How to Show Up With Confidence and Lead With Presence
When you think of a confident leader, what comes to mind?
Maybe someone who stands tall, speaks with ease and naturally commands attention.
But here's the truth: confidence and presence aren’t about loud voices or dramatic gestures. They’re about being so grounded in who you are that people feel your presence before you even say a word.
Picture this: you’re walking into a room of colleagues, perhaps some clients, and the air’s thick with the usual small talk. A few folks are glued to their phones, others look like they'd rather be anywhere else.
But then, one person walks in, stands a little straighter, makes eye contact, and smiles like they mean it. They don’t even have to say a word, yet every head seems to turn.
That's presence, plain and simple. They show up fully, and everyone feels it.
That’s what it means to lead with presence.
Give yourself permission to be seen, be heard, and be valued.
A Story of Finding Presence
Remember our leader, Sarah, who I recently met. What you don’t know is Sarah was recently promoted to head up of her department, a role she’d been working toward for years.
She had all the technical skills down, but when it came time to lead her first big meeting, something was off. She found herself holding back, afraid her team might not see her as a leader.
One day, after a particularly rough meeting where she felt invisible, Sarah’s mentor sat her down. He looked her in the eye and said, “Sarah, you’ve earned your place at this table. Now, you need to own it.” His words were a wake-up call.
The next time she walked into a meeting, Sarah took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and made a point to speak up within the first few minutes. She shared her ideas with conviction and looked each team member in the eye as she spoke.
Something shifted in the room. Her team listened, engaged, and even applauded her ideas.
From that day on, Sarah walked into every room like she belonged, because she finally believed she did.
Click here : Grab Your FREE Confidence-Booster Checklist (it’s my gift to you) 🎁.
3 Action Steps to Show Up With Confidence and Lead With Presence
Now, let's get practical. Here are three powerful steps you can start using today to show up with confidence and lead with presence.
1. Stand Tall and Make Eye Contact
The way you carry yourself speaks volumes before you say a word.
When you walk into a room, keep your head up, and shoulders back, and make eye contact with people around you.
It might sound simple, but this small change can be transformational. People take notice when you carry yourself like you mean business.
2. Speak Early and Speak With Purpose
Don’t wait for half the meeting to pass before you say something.
Make it a habit to contribute within the first few minutes—whether it’s asking a question, making an observation, or sharing an idea.
This signals that you’re fully present and ready to engage. And remember, you don’t have to have all the answers; it’s about showing up and being part of the conversation.
3. Quiet Your Inner Critic
We’ve all got that little voice inside --that whispers, “Do I really belong here?” or “What if they don’t like what I have to say?”
But here’s a secret: most people in that room have the same doubts.
Remind yourself of your strengths and the value you bring to the table. You wouldn’t be in the room if you didn’t have something to contribute. Trust that.
It’s Your Time to Lead With Confidence and Presence
Confidence and presence aren’t reserved for those with years of experience or a big title.
They’re available to anyone willing to show up fully and own their worth.
When you walk into a room with your head held high, when you speak up with purpose, and when you quiet that self-doubt, you’re doing more than just leading—you’re inspiring others to rise to the occasion.
So, the next time you find yourself in a meeting, a presentation, or even a casual conversation, remember - you belong here. Show up like you know and believe it.
Give yourself permission to be seen, be heard, and be valued. This is your time to show up with confidence and lead with presence.
I’m cheering 📣 for you!
Click here : Grab Your FREE Confidence-Booster Checklist (it’s my gift to you) 🎁