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Building Executive Presence

3 pillars: gravitas, communication, appearance — rate yourself and target the weakest.

60 min Advanced

Goal

Understand why you may not get promoted despite strong performance. Executive presence drives 26% of promotion odds.

Steps

1

Understand 3: 1) Gravitas (calm under pressure, decisiveness), 2) Communication (clarity, persuasion), 3) Appearance (look, conduct).

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Expected Outcome

Immediate

You discover a pillar you think is a strength, 60% of peers see as weakness. Blind spot.

Evidence base

School: Center for Talent Innovation

Founders: Sylvia Ann Hewlett (2014)

Coined by Sylvia Ann Hewlett (PhD, Harvard) in "Executive Presence" (2014). Studied 4,000 managers. Found 3 pillars explain 26% of promotion odds after performance.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "Building Executive Presence" take?

This exercise takes about 60 minutes, practiced solo in a Written reflection format.

When will I notice the effect of "Building Executive Presence"?

You discover a pillar you think is a strength, 60% of peers see as weakness. Blind spot. In the short term: Within 90 days, in meetings: people look at you differently. Presence built.

Is "Building Executive Presence" evidence-based?

Yes — it draws on Center for Talent Innovation (Sylvia Ann Hewlett (2014)). Coined by Sylvia Ann Hewlett (PhD, Harvard) in "Executive Presence" (2014). Studied 4,000 managers. Found 3 pillars explain 26% of promotion odds after performance.

Is "Building Executive Presence" suitable for beginners?

Its difficulty level is: Advanced. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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