Presence and Power

Many of the most thoughtful leaders I work with are the least comfortable with their own power. They've been rewarded for discretion, reliability and functional excellence, and then they arrive at a level where those qualities, while necessary, are no longer sufficient.

Influence isn't a side effect of good ideas. It's something you build deliberately, ethically and visibly. Your presence - how you show up, what you project, what you allow yourself to occupy - is part of the work, not a luxury for people who enjoy the spotlight.

These posts explore the territory between visibility and vanity, between power and dominance, and between adapting to the room and losing yourself in it. The sweet spot is where your real self meets the real world and works.

If you're holding back from the full weight of your own influence - not because you lack ideas but because visibility feels uncomfortable - that's exactly the territory where coaching makes the biggest difference.

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Gravitas without the gavel
Gravitas without the gavel

True gravitas isn't about dominating the room or winning arguments; it's about the quiet confidence of knowing you belong. Explore the difference between presence and performance... a guide to showing up authentically without the armour.

From patrolling to noticing
From patrolling to noticing

When your brain is wired to patrol for what might go wrong, it starts seeing danger everywhere - even in calm rooms.
Mature leadership isn’t about dulling awareness; it’s about widening it. Here’s how to shift from patrolling for threat to noticing what’s real

Gut instinct or false alarm?
Gut instinct or false alarm?

Should leaders trust their gut? Or override it?
Your nervous system is constantly scanning for threat, connection, and meaning. It’s a powerful source of information, but not always an accurate one.

Your presence is part of the work
Your presence is part of the work

Many experienced leaders want to “do the work” and stay above the politics. But once you’re at the table, presence isn’t optional. It’s part of the job and the lever for influence.

Where Adaptability Meets Authenticity: Leading Without Losing Yourself
Where Adaptability Meets Authenticity: Leading Without Losing Yourself

How do you stay true to who you are while stretching to meet new demands? This week, I explore the tension between authenticity and adaptability, and 3 questions to help you find the overlap.

How your mood impacts your team
How your mood impacts your team

As a leader, you’re only human – you will have highs and lows just like everyone. But your impact is outsized – so be aware and take care to adjust accordingly – especially when you’re busy!

Use your power for good instead of evil
Use your power for good instead of evil

We know power corrupts. This HBR article explains how to temper power with humility and a sense of interconnectedness. For those whose goal is to build confidence and power, the same advice can apply…. as illustrated in my latest glossy graphic. How does this resonate for you?

Use your mind’s eye to get unstuck
Use your mind’s eye to get unstuck

When you envision the road ahead, what do you see? Our mind’s eye can offer valuable clues to what’s going on for us. The metaphors it offers up aren’t usually too mysterious.

On being seen
On being seen

In all of our relationships, being truly seen is a deeply validating and enriching experience. To connect with someone, you must first see them.

As Brene Brown says, “never underestimate the power of being seen”.

If you're holding back from the full weight of your own influence - not because you lack ideas but because visibility feels uncomfortable - that's exactly the territory where coaching makes the biggest difference.  

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