The most important thing you can build right now isn’t your resume — it’s your reputation.

One of my clients wasn’t the loudest in the room. She didn’t have the flashiest title. But during a major restructuring, her name came up quickly — and not because she was drowning. She was the one her boss fought to keep.  Why? Because she led with collaboration, cared deeply, and brought out the best in others.  She anticipated needs, stayed calm under pressure, and made her team feel seen and supported. She had executive presence — and it became her life preserver.

Executive presence isn’t about self-promotion. It’s about showing up as the best version of yourself, earning a reputation for making things happen, and leaving people better because they worked with you. It’s about giving yourself permission to be visible, to build meaningful relationships, to create sponsors along the way — and making sure your reputation is grounded in trust and stewardship, not self-promotion or hype. Here’s why embracing executive presence strategies is no longer optional: A new reality is reshaping today’s workplace. Blame it on trade wars, inflation, and AI — companies are cutting mid-level roles.

Korn Ferry recently reported that companies are making “historic shifts” in their org charts by thinning out the middle. In fact, mid-level managers made up 29% of all layoffs in 2024.

So…If you’re invisible, you’re vulnerable. But…If you’re essential, you’re irreplaceable. Here are some tips on how to manage your career.

Timeless Reminders to Stay Essential:

• Lead with your true talents. Focus where you make the biggest impact — camouflage your weaknesses. You don’t have to be perfect!!!!
• Build your own PR team. Surround yourself with mentors, role models, and allies who see your potential.
• Stay grounded in gratitude and humility. Success is never a solo journey.
• Treat failure as free education. Fall fast. Rise faster.
• Celebrate small wins with your business partners. Especially when things get tough.
• Set bold, realistic goals. Stretch yourself daily.
• Take ownership. No excuses. No blaming. Fix it and move on.
• Shift from networking to “netgiving”. Share ideas, encouragement, and opportunities.
• Stop comparing yourself. Your story is your personal value proposition — use it to model for others
• Build a legacy, not a resume. Be the trusted advisor who lifts others and drives real results.

Over time you’ll be creating a personal brand and reputation that speaks volumes on your behalf. Build your brand through the decisions you make, the relationships you nurture, and the way you show up every day.

In Front of Your Manager — Steady the Helm

1. Get clarity on what matters most.
2. Make sure your goals align with your manager.
3. Know your key performance indictors and admit to your blind spots.

Have the courage to ask:

• What do you depend on me for?
• What do you see as my top strengths?
• Where do I add the most value?
• Where should I focus to grow?
• What can I do to make your job easier?
• Where should I be expanding my influence?
• Who needs to know about me for the next step in my career?

Bottom Line:

Executive presence isn’t a luxury — it’s your edge.
Your reputation is your identity. It speaks before you do.
Make sure it says you’re the one they can’t afford to ship out. Chart your course with intention—even when the waters get rough.