What got you here won’t get you there.
That’s the hard truth many tech leaders face as they strive for executive roles.
You’ve delivered results.
You’ve led teams.
You’ve solved tough problems.
But despite your achievements, you’re still not seen as “executive material.”
Why? Because performance alone isn’t enough.
At the executive level, perception matters as much as results. And the perception that opens doors is executive presence.
Let’s break it down with a practical checklist to assess and build your executive presence.
What Is Executive Presence, Really?
Executive presence is how you show up—how others experience you in the room, in meetings, and in decision-making.
It’s not about being flashy. It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about 3 core things:
- Confidence – projecting calm, clarity, and conviction.
- Communication – speaking with influence, not just information.
- Credibility – being trusted to think and operate at the strategic level.
If you want to move from middle management to the C-suite, this is the skillset that signals: “I’m ready.”
The Executive Presence Checklist for Tech Leaders
Evaluate where you stand today—and where you need to grow:
1. Do you speak in outcomes, not just activities?
Executives think in terms of business results. If you’re still talking about tasks, features, or code—you’re not speaking the executive language.
✔️ Upgrade: Reframe updates to focus on impact, not inputs.
2. Do you simplify complexity for your audience?
Being smart isn’t about using big words—it’s about making hard things simple.
✔️ Upgrade: Translate technical details into clear, concise, strategic messages.
3. Do people feel calm and clear after you speak?
Presence isn’t about dominating the room. It’s about making others feel confident in your leadership.
✔️ Upgrade: Practice pausing, structuring your message, and speaking with clarity.
4. Do you show up with solutions, not just problems?
Executives don’t just identify problems—they frame possibilities.
✔️ Upgrade: Always offer a recommendation, even if it’s not perfect.
5. Do you influence beyond your direct reports?
Presence expands your reach. If your impact is limited to your team, you’re not showing executive-level leadership.
✔️ Upgrade: Build cross-functional relationships and add value across silos.
6. Do you remain composed under pressure?
Executive presence is tested most when things go wrong.
✔️ Upgrade: Stay steady, control your tone, and focus on solutions—even in high-stress situations.
7. Do you proactively shape conversations—not just react to them?
Reacting is expected. Shaping the room is executive behavior.
✔️ Upgrade: Set context, frame discussions, and move conversations forward with purpose.
8. Do senior leaders ask for your input or perspective?
If they seek you out, it’s a sign they trust your thinking. If not, it might be time to raise your voice in the right way.
✔️ Upgrade: Share thoughtful insights and ask strategic questions that spark dialogue.
9. Do you leave people with confidence in your leadership—even when you’re not in the room?
This is the ultimate test.
✔️ Upgrade: Build your reputation through consistency, presence, and professionalism.
What Should You Do Next?
- Review this checklist. Highlight your strengths and identify 1 or 2 areas to develop.
- Choose one habit to practice this week. Start small. Presence is built moment by moment.
- Ask for feedback. A trusted peer or mentor can offer perspective on how you show up.
- Track your growth. Presence is a journey. Review this checklist monthly as you evolve.
Notes from Drew
When I was trying to break into the executive level, I assumed my results would speak for themselves.
They didn’t.
It wasn’t until I learned to project leadership—not just do the work of a leader—that the doors started opening.
Executive presence isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about revealing the most strategic, confident, and capable version of yourself.
The best part?
It’s learnable.
It’s repeatable.
And it’s yours to own.
Start with one shift.
Practice it.
Build momentum.
And watch how people start to respond differently.
You’ve got what it takes.
Make sure they see it.
