – from building new markets to working with aspiring leaders – and they remain as relevant as ever, if not more so.
In essence, executive presence is about getting out in the light in the fullest sense – much like a lioness shows up fully in her domain, with no half measures. It’s a combination of what you do (your skills and actions) and how you are (your mindset and attitude). When a leader has honed their instincts, stays observant, prepares relentlessly, shares knowledge, nurtures others, and perseveres through storms, that leader will naturally project authority and empathy. People around them feel safe, inspired, and willing to follow – just as the pride trusts the lioness who has consistently led them to food and safety.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is, as the saying goes, to see the glass half-full. This isn’t blind optimism; it’s a conscious choice to focus on possibilities rather than limitations. In a hostile habitat, that mindset is survival. In business, it is innovation. When we maintain a positive vision, we encourage the wanting in others – we help them see potential and thus create desire for a better future. I rest my case in the only way I know how: by looking at what can be done, by identifying the strengths at hand (however small), and by moving forward with the confidence that, with the right preparation and heart, we can not only survive but thrive in whatever jungle we find ourselves.
Executive presence, at its heart, grows out of these traits in combination. Lead with instinct sharpened by insight; observe with humility and curiosity, prepare like everything depends on it, invest in those around you, and never lose that hunger – that want – to grow and to help others grow. If we do this, we’ll embody a leadership presence as majestic and enduring as the lioness with her pride. After all, the tools for greatness have been inside us all along – you don’t need to be born under the sign of Leo to channel your inner lioness!
Take the Next Step – Join our next leadership workshop series.
Keep an eye on our website for our workshops’ details and registration. Spaces are limited to ensure a rich, personal experience, so I encourage you to reserve your spot once registration opens. Come and join a pride of like-minded professionals and take the next step in your leadership journey – I can’t wait to see you there, thriving with a lioness mindset together with powerful executive presence.
In case you have missed Part 1, 2, 3 and 4 here they are: