Executive Presence: Lessons from Cher

When I was a kid, I wanted to be Cher.

Not just because of the sequins, the powerhouse voice, or the way she commanded every stage she sang on, but because she was unapologetically herself.

Cher didn’t fit the mold. She had a deeper voice when female singers were expected to be light and airy. She was tall when petite was the standard. And she was a person of color making waves in an industry that favored conformity. But instead of shrinking, Cher owned every bit of what made her different—and turned it into her superpower.

As a young girl, I would imagine myself standing on stage, channeling that same energy. In my mind, I was Cher—confident, bold, completely at home in my own skin. But outside of those daydreams? I wasn’t so sure. I was a girl who felt different. Bright red hair brought some teasing my way, along with my tall skinny body.

It took years for me to realize that the very things that I thought made me stand out in the wrong way, were actually my greatest strengths. My high soprano voice. My tall presence. My unique perspective.

From the Stage to the Boardroom

My journey started in musical theater, where I learned how to own my voice in front of an audience. But stepping into the corporate world? That was an entirely different stage—one where women, especially, are often expected to blend in rather than stand out.

I’ve seen it happen time and time again. A brilliant woman enters a high-stakes meeting, her ideas polished and ready. But as the conversation unfolds, she hesitates. The room is filled with dominant voices, and suddenly, she starts questioning herself. She shrinks. She holds back. She leaves the meeting wondering if she should have spoken up more, taken up just a bit more space.

And that’s exactly why I do what I do.

In my recent interview with Bold Journey, I shared my path to finding my own voice—and how I help other women do the same. Because here’s the truth: leadership isn’t about becoming someone you’re not. It’s about becoming more of who you already are.

If I Could Turn Back Time…

If I could go back to my younger self, the girl watching Cher, trying to mimic that effortless confidence—I’d tell her this:

Your authentic voice is your power.

You don’t have to sound like anyone else.

You don’t have to lead like anyone else.

And you don’t have to shrink to make others comfortable.

That’s the heart of The Women’s Voice Network—a space where women leaders can break through barriers, share their stories, and amplify their voices without apology. Because when we stop trying to fit in and start embracing what makes us different, that’s when we truly lead.

Want to read more about my journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way? Check out my full interview here: https://boldjourney.com/meet-martha-gleason/

And if you’re ready to step into the most powerful, authentic version of yourself, let’s connect.

?? My door is always open. Schedule a call with me: https://calendly.com/marthagleasonvoice/coffee-or-tea-chat-w-martha

#AuthenticLeadership #WomenInLeadership #WomensVoiceNetwork #EmpowerHerVoice #LeadWithConfidence