A senior executive was struggling to assert themselves and project confidence. In meetings, they rarely spoke up, often defaulted to the role of notetaker and were perceived more as a transactional operator than a strategic leader. The CEO engaged Robin to support the executive in developing their leadership style, confidence and presence.
Over a 4-month coaching program, it became clear that while the executive was highly knowledgeable in their domain, they lacked the presence and behavioural impact expected at their level. They struggled to translate their expertise into action and influence.
A core insight emerged: the executive wasn’t owning their voice. Presence and authority rely on the ability to express ideas with conviction, and this gap significantly limited their impact.
Remedies
Robin implemented a tailored development plan focused on strengthening leadership presence and influence, including:
The transformation was striking. The executive began speaking up with clarity and confidence, actively contributing to strategic discussions and asserting their decisions. Their presence in meetings was positively noted by both peers and the Board.
They reported a renewed sense of purpose and job satisfaction and have since launched several bold initiatives. From a tentative start, the executive has firmly established themselves as a trusted and valued member of the leadership team.