Reinventing Executive Presence in 2025: A Women Leaders' Guide

"What people expect from leaders has changed." – Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Executive presence isn't what it used to be.

I remember a time when much of it was about what you wore and your posture. Back then, the recipe for executive presence was simple: throw on a power suit (shoulder pads optional but highly recommended—oh, do I remember!), perfect your firm handshake, and master the art of looking busy while walking briskly down hallways with a manila folder.

Voila! Instant gravitas!

But oh, how times have changed. Over the past decade, we've seen a shift. The pandemic, economic upheaval, social changes, and even how we work have all reshaped what we want in our leaders.

Confidence? Yes, it's still essential. But now, it's just the beginning.

As we look ahead to 2025, it's clear to me that women in leadership, with their natural strengths in emotional intelligence, collaborative problem-solving, and authentic communication, are perfectly positioned to redefine what it means to have an executive presence.

It's time to shake things up and show the world how to command a room—or a Zoom—with substance, style, and a whole lot of savvy.

Understanding Executive Presence: How the Game is Changing in 2025

Sylvia Ann Hewlett , a renowned expert on workplace power and influence who has the distinction of being the most published author ever in the Harvard Business Review, has been at the forefront of redefining executive presence.

Hewlett's groundbreaking work has shown that the new markers of executive presence go far beyond just looking the part or having the "right" background. It's about authenticity, inclusiveness, and being genuine—whether in a boardroom or online.

This matters now more than ever.

For women in leadership shaping business and philanthropy, reinventing executive presence is a pathway to keeping up with and leading change. Let's see what this means for you.

Executive Presence: Then and Now

Hewlett's research shows how executive presence has changed from 2012 to 2022. (I think the differences are eye-opening).

These visuals tell a fascinating story about the changing landscape of leadership.

1. Gravitas Traits: Notice how "inclusiveness" has become a top trait, knocking "integrity" off its pedestal. This shift aligns with what I've observed in my consulting work: inclusive leadership is a priority trait for leaders.

2. Communication Traits: The rise of "command of a room/Zoom" to equal importance with traditional "command of a room" reflects our new hybrid work reality. Leaders now need to be as effective virtually as they are in person.

Also, note how "authenticity" has replaced "joking and bantering manner"—a clear sign that genuine communication is valued more nowadays.

In my opinion, the decline of "joking and bantering manner" as a valued trait is also a reflection of changing workplace norms in the wake of the #MeToo movement. This shift recognizes that what was once considered harmless office banter can often be exclusionary or inappropriate, especially in male-dominated environments.

3. Perhaps the most striking change is here. "Authenticity" has dethroned "physical attractiveness" as a key trait. Authenticity in executive presence means presenting your genuine self with polish and professionalism.

What's exciting is that many of these newly valued traits—inclusiveness, authentic communication, and empathetic listening—often come naturally to women leaders.

Working with women leaders, I've seen firsthand how leveraging these strengths can transform individual careers and organizations. For instance, I coached a CEO who initially struggled with feeling she needed to project a traditional image to be taken seriously.

But when she embraced her natural warmth and collaborative style while still maintaining a polished appearance, her team's productivity soared, and she secured a major partnership that had previously been out of reach.

Hewlett says,

Women and people of color no longer have to fit into a mold not fashioned for them. But they must still cultivate a confident, decisive, polished, and commanding persona without running afoul of biased social norms that punish them for overstepping.

Key Strategies for Reinventing Your Executive Presence

As we enter 2025, how can your executive presence stay ahead of the curve?

• Boost your "inclusive leadership" behaviors.

In 2025, make sure you're a connector who creates welcoming, collaborative environments. While 78% of CEOs and 82% of senior executives feel accepted at work, only 63% of individual team members do.

So, how can you lead like a boss and keep everyone in the loop?

- Create a sense of belonging: Open those communication channels wide and listen like your career depends on it (because it does).

- Show cultural competence: Be curious and learn about diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

- Lead with empathy: Remember, your team members aren't cookie-cutter copies. Connect with them and support their unique needs.

I worked with a women's leadership team at a global auto company to launch a "reverse mentoring" program where the younger staff from diverse backgrounds schooled the senior leaders.

Talk about a win-win! It boosted inclusivity and sparked some genius product ideas that resonated with a broader customer base.

• Be Technologically Fluent

In 2025, we need to be tech whisperers, integrating it into every decision. 73% of CEOs think AI will be their secret weapon in the next three years.

What does this mean for you?

- Get cozy with AI: It's not just for tech geeks anymore. Use it to supercharge your strategic decisions.

- Adapt or get left in the dust: Tech moves fast. Keep learning, or risk becoming a leadership relic.

- Master the virtual stage: Zoom isn't going anywhere. Nail those digital communication skills.

• Develop a Learning Mindset

Listen up: the top leaders of 2025 won't be know-it-alls. They'll be learn-it-alls , according to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella .

With tech and business landscapes shifting faster than you can say "disruption," adaptability is your new best friend. Here's how to keep that brain of yours in tip-top shape:

- Seek feedback like it's going out of style: Reach out to your work squad, mentors, or coaches. Their insights? Pure gold for your growth.

- Invest in your gray matter: Workshops, programs, hands-on sessions – dive in, especially when it comes to emerging tech like AI.

(Remember: Hewlett's data also shows that a "listen to learn orientation" is now a key player in executive presence.)

• Make authentic communication a priority.

Forget those stuffy, rehearsed speeches. Leaders who keep it real, listen to learn, and show their true colors? They're the ones inspiring their teams to move mountains.

Try these strategies that are top on the list for my clients:

- Spill the tea: Share your wins, your fails, your "oh crap" moments. Your team will eat it up. You may feel extremely uncomfortable at first like I did, but it becomes refreshing and liberating with practice.

- Flex your communication style: Boardroom or Zoom room, tailor your message to hit home every time. Remember your audience and who's in the room.

- Listen first, talk later: Understanding before responding? That's the stuff strong relationships are made of.

Now, let's be honest. Looking the part still matters.

I recently hosted a LinkedIn live event called "5 Simple Beauty Habits to Strengthen Your Executive Presence" to show you some easy, intentional beauty habits that can amp up your executive presence without compromising who you are. Check it out.

Embracing the Future: Building a Lasting Legacy

I can't talk about executive presence without mentioning legacy, especially for midlife women leaders.

How you show up, communicate, and lead today shapes your impact and enduring influence on future leaders. Developing your executive presence with a legacy creates meaningful leadership that resonates for years.

Focus on Long-term Impact

I invite you to think about legacy as you elevate your executive presence. Do this:

• Be a mentor extraordinaire: Invest in the next generation of leaders. It's how your influence lives on.

(Get this: women mentored by other women rocket into leadership roles 63% of the time, compared to a meager 42% for those flying solo .)

• Master the balancing act: Make choices that feed your immediate needs and future growth. It's not either/or—it's both/and.
• Shout your vision from the rooftops. Share a vision so clear and inspiring that your team can't help but get on board and make it happen.

Need help crafting a compelling vision for your team or yourself? Let's strategize together here.

Conclusion

In 2025 and beyond, executive presence is getting a major rewrite.

Many of these newly prized traits—authenticity, collaboration, and empathetic listening—are often second nature to women leaders.

Let's recognize these as the superpowers they are and use them to drive positive change in our organizations, communities, and beyond.

What's your next step to elevate your executive presence?

Your Coach,

Dr. Geneva

P.S. Want to strengthen your executive presence? On a 45-minute call, I’ll give you two specific actions you can take right now to improve how you lead. Schedule your call today if you're ready to communicate more clearly, connect with your team better, and make a lasting impact!