Executive Presence in a Digital-First Workplace

Business Storytelling and Executive Presence

Explore Programme

A leader can walk into a meeting room and get a sense of how people are responding. A nod, a pause or a question from the back of the room can reveal whether an idea has landed. On a video call, it is not always that simple. Some participants keep their cameras off, others remain silent and a discussion that seems to be going well can end without a clear decision.

This is one of the challenges of leading in a digital-first workplace. Leaders still need to earn trust, communicate with confidence and bring people along. What has changed is how they do it.

Being heard is not the same as having influence

Executive presence is not just about speaking confidently or having something to say in every meeting. It comes through in how a leader handles a discussion, makes decisions and responds when things get difficult. Being active on calls and quick to reply to messages may make someone visible, but that alone does not earn trust.

In a hybrid team, it is easy for remote workers to miss the small conversations that happen in the office. They may not always know what is being discussed or get a chance to share their thoughts. As a leader, making a point to bring them into the conversation can help.

Small changes can make virtual meetings more effective

Virtual meetings can easily go off track when people are unsure of what is being discussed or what they need to do next. Leaders can avoid this by sharing the agenda in advance, keeping conversations focused and making sure everyone knows what happens after the meeting. Listening is equally important. Rather than jumping in with a response, taking a moment to hear someone out can change the course of a discussion. The same goes for emails and chat messages. A few extra words to explain the context can save a lot of confusion later.

How to build executive presence through everyday behaviour

Building executive presence does not mean changing your personality or copying another leader’s style. It starts with being aware of how you come across to others. Keep your message clear and get to the point rather than overexplaining. When faced with difficult questions or setbacks, take a moment to understand the situation before responding. Make it a habit to listen to colleagues, acknowledge their ideas and invite people who may hesitate to speak up. These everyday actions can strengthen your leadership communication skills and help you earn trust over time.

The real test is whether people trust your judgement

Staying connected is easy with digital tools. Building trust is a different matter. People notice how a leader reacts when things go wrong, whether they listen to a different point of view and if they follow through on their promises.

There is no fixed formula for executive presence. Sometimes, you need to speak up and take charge. At other times, stepping back and listening is what matters. ISB’s Business Storytelling & Executive presence (BSEP) programme helps professionals develop these skills and communicate with greater confidence. Because leadership is not about looking confident on screen. It is about earning people's trust.

FAQs

What does executive presence mean in a digital workplace?

It is about earning people’s trust through clear communication, sound decisions and the way you handle everyday interactions, whether online or in person.

How can I improve my presence in virtual meetings?

Come prepared, listen to what others have to say and keep your points clear. Before the meeting ends, make sure everyone knows what happens next.

How do communication skills shape executive presence?

They help leaders explain their thinking, deal with disagreements and keep teams aligned, even when most conversations happen online.