The Invisible Barrier: A Story of Executive Presence!

The Story of Aryan

Aryan was a high-performing and committed corporate leader with a track record that spoke for itself. His function consistently exceeded its targets, and his team was known for its high efficiency. Aryan had all the hallmarks of a leader—he was sincere, ethical, driven, and results-oriented. So when a senior leadership position opened up in his company, everyone, including Aryan, assumed he was “The One”.

But when the decision was made, Aryan was passed over!! The feedback to him was perplexing and crushing: "You lack executive presence."

Aryan was bewildered. What did that even mean? He wasn’t just competent—he had proven time and again that he was exceptional. His achievements were the highest in the department. He had always been the go-to person for solving complex problems and had a great reputation with customers.

When he was told he wouldn't be promoted due to a lack of "executive presence," he felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Was it his communication style? His leadership approach? His attire?

The Call for Help

Disheartened and unsure of his next steps, Aryan reached out to a coach. He wanted answers. He wanted to know what executive presence was and, more importantly, how to develop it.

As they sat down for their first session, Aryan's frustration was palpable. “I don’t get it,” he said. “I deliver results. I lead my team effectively. What more do they want?”

The coach, sensing Aryan's frustration, asked a simple yet profound question: "What does executive presence mean to you?"

Aryan's response was telling: "I think it means being confident, decisive, and charismatic."

The coach nodded thoughtfully. "Those are certainly important qualities, but executive presence goes beyond semantics. Executive presence is the ability to project poise, influence and decisiveness that makes a leader uniquely stand out and inspires confidence in others around him."

Beyond Semantics: The Heart of Executive Presence

The coach knew that the term "executive presence" could often feel like a corporate jargon, but it was rooted in a few critical behaviors and perceptions. He started by helping Aryan break it down:

1. Self-assuredness: The coach asked Aryan to reflect on how he showed up in different scenarios, especially the not to good ones! Did his body language, tone, and expressions consistently convey confidence, in high-pressure situations? Together, they worked on aligning Aryan’s internal belief in his abilities to his external presentation, ensuring that his confidence came across naturally and authentically. They together focused on identifying certain self-assumptions that Aryan held close to his heart. One of the self assumptions was that "I must be seen as a very thorough thinker by my seniors". He realized through coaching how his need to be a thorough thinker was becoming a barrier to display risk taking and intuition during difficult times. This new frame opened up a new window for Aryan, and he started to evaluate a new set of behaviors instead.
2. Emotional Balance: Aryan was excellent with data, but the coach helped him understand the importance of connecting with people on an emotional level. They worked on active listening, empathy, and responding rather than reacting—skills that would help Aryan build stronger relationships with peers, subordinates, and senior leaders alike.
3. Inspiring communication: The coach noticed that while Aryan was great at solving problems, he often communicated in a detailed, tactical manner. They worked on shifting his communication style to be more visionary, helping Aryan articulate not just the “how” but also the “why” behind his decisions. This subtle shift began to change how senior stakeholders perceived him—not just as a problem-solver but as a forward-thinking leader.
4. Strategic thinking : Aryan was always stuck in the daily tactics. The coach observed that Aryan rarely took a pause to retrospect on what is the impact being created by the things he is doing, and what can be done differently. The coach started to nudge Aryan to have a forward-looking, innovative mindset. Aryan decided to plan his days better and put aside some time daily to reflect in order ?to spot patterns and trends, and be able to pre-empt what are the future needs basis the different perspectives coming in from his stakeholders.
5. Presence and gravitas: Aryan often found himself distracted in meetings, thinking about the next task rather than being fully present. He often jumped from meeting to meeting, and gave an impression of busyness, being distracted, ruffled or trying too hard. The coach introduced mindfulness techniques to help Aryan stay grounded and focused, making him more attentive and engaged in interactions, which subtly but powerfully enhanced his presence.

The Transformation

As Aryan began to apply these insights, he noticed a shift—not just in how others perceived him, but in how he needed to feel about himself. He was no longer just a high performer; he had to show-up as a leader who commanded respect, not through authority but through presence.

His self-experimentation during the next presentation to the senior leadership team was a small turning point. Aryan didn’t just present data; he told a story, linking his team's quarterly performance review to a future vision that resonated with the entire room. He spoke with clarity, confidence, and a calm that drew everyone in. It wasn’t just what he said; it was how he made them feel and how he remained centered even during tough questioning.

The Role of the Coach

With the help of his coach, Aryan spent time reflecting on this presentation experience. His coach made him divide the reflection into - 1.) What went well, 2.)What could go better, and 3.) What does Great look like. The coach also nudged Aryan to proactively seek some feedback from a few trusted senior stakeholders who observed him during the meeting.

The coach created a structured loop of Feedback----->Reflection---->Action---->Feedback which was practiced by Aryan over many months and reported back to the coach during each session.

The coach’s role in Aryan’s transformation wasn’t about offering a quick fix or a superficial makeover. It was about enabling Aryan to discover and develop the qualities that were already within him but had been overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of results. The coach helped Aryan see that executive presence is not about mimicking someone else’s style but about becoming more authentically yourself—more aligned, more aware, and more intentional in how you show up. Most importantly the Coach , by being an accountability keeper for Aryan, helped cement certain new habits, especially during the first few months when the shift in behaviors can be really painful.

Executive Presence as a Journey

Aryan’s story is a reminder that leadership is more than just achieving targets; it’s about the impact you have on those around you. Executive presence is not an elusive trait possessed by a few; it’s a skill that can be cultivated with the right guidance and self-awareness. Executive presence is not just a buzzword; it's a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. With the right guidance, anyone can develop the presence and leadership skills necessary to succeed in their careers and beyond.

For those who find themselves where Aryan once was—frustrated, confused, and at a career crossroads—know that there is a way forward. With the help of a coach who goes beyond the semantics, you can unlock the executive presence that not only elevates your career but also enriches your life.

As far as Aryan’s story goes…it did have a happy ending! A few months later, Aryan received a call from the CEO's office. They wanted to discuss his next steps in the company—this time, it was about taking on a complex leadership role.

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