In many organizations, performance is necessary but no longer sufficient for advancement. Senior roles now require visible authority, clarity under pressure, and the ability to influence across stakeholders who may not sit in your reporting line.

In this episode of Grounded and Aligned™, Karen speaks with executive communication advisor Laurie-Ann Murabito about what she is hearing from corporate leaders following year-end reviews: feedback around conciseness, executive presence, and memorability.

The pattern is consistent. Leaders with strong track records are being passed over for promotion because their communication does not signal readiness for broader scope.

If you are operating in a matrix environment, presenting to boards, or preparing for expanded accountability, this conversation examines why speaking skill is no longer optional. It is a structural component of leadership credibility.

Key topics addressed:

1. Why executive presence is increasingly cited in promotion decisions, even when technical performance is strong

1. How virtual environments have raised the bar on clarity, vocal control, and attention management

1. The link between nervous system regulation and consistent authority in high-stakes forums

1. Why speaking opportunities function as internal strategic networking, particularly in large organizations

1. How personal brand resilience matters in periods of restructuring, acquisition, and leadership turnover

1. A practical starting point for increasing visibility without overexposing yourself

As scope increases, so does scrutiny. The leaders who advance are not only delivering results but doing so in a way that is visible, structured, and credible across forums. Communication is not an add-on to the role. It is part of how readiness is assessed.

Connect with Laurie-Ann here:

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Website: Speak and Stand Out | Executive Communication and Speaking Advisor and Coach

Podcast