By Vanessa Roknic

“She’s too emotional and passionate when sharing her perspective.”
“She needs to learn how to be quiet.”
“She’s too confident.”
These are all things I’ve heard myself at one point or another throughout my career.
The theme running through these critiques ultimately boils down to the idea of executive presence – how a leader presents themselves and their persona. All too often, our organizations fall into the default mode of judging what a leader should look like based on traditionally masculine-coded ideas.
Defining Executive Presence
At its core, executive presence embodies the ability to create trust and confidence in your capabilities in a professional setting. It encompasses a blend of charisma, gravitas, and authenticity that leaves a lasting impression on others. However, for many women, myself included, achieving this is a balancing act that can sometimes feel elusive.
One of the most glaring obstacles women face in cultivating executive presence is the pervasive pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. From a young age, girls are often taught to prioritize likability over assertiveness, leading to a reluctance to speak up and assert their opinions confidently. As we ascend the ranks in our careers, these ingrained behaviors can manifest in subtle ways, undermining our ability to command authority and influence.
Moreover, women are frequently held to a different standard than their male counterparts when it comes to displaying emotions in the workplace. While passion and conviction are praised in men, they are often perceived as signs of weakness or instability in women. I’ve witnessed firsthand how women who are simply expressing themselves or challenging the status quo are unfairly labeled as “too emotional” or “difficult to work with,” further perpetuating stereotypes.
A Long Way Still to Go
Despite significant strides towards gender equality, gender biases still exist in our society. Women continue to face systemic barriers and unconscious biases that undermine their credibility in the workplace.
I’ve seen countless articles on bias in the C-suite, but it still shocks me when I see it firsthand. Those are the moments that stand out to me.
I was in the early stages of a new role when I was invited to a meeting with my manager and two senior leaders.
It was a pretty standard discussion at first. Then, midway through the meeting, the male leader interjected abruptly, telling his female colleague to stop speaking and let him talk.
I later told my manager that I was very uncomfortable with how that conversation unfolded. To my dismay, my manager replied, “She needs to learn to be quiet.”
That’s when I realized what kind of culture I was up against. The voice of the man was deemed more valuable.
From subtle microaggressions to overt discrimination, these behaviors and norms erode confidence and impede our ability to assert ourselves effectively. I’ll never forget the story of a colleague who was chastised by a boss who told her that she needed to not wear as much make-up in order to be taken seriously.
However, amidst these challenges, I’ve met so many women who defied the odds and embraced their authentic selves unapologetically. This is becoming increasingly prevalent today, especially as a new generation with different expectations comes of age in the workplace.
So, how do these women overcome these barriers and cultivate a strong executive presence? What can we learn from their examples?
- Embrace Authenticity: Instead of striving to meet someone else’s ideas of what a leader should be, embrace your unique strengths and qualities. Authenticity breeds trust and credibility, allowing you to connect with others on a deeper level and wield greater influence. Embrace the things that make you, YOU.
- Speak Up: Don’t shy away from voicing your opinions and ideas, even if they diverge from the consensus. You have a seat at the table for a reason. Your perspective matters, and by speaking up, you contribute valuable insights and perspectives to the conversation. It’s not always easy to find the courage in the moment; think of it as a muscle that you cultivate over time. You get stronger the more that you do it.
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with men and women, with mentors, sponsors, and allies who champion and prioritize your growth and development. Find those who will stand in your corner. Seek out opportunities for mentorship and networking to expand your sphere of influence and gain valuable guidance.
- Challenge the Status Quo: Don’t be afraid to challenge outdated norms and practices that perpetuate inequality. Whether it’s advocating for gender-balanced leadership or challenging biased decision-making processes, be a catalyst for change within your organization. You can find small ways to work toward this goal in virtually every meeting and interaction if you look for opportunities.
Achieving executive presence is not about conforming to rigid stereotypes or sacrificing authenticity for the sake of conformity.
It’s about owning your voice, embracing your unique qualities, and leveraging your individual strengths to lead with confidence and conviction. We can push to redefine traditional notions of leadership and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Let’s seize the opportunity to break free from the constraints of conforming to someone else’s expectations of what leadership looks like – and embrace our true power in the workplace.
Vanessa Roknic
Vanessa Roknic is a Senior Commercial Innovation Executive & Digital Transformation Leader with over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.