"Hi, I’m Angela, and I Have RBF."

(That’s Resting Business Face. ?? What did you think I meant?)

When I’m focused, I look intense. Not just “thinking-hard” intense—more like “approach-with-caution” intense. Even when I’m minding my business, my face has its own agenda.

The realization hit during a vacation. I was on a historical tour, genuinely intrigued and soaking in every detail. But when I saw candid photos later, my face screamed, “Get me out of here!” That’s when it clicked: if my face could betray me during something I enjoyed, what was it doing during high-stakes meetings at work?

That question changed everything. I started to wonder: how many opportunities had I missed or misunderstandings had I created simply because my face wasn’t aligned with what I wanted to project? And more importantly, what could I do about it?

The Shift from RBF to REF

I decided to take control of the narrative my face was telling by developing what I call Resting Executive Face (REF). Unlike RBF, REF is intentional, approachable, and aligned with who you want to be as a leader.

Why does this matter? Because leadership isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you show up. Your expression sets the tone in meetings, one-on-ones, and even casual interactions. A closed-off or intense look (even if unintentional) can send the wrong message, making people hesitant to engage or misreading your openness to collaboration.

Here’s how to start mastering your REF:

1?? Relax Your Face: Tension in your jaw, forehead, or eyes can send all the wrong signals. Take a moment to breathe deeply and soften your expression.

2?? Neutralize Your Mouth: You don’t need a full smile, but slightly lifting the corners of your lips creates a more inviting, neutral look. This small adjustment can make you seem more approachable without feeling fake.

3?? Engage with Your Eyes: Pair your relaxed face with steady, warm eye contact. (Pro tip: This isn’t about staring—it’s about signaling attentiveness and openness.)

The Science Behind the Smile

Here’s where it gets really interesting: your face isn’t just a billboard for your thoughts—it’s also a feedback loop for your emotions.

Studies show that even subtle shifts in your facial expression can influence how you feel. This is known as the facial feedback hypothesis. For example, lifting the corners of your mouth—even slightly—can actually boost your mood and reduce stress.

What’s more, your non-verbal cues account for over half of how people perceive you. Adjusting your expression can make you appear more confident, competent, and approachable—key traits for any leader.

The best part? These adjustments are simple, but the impact is significant.

Watch the RBF-to-REF Transformation

Curious what this looks like in action? Watch this short video where I demonstrate the shift from intense Resting Business Face to calm, confident Resting Executive Face."

?? Click the play button below to watch the video and see the transformation in real time!

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Your leadership—and your face—will thank you.