Career Success

Executive Presence — Why Capability Isn’t Enough


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You’re good at what you do. 
You deliver. 
You prepare. 
You work hard. 

So why are others getting elevated ahead of you? 

In this episode, Sarah unpacks the uncomfortable truth most high performers miss: 

It’s not about competence. 
It’s about presence. 

Research from the Center for Talent Innovation found that executive presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted. That’s not a soft skill. That’s a career lever. 

Inside this episode, you’ll discover: 

  • Why strong operators often stall at senior levels 
  • The subtle signals that quietly undermine authority 
  • How posture, pace and polish shape promotion decisions 
  • The difference between sounding busy… and sounding strategic 
  • Why “working harder” rarely fixes visibility gaps 

Sarah breaks executive presence into three practical components — gravitas, communication and polish — and explains how leadership is interpreted through signals, often subconsciously. 

You’ll hear real-world examples of capable leaders who were overlooked — not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked signal control. 

And you’ll walk away with three upgrades you can implement immediately: 

✔ Slow your entry 
✔ Land your point 
✔ Regulate your energy 

This isn’t about being louder. 
It’s about being credible. 

If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, Why didn’t that land? — this episode will change how you show up next time. 

🎟 Sarah is hosting a free live masterclass: 
Get the Executive Edge – How to Build Influence, Presence & Accelerate Your Career
register here https://form.sarahmakris.com.au/the-executive-edge 

If you're ready to move from capable to promotable, press play. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Career SuccessBy Sarah Makris