449 Executive Presence Isn’t What You Think: How Leaders Actually Build Influence and Impact with Alexa Chilcutt & Carl DuPont
Executive presence is one of those concepts every leader knows matters, yet very few can clearly define or develop. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Alexa Chilcutt and Carl DuPont, co-authors of The Presence Principle: Embodying Executive Presence to Lead with Impact. Drawing on their work in executive education at Johns Hopkins University, they unpack what presence actually looks like in practice—and why most leaders get it wrong.
What makes this conversation stand out is the shift away from surface-level advice. This isn’t about “owning the room” or projecting confidence. Alexa and Carl go deeper, reframing executive presence as something that begins well before a leader speaks—and often shows up in ways they aren’t even aware of. From mindset and self-awareness to subtle behavioral cues, they highlight how leaders shape perceptions long before they intend to.
The conversation also challenges a common trap: trying to “perform” leadership rather than embody it. Many leaders, especially those stepping into more senior roles, feel pressure to adopt a version of executive presence that doesn’t fit who they are. Alexa and Carl make a strong case that this approach not only fails but erodes trust over time. Instead, they point to the discipline of aligning presence with authentic strengths, while still being intentional about how those strengths are expressed.
There’s also a practical edge throughout. Whether it’s understanding how the brain reacts under pressure, recognizing how attention and technology affect presence, or making small but meaningful adjustments in communication, the discussion stays grounded in real leadership behavior. These are not abstract ideas. They are habits leaders carry into every meeting, every interaction, and every decision.
For CEOs and senior executives, this episode offers a sharper lens on a topic that often feels vague. It’s a reminder that leadership impact is not just about strategy or decisions, but about how consistently and intentionally you show up in the moments that matter.
Actionable Takeaways
- You’ll learn why executive presence starts long before you enter the room—and how leaders often miss the most important part of that preparation
- Hear how subtle, often unconscious signals—like voice, posture, and attention—shape how others interpret your leadership
- You’ll learn why trying to “act like a leader” can actually undermine your effectiveness, especially at senior levels
- Hear how top leaders build presence through small, consistent shifts rather than dramatic changes
- You’ll learn how the brain’s safety vs. danger response quietly influences how you show up under pressure
- Hear why multitasking may be eroding your leadership presence more than you realize
- You’ll learn how to balance collaboration with self-advocacy so your contributions are both recognized and trusted
- Hear how leaders can use reflection to close the gap between how they think they show up and how others actually experience them
- You’ll learn why consistency—not intensity—is what ultimately builds lasting executive presence
- Hear how presence directly connects to a leader’s ability to engage, align, and move people to act
Connect with Alexa Chilcutt and Carl DuPont
The Presence Principle Website
Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: