Executive presence isn't a checklist of confident behaviors, and it isn't a persona you put on when you reach the C-suite.
Jacque McCormack, co-founder of JetStream Advisors and an executive coach with more than 15 years of experience working with leaders and executive teams, joins me to unpack what executive presence actually looks like in practice: how people experience you, how you flex between authority and approachability, and how you stay grounded enough to respond intentionally when the pressure rises.
We talk about the difference between performative confidence and quiet confidence, the leadership models we unconsciously copy, and why a new executive role can be a chance to deliberately evolve your leadership brand. Jacque also shares specific considerations for women navigating the authority-approachability double bind, along with practical communication tools like bottom-line-up-front messaging and emotional granularity.
A big theme throughout the conversation: executive presence is less about looking the part and more about knowing the wake you create - especially when things get difficult.
Who Am I? If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.
Time Stamps: 00:50 - What executive presence actually feels like 03:20 - Performative confidence vs. quiet confidence 05:30 - The authority-approachability spectrum 08:40 - Audit the leadership model you're mimicking 12:40 - Starting fresh in your first C-suite role 15:10 - Define your leadership brand and the wake you create 20:40 - Executive presence and the double bind for women 24:40 - Bottom-line-up-front communication and emotional granularity 27:20 - Leadership halos, shadows, and stress responses 29:20 - The pause: responding instead of reacting 34:20 - Emotional sovereignty is a muscle, not fake it till you make it 36:10 - Matching leadership horsepower to the organization 38:20 - Why leadership development became a calling
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