Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast.

In this episode, Brett McDermott explores why presence—not performance—is the most underrated form of charisma. People don’t remember every word you say, but they never forget how it felt to be around you. And nothing creates trust, connection, and influence more than making others feel fully seen.

Brett breaks down why availability is the true signal of leadership, how silence and stillness project confidence, and why multitasking erodes trust. You’ll learn practical tools like the one‑breath pause, physical signals that convey calm authority, and simple presence practices that transform everyday conversations into moments of influence.

Key Takeaways

• Presence is about availability, not impressiveness
• A single breath before responding prevents interruption and builds authority
• Physical signals—stillness, posture, steady eye contact—instantly increase presence
• Silence projects confidence and makes conversations more effective
• Presence feels rare in a distracted world, which is why it builds trust