Developing Executive Presence and Building Confidence

Question, how do I develop executive presence and speak up in meetings without second guessing myself and missing my opportunity?

The answer isn't simply confidence, it is ownership that builds confidence. Executive presence starts before you ever enter the room. It begins with deciding to own your voice, your value, and how you want to show up. If you are waiting to feel ready before speaking up, you will always find a reason to hold back. But when you take ownership and intentional steps to prepare, you shift from silence to influence.

Here’s how to make that shift:

1. Prepare with Intention - Don’t just show up to the meeting, show up with a strategy. Review the agenda before the meeting. Consider where your expertise intersects and outline 2-3 strategic contributions or questions in advance that elevate the conversation and forward the thinking. 
2. Lead with Solutions - Anyone can point out problems and complain. Executives notice those who come to the table with thoughtful insights and actionable ideas. That is what earns you credibility and keeps you on the invite list.
3. Engage don't Perform - Speak up in a way that creates dialogue not attention. Ask questions that are forward-thinking and show you are considering the bigger picture. Connecting ideas and expanding knowledge is strategic. Demonstrating that you can do this and do it well will be noticed and you will improve the outcome. 
4. Visualize - Before the meeting take a few minutes to visualize. Close your eyes and picture yourself contributing with clarity and calm authority. Visioning is backed by neuroscience as a proven method to rewire mindset and place you in a growth position. Professional athletes have been using it for years.
5. Own the Outcome - No matter how others respond, own your contribution. This is how you build trust and momentum, one intentional moment at a time. There are likely others around the table who are agreeing with you silently. When you contribute, you also empower others around you. 

When you own how you show up, you become impossible to overlook. The beauty of this is that you can start now.