Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. If you feel like you have to explain everything…to prove you’re doing a good job… That’s exactly why executives aren’t seeing you as one. If you’ve ever felt like you need to prove your value or the value of your recommendation by sharing more detail, only to be interrupted, ignored, or left out of key decisions… this episode breaks down exactly why that’s happening—and how it’s holding you back from being seen as a strategic leader. By the end of today’s episode you’ll know: 😩The hidden communication mistake that makes you sound less strategic (even when you’re highly capable) 🎯The 3-part Executive Communication Operating System top leaders use to influence decisions 🧲Ways to shift from “information overload” to clear, confident recommendations that executives trust Press play to learn how to instantly elevate your executive presence by saying less—and influencing more. Your job is not to transfer knowledge. Your job… is to drive decisions. But not being seen at the level you know you’re capable of… This is exactly the gap we help leaders close. We help you in the Executive Presence Mastery System… So you stop communicating like a subject matter expert…And start showing up like a strategic leader. So if you’re ready to make that shift… Go to the link in the first paragraph of these show notes to book a call with Laura Camacho. Or book that call here. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. In today's episode, you're going to discover what one of the most legendary music producers in history understands about executive presence, clarity, and impact—something that most corporate leaders completely miss. Many high-performing professionals believe better communication means more slides, more explanation, and more detail. But in reality, senior leaders value something far simpler: clarity. In this episode, Laura reveals the counterintuitive communication philosophy used by legendary music producer Rick Rubin—and why the same principle can instantly elevate your presence in meetings, presentations, and strategic conversations. After listening to this episode, you’ll learn: 🧮How the “subtraction principle” used by elite music producers can dramatically strengthen your communication and executive presence 🧲 A simple three-sentence structure that makes your meeting updates stand out with senior leaders 🚛How removing unnecessary information from emails, presentations, and conversations can increase your authority and clarity Press play to discover the surprisingly simple communication shift that can instantly sharpen your executive presence and make your ideas land with more impact. 🚀 My favorite quote from Rick Rubin’s book: Look for what you notice but no one else sees. Because executive presence is not about filling the room with words. It's about making sure the right words land. If you want help developing that kind of communication clarity—the kind that gets attention from senior leaders and positions you for bigger opportunities—start by taking my Executive Presence Scorecard assessment by clicking the link in the 2nd paragraph of these show notes. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Are you focusing so much on productivity and results that you’re unintentionally sabotaging your leadership success—and even your health? Many high-performing professionals believe success comes from checking off tasks, working faster, and staying constantly busy. But research shows that busyness without meaningful human connection leads to disengagement, loneliness, and stalled leadership growth. In this episode, leadership expert Dr. Michelle Johnston explains why the future of leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about connecting more. By the end of this episode with stellar guest Dr. Michelle Johnston, you’ll know: 😩Why productivity alone leads to emptiness, burnout, and missed leadership opportunities 🎯 The powerful mindset shift that helps leaders gain visibility, trust, and influence 🚀 Practical ways to build stronger relationships and run more engaging meetings—even if you’re an introvert Press play to learn the leadership shifts that will help you build stronger relationships, gain influence, and lead with the human connection today’s workplace demands. So if you’re someone who’s doing great work, checking all the boxes, hitting your goals, and still wondering why you’re not getting the visibility or recognition you deserve… you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been told you’re a high performer, but somehow you’re still not seen as leadership material. And that can be incredibly frustrating—because you’re working harder than ever, but it still feels like you’re being overlooked. That’s exactly why we created the Executive Presence Scorecard. You quickly see how others actually experience you as a leader—so you can identify the hidden gaps that might be holding back your influence, visibility, and next promotion. If you’re curious about where your executive presence really stands, just head to the 2nd paragraph of these show notes, click the link. It only takes a few minutes, and it could completely change how you show up as a leader. About our guest: Dr. Michelle K. Johnston is a passionate champion of connection-driven leadership. Recently featured on NBC News with Kate Snow, she is a best-selling author, top ten executive coach, podcast host, keynote speaker, and distinguished professor whose groundbreaking work is reshaping how leaders connect, communicate, and collaborate. Widely regarded as being at the forefront of the connection movement, Michelle has spent her career showing leaders how authentic relationships drive both engagement and results. She is the bestselling author of The Seismic Shift in You: The Seven Necessary Shifts to Create Connection and Drive Results, her newest book coauthored with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. This powerful guide offers a transformative roadmap for leaders to reevaluate their perspective, priorities, meetings, and calendar to drive more meaningful results. Michelle serves as a distinguished professor of leadership at Loyola University New Orleans, holds a Ph.D. in Communication from Louisiana State University, and brings decades of insight to her coaching and keynotes. She also hosts The Seismic Shift podcast, ranked in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, where she engages executives, authors, and thought leaders on the seismic shifts shaking up the way we work and the way we live. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. You’re already doing the executive job… setting strategy, leading people, carrying the pressure… but you’re still not in the executive suite. Many high-performing leaders work their way up inside an organization and eventually find themselves responsible for strategy, people, and major decisions. But despite carrying executive-level responsibility, they’re still stuck answering tactical questions, solving team problems, and defending their credibility in meetings. The frustrating reality? Promotions to the executive level don’t come from simply doing great work—they come from being seen as an executive in the moments that matter. By the end of this episode you’ll know: 🤪Why high-performing leaders often get trapped doing two jobs at once—strategist and executor 🔥The hidden perception problem that causes senior leaders and boards to overlook internal talent 🪝The critical mindset and leadership shift that helps directors and senior leaders step into executive roles Press play to discover the leadership shift that moves you from quietly doing executive work to being recognized as the executive in the room. 🚀 If you're listening to this and thinking: "This is exactly where I am right now." You're already carrying executive-level responsibility. You're already driving strategy. But something still isn’t connecting between where you are today… And that next level of leadership... That gap is exactly what I help directors and senior leaders close. Inside my Executive Presence Mastery program, we work on the four critical skills that move leaders into executive roles: • Speaking powerfully in high-stakes meetings • Influencing senior stakeholders • Leading teams without getting pulled into execution • And positioning yourself as the executive your organization needs If you're ready to stop doing the executive job quietly… And start being seen as the executive… Click the first link in these show notes and apply to work with me. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Why do some people instantly command attention in a meeting—even when they speak the least? Most professionals think influence comes from confidence, charisma, or speaking louder than everyone else. But neuroscience reveals something surprising: the real driver of influence is rhythm. In this episode, we explore the hidden psychological phenomenon called entrainment—and how leaders unconsciously control conversations by setting the emotional tempo of the room. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: 😍How the science of neural entrainment makes people naturally sync with a speaker’s rhythm and how that creates massive likability 🔎Why slowing down your speech can instantly increase executive presence and authority 🚀A simple technique you can use in your next meeting or conversation to control the room Listen now to discover how mastering conversational rhythm can make people naturally pay attention, trust you, and follow your lead. 🎙️ If this episode made you realize something — that influence isn’t just about what you say, but the rhythm and authority behind how you say it — then the next question becomes: How strong is your executive presence right now? Many high performers are already respected for their expertise, but they’re not always aware of the subtle behaviors that determine whether people lean in, synchronize with them, and follow their lead. That’s why I created the Executive Presence Scorecard. It’s a short assessment that evaluates how you show up in meetings, presentations, and leadership conversations. If you’d like that insight, go to the second paragraph of these show notes, click the link for the Executive Presence Scorecard, and take the assessment. It’s free and takes just a few minutes. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Do you realize how easy it is to turn a small workplace crisis into a career-defining disaster—or have your proposal lose traction – just by how you communicate? When pressure hits (a client threatens to leave, a sudden disruption, leadership demanding answers), most people rush, over promise, or try to protect themselves—and that’s exactly how trust erodes. This episode breaks down how to stay calm, tell the truth clearly, and communicate in a way that actually moves people toward the outcome you want. By the end of today’s episode you’ll know: 🔑A simple way to respond when leaders demand answers and you don’t have all the facts yet—without sounding incompetent 🪝The 3 Cs (clear, concise, compelling) to make emails, updates, and presentations instantly easier to understand and harder to ignore 🧲Ways to turn dry messages into memorable ones with the 3 Ss (stories, statistics, sound bites)—so your point lands and sticks Press play to get practical crisis and messaging frameworks you can use immediately to communicate with clarity, confidence, and credibility when the stakes are high. So look, if you find yourself in high-pressure situations — your boss calling unexpectedly, a client threatening to leave, a board presentation that suddenly feels like a courtroom… And you notice your brain speeding up like you’re “driving 100 miles an hour weaving through traffic”… And you want to come across calm, clear, and credible — but you’re not sure how you’re actually perceived in those moments… That’s exactly why we created the Executive Presence Scorecard. Because executive presence isn’t about talking more. It’s about being measured, strategic, and trusted when it counts. The Scorecard shows you whether you’re projecting calm authority, clarity under pressure, and the kind of credibility that compounds goodwill instead of risk. If this episode hit home, go to the 2nd paragraph of these show notes, click the first link, and take the Executive Presence Scorecard. I’d love to show you where you’re strong — and where a few focused shifts can elevate how you show up in your most critical moments. About our guest: Nathan Miller is the Founder and CEO of Los Angeles based Miller Ink, a leading strategic communications and crisis management firm that works with high-profile individuals, nonprofits and corporations to manage reputational threats, media scrutiny and organizational crises. Nathan’s crisis communications insights are featured in Forbes, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, and his expert guidance on how leaders and brands can respond effectively under pressure has appeared on podcasts such as Truth, Lies and Coverups and Cut to the Chase. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Are you known as a leader who’s “easy to work with”… but somehow your voice still doesn’t carry the weight it should in strategic conversations? Many high performers build their reputation on being collaborative, supportive, and easy to work with. But in executive environments, likability alone doesn’t signal leadership. If you’re constantly protecting harmony, softening your opinions, or avoiding tension in meetings, you may unintentionally be limiting how others perceive your strategic leadership potential. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: 🚀Why high performers often avoid the very behaviors that build executive-level credibility 📈The hidden career cost of prioritizing harmony over strategic challenge in meetings ✅How respected leaders challenge ideas without damaging relationships or trust 🎧Press play to learn how to strengthen your leadership voice and start shaping the thinking in the room—not just supporting it. If you’ve built your reputation as the reliable high performer… But you’re realizing that being “easy to work with” might actually be limiting how people see your leadership… Then the real question becomes: How do you challenge thinking without damaging relationships? How do you maintain likability… While also bringing the kind of strategic clarity executives respect? There’s a link in the first paragraph of these show notes where you can book a conversation. On that call we’ll look at: • Where you might be holding back in high-stakes conversations • The leadership moments where your voice should carry more weight • And how to build the balance between likability and strategic authority Because the leaders who rise fastest aren’t the most agreeable people in the room. They’re the people who make the room think better. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Are you accidentally making yourself sound replaceable every time you give an update or even answering a question? If you’re a high-performing introvert who delivers excellent work but still feels under-recognized, the problem may not be your competence — it’s how you’re describing your value. Many talented professionals unintentionally talk in terms of tasks instead of outcomes, which keeps them sounding operational instead of strategic. And in today’s workplace, perception drives promotion. By this end of this fun episode you’ll know: 👑How to instantly shift from “task talk” to “impact language” so you sound more strategic in meetings 🪝Why framing your work around outcomes dramatically increases perceived value 🔥A simple 5-minute exercise that upgrades your executive presence before your next update Press play to learn how to stop selling flowers and start positioning yourself as essential at the executive level. Access to the Executive Presence Scorecard is here - locate your specific strengths and opportunities across your multiple communication functions. Reference: Episode 215 Find your X Factor with Maz Farrelly Speak Up was just recognized by the highly ranked Million Podcasts as #1 of the Top 60 Business Communication podcasts. Thanks for listening. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Have you been working hard a long time with great performance reviews and still not getting the opportunities you deserve? Many high performers believe strong performance alone will open doors — yet promotions, partnerships, and big opportunities often go to those with strong relationship capital. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, unsure how to “network” without feeling fake, or hesitant to put yourself out there, this episode breaks down how to build authentic connections that actually accelerate your career. By this end of this fun conversation with Joanne Fedeyko you’ll know: 🔑How to strategically build relationships without being transactional or pushy 🏆Practical ways to increase your visibility inside and outside your organization 🧠The powerful “Know, Like, Trust” formula and how to play the long game of career growth Press play to learn how to build meaningful relationships that open doors — before you actually need them. If you’ve always cringed at the word “networking”… if big rooms drain you… if self-promotion feels inauthentic… but you still want stronger influence, better opportunities, and a seat at higher-level tables — this is for you. This is why I created the Executive Presence Scorecard. It helps you identify exactly where you can leverage your natural strengths — depth, preparation, one-on-one connection — and where a few small strategic shifts could dramatically increase your visibility without exhausting you. If that sounds like what you need, head to the 2nd paragraph in these show notes, click the first link to take the Executive Presence Scorecard. About our guest: Joanne Fedeyko’s mission—helping leaders and founders elevate their voice, presence, and impact on a global stage. As VP of Mentorship at Startup Genome and Founder of Connection Silicon Valley, Joanne has spent years coaching founders and executives—especially women—to communicate with confidence, build powerful networks, and expand their influence across borders. She often speaks about how visibility and storytelling transform not only individual careers but entire ecosystems. Her calm authority and experience working between Silicon Valley and emerging markets make her a compelling voice for your audience of thoughtful, ambitious professionals who want to “speak up” with clarity and credibility. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

The most dangerous place to be in 2026 isn’t entry-level. It’s mid-level. Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. If you’ve spent 15–20+ years building expertise, earning respect, and becoming the “go-to” person in your company — but promotions have stalled, AI is creeping into your function, and your visibility doesn’t match your capability — you’re not alone. The professional danger zone in 2026 isn’t entry-level. It’s mid-level. Especially for high-performing introverts who rely on competence instead of positioning. This episode breaks down why hard work and loyalty are no longer growth strategies — and what actually moves you into executive territory. In this episode, you’ll discover: 😱Why director-level professionals are the most exposed layer in the age of AI — and how to protect your earning potential 🧩The real reason promotions stall after 20+ years of experience (hint: it’s not competence) 💰How to translate operational or technical expertise into strategic authority so people trust your thinking at the executive level Press play now to learn how to break the mid-level ceiling and reposition yourself for executive influence before comfort costs you your next promotion. You may be hitting a communication and visibility ceiling. And that’s fixable. Inside Executive Presence Mastery, we work on: Translating operational depth into strategic authority Speaking in meetings with executive-level clarity Crafting a powerful professional narrative Increasing visibility inside AND outside your company Building positioning that makes you promotable — or poachable If you’re ready to stop hoping and start positioning… Go to the top of these show notes. Book a conversation. Let’s see if this is your moment. Because the most dangerous thing you can do right now… Is stay comfortable at the ceiling. Research Sources Referenced McKinsey Global Institute (2023). The Economic Potential of Generative AI: The Next Productivity Frontier. https://www.mckinsey.com World Economic Forum (2023). The Future of Jobs Report 2023. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023 Granovetter, Mark (1973). The Strength of Weak Ties. American Journal of Sociology. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Warning... This may sting but it’s true. It’s not your boss’s job to be interested. It’s your job to be interesting. Learn how today. Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to explore the Executive Presence Mastery System to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Are you unknowingly becoming forgettable every time you speak in a senior-level meeting? If you’re a high-performing introvert who delivers exceptional work—but still isn’t getting pulled into stretch assignments or succession conversations—this episode explains why. At senior levels, competence is assumed. What separates influential leaders from invisible ones is not personality. It’s relevance. And most leaders are leading with process when they should be leading with stakes. By the end of this short episode, you’ll know: 💰Instantly make your contributions more compelling in executive meetings. 🎯 Discover the subtle communication shift that transforms you from competent to strategic. 🧩How to frame your message so senior leaders lean in instead of tune out. Press play to learn the 90-second shift that will make your voice matter at the executive level. When you become the leader who consistently makes things more interesting… You stop chasing visibility. Visibility starts chasing you. Get access to the Executive Presence Scorecard by clicking the link in the 2nd paragraph of these show notes. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. The Executive Presence Mastery System may be your logical next step. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Are your presentations and pitches packed with data… yet no one, especially the most senior leaders, actually remembers what you said? If you’re a high-performing professional giving updates, proposals, or leadership presentations, you’ve probably focused heavily on getting the facts right. But facts alone rarely inspire action. When your team isn’t shifting direction, when executives aren’t fully bought in, or when you’re passed over for promotion despite strong technical skills, the missing piece may not be your expertise — it’s how you deliver it. By the end of this conversation with Carmen Sederino, you’ll know: 💰Why storytelling increases retention and influence — and how to use it even in a 10-minute business update 🪝A simple “X-Ray” framework to organize your message quickly (even when you don’t have time) 🎯Practical delivery techniques — including voice variation and breathing — to manage nerves and command the room Press play now to learn how to turn your next presentation into a moment that inspires action, builds credibility, and accelerates your leadership impact. If you’ve ever walked out of a presentation, an interview, or a board update thinking… “I said all the right things… so why didn’t it land?” And it’s bothering you because you know you were technically ready — but you weren’t perceived as inspiring, compelling, or executive enough… That’s why I created the Executive Presence Scorecard — to give you clarity before the next big moment. Before the next board presentation. Before the next promotion opportunity. In just a few minutes, you’ll see exactly how you’re currently showing up — and what might be limiting your influence at higher levels. If that sounds helpful, go up to the 2nd paragraph of these show notes, click the first link. Let’s make sure the next time you step into the room, your presence matches your potential. About our guest: Carmen Sederino helps speakers, leaders, and executives transform high-stakes presentations into immersive, theatrical experiences that captivate, inspire, and influence. She teaches how to combine storytelling, stagecraft, and executive communication to deliver messages with clarity, confidence, and lasting impact. Her Illuminated Story Method equips speakers to deliver keynotes, pitches, and talks that engage audiences and elevate personal brand authority. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to explore the Executive Presence Mastery System to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. “You’re not being overlooked. You’ve already been categorized.” And once senior leaders categorize you, it becomes very difficult to change their perception. Today I share what you must do to fix that. If you’re a high-performing leader who prepares thoroughly, delivers consistently, and stays in your lane during executive meetings, you may believe your competence will naturally lead to advancement. But at senior levels, promotion decisions aren’t driven by performance alone — they’re driven by perception. And silence in cross-functional discussions often signals. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: 😅How executive leaders actually categorize talent and why that categorization determines your reputation 🏆The subtle meeting behaviors that unintentionally signal “reliable executor” instead of “enterprise thinker” 🔥Practical, out-of-your-lane questions and contribution strategies that immediately elevate how senior leaders perceive your altitude Press play to learn how to shift your executive category from operational to strategic — and finally align your visibility with your true capability. If you are a high performer whose value exceeds your visibility… If you are targeting VP, Partner, or C-Suite roles… If you are carrying outsized responsibility without matching influence… The issue is not competence. It’s categorization. And categorization is driven by perception. Inside the Executive Presence Mastery System, we train you to: Signal enterprise-level thinking Contribute insight, not just information Navigate executive rooms with calm authority Build cross-functional credibility Reposition how decision-makers experience you To set up time for us to chat about Executive Presence Mastery System, click the first link at the top of these show notes or swing by www.speakupwithlaura.com/speakup. 📚 Research & References Mentioned in This Episode 1️⃣ Executive Presence & Promotion Data Sylvia Ann Hewlett – Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success Center for Talent Innovation (now Coqual), 2014 Research finding: Executive presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted, and its importance increases at senior levels. Learn more: https://coqual.org/reports/executive-presence/ Book reference: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/executive-presence-sylvia-ann-hewlett 2️⃣ Harvard Business Review – Executive Presence Herminia Ibarra, Aneeta Rattan & Tiffany Johnston “Executive Presence” – Harvard Business Review, Jan–Feb 2018 Explores how leadership potential and perception often outweigh pure performance in promotion decisions. Article link: https://hbr.org/2018/01/executive-presence 3️⃣ Performance vs. Perceived Leadership Potential Rob Silzer & Allan H. Church “Identifying and Assessing High-Potential Talent” – Harvard Business Review Highlights how advancement decisions are based heavily on perceived future potential — not just past performance. Article link: https://hbr.org/2009/05/identifying-and-assessing-high-potential-talent 4️⃣ McKinsey – Enterprise Mindset & CEO Excellence McKinsey & Company – CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest (2022) Identifies “enterprise mindset” and cross-functional thinking as defining traits of top-performing CEOs. Report overview: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/ceo-excellence Book reference: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/CEO-Excellence/Carolyn-Dewhurst/9781982179678 5️⃣ Deloitte – Enterprise Leadership & Human Capital Trends Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends Reports (2020–2023 Editions) Research consistently shows that leaders who demonstrate enterprise-wide thinking, adaptability, and cross-functional fluency are more likely to be elevated during transformation and restructuring cycles. Latest report archive: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends.html 6️⃣ Proprietary Executive Presence Scorecard Data Dr. Laura Camacho – Executive Presence Scorecard (Aggregate Data from Hundreds of High-Performing Leaders) Lowest-scoring statement: “I often contribute earned insights and useful recommendations even when the topic is not in my area of expertise.” This pattern highlights a widespread executive signaling gap among high-performing professionals. Let's talk about the Executive Presence Mastery System. Click the link in the top of these show notes or swing by www.speakupwithlaura.com/speakup to set a time. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Have you ever noticed that the smartest person in the room is seldom the one with the most influence? If you work in tech, finance, engineering, data, or operations, you were likely rewarded early in your career for being accurate, responsive, and helpful. But as you move into senior leadership, those same behaviors may be quietly signaling execution—not authority. This episode breaks down why technical excellence alone doesn’t translate to influence and how perceived value—not effort—determines who rises fastest. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🏆Why speaking less but more strategically can instantly increase how competent and strategic you’re perceived 🎯 How over-availability and over-explaining undermine executive trust without you realizing it 🚀 The luxury-brand mindset shift that helps leaders command authority without performing confidence If you’re ready to stop over-proving your value and start being trusted at a higher level, press play and learn how the most powerful leaders let their presence do the work. If this episode made you slightly uncomfortable… If you recognized yourself in the rushing… The over-availability… The instinct to answer everything immediately… And you’re realizing that what got you here… won’t get you to the next level. Then this is your moment. Because luxury thinking isn’t about branding or polish. It’s about signaling. If that’s the shift you’re ready to make, go to the second paragraph of these show notes, click the first link to access the Executive Presence Scorecard. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if: You’re a senior leader who’s finally ready to level up, speak up, get recognized and nail that executive promotion / visibility…and you want to work with Laura Camacho to build your Executive Presence in the next 90-120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Have you ever walked out of a high-stakes meeting knowing you had more to say—but couldn’t quite get it across? If you’re a high performer who’s delivered results but still feels intimidated in senior-level conversations, this episode speaks directly to you. Whether English is your second language, you’re an introvert, or you feel pressure to “act like a leader,” this conversation reframes executive presence as something far more human—and far more effective. By the end of today’s conversation with Serin Silva you’ll know: 🔎How slowing down and reading the room instantly improves your influence and clarity 🪝Why intuition is a hidden leadership skill that can dramatically impact performance and results 🔥How to communicate with authority and authenticity without adopting a fake leadership persona Press play to learn how embracing who you truly are can transform the way you lead, communicate, and show up when it matters most. If you find yourself walking into high-stakes meetings knowing you have the expertise, but still feeling like you’re only showing 80% of your leadership presence…and it’s frustrating because you’ve worked too hard to still feel invisible, hesitant, or second-guessing how you come across — especially under pressure — that’s exactly why I created the EP Scorecard. And if you want a personal self assessment to shortcut your path to confident, authentic executive presence — without forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit. 👉 Go to the 2nd paragraph of these show notes, click the first link you see, and get instant access to the Executive Presence Scorecard. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. About our guest: Serin Silva blends two decades of leadership experience, helping global brands like Williams-Sonoma and Hearst break through, with a rare gift for igniting clarity and true visibility in leaders who are ready for more. Experience at MSNBC Serin stands out for her bold, practical view on executive presence. She knows what it takes to move from feeling unseen or sidelined to standing at your full height, sharing your message with conviction, and making every moment in the spotlight count, even for those who don’t naturally seek it. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if you’re a senior leader who’s ready to explore the Executive Presence Mastery System to recalibrate how you’re perceived at the executive level — in the next 90–120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Have you made it to senior leadership… but noticing the feedback has gotten quieter instead of clearer? At higher levels, performance isn’t enough — and silence isn’t safety. Many Senior Directors and VP-track leaders assume that smooth meetings and polite feedback mean alignment. But in reality, psychological distance increases as you rise. Honest friction disappears. And without realizing it, you can become categorized as “dependable” instead of strategic — shaping execution instead of shaping direction. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🪝Why honest feedback declines at senior levels — and what that silence really signals 🏆 How being labeled “operationally excellent” can quietly limit your advancement 🎯 Practical ways to recalibrate your executive presence so your influence expands beyond the room Press play now to uncover how you’re being perceived at senior levels — and learn how to strategically reshape your presence before silence turns into a career plateau. Executive presence mastery is not about charisma. That’s only part of it. It’s about managing how power flows toward you. This is the stage where presence determines trajectory. If you’re ready to understand how you’re currently being categorized — and how to intentionally reshape that — book a private strategy conversation using the link at the top of these show notes or head to www.speakupwithlaura.com/speakup. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if: You’re a senior leader who’s finally ready to level up, speak up, get recognized and nail that executive promotion / visibility …and you want to work with Laura Camacho to build your Executive Presence in the next 90-120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. If you’re working hard, constantly explaining yourself, and still not being recognized for leadership potential, you might be missing the neuroscience behind true executive presence. This episode breaks down what really signals authority to senior leadership—especially if you’re a high-performing introvert. By the end of today’s episode you’ll know: 🧲Why calm pacing overrides fast talking to communicate confidence and intelligence ✅How you can reduce “cognitive friction” and become easier for executives to trust starting right now 🔑 The 5 neuroscience-backed shifts that elevate your executive presence without over-performing Listen now to learn how to shift from overlooked to trusted by using calm authority and clarity to transform your presence. Learn how a Sid Mashburn store mirrors the way senior leaders are evaluated in real rooms—and why talking more, explaining harder, or “proving yourself” is often doing the opposite of what you intend. And if you’re ready to build calm authority check out the Executive Presence scorecard. There’s a link to it in the 2nd paragraph of these show notes. Because the room isn’t waiting for you to talk more...It’s waiting for you to be trusted. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if: You’re a senior leader who’s finally ready to level up, speak up, get recognized and nail that promotion…and you want to work with Laura Camacho to build your Executive Presence in the next 90-120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Are your high standards quietly killing your teams’ morale? If you're a high-achieving introvert or perfectionist leader, you've probably struggled with letting go, delegating, or managing teams without redoing their work. This episode explores the hidden costs of perfectionism in leadership — and how it could be driving away great people without you realizing it. By the end of today’s episode you’ll know: 🧩How to build trust and respect even when you're not the expert in the room 💰A mindset shift that helps perfectionists lead with more ease and less stress 🇯🇵How a Japanese tea ceremony revealed the true power of presence for leadership impact Tap play to discover how to lead powerfully without letting perfectionism hold you — or your team — back. If you’ve recently stepped into a senior leadership or c-suite role where you’re not the expert—and it’s making you feel like an imposter, unsure how to earn respect or manage people who know more than you—but you really want to show up with confidence, own your role, and lead strategically at a higher level… that’s why we built the Executive Presence Mastery program. You can self assess how your executive presence shows up in different contexts by taking the Executive Presence Scorecard here. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. About our guest: Cynthia Lai is a governance leader and board advisor with over 20 years of experience leading transformation across Asia-Pacific at OCBC Bank, HSBC, and Bank of China (Hong Kong). As a former Executive Director at OCBC, she led multi-market teams through change while maintaining a zero regulatory breach record, proving that transformation and trust can coexist. Now a Board Advisor, Executive Coach, and Co-Founder of MetaOptix, a deep-tech venture with 15 patents, Cynthia helps leaders build credibility and connection in an era increasingly shaped by AI. Her story, from a perfectionist manager who lost team members to a leader who develops others, captures the evolution from control to empowerment, and why empathy, ethics, and clarity of presence define modern leadership. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if: You’re a senior leader who’s finally ready to level up, speak up, get recognized and nail that executive promotion / visibility …and you want to work with Laura Camacho to build your Executive Presence in the next 90-120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. You’re respected, trusted, and technically strong — so why does your momentum suddenly feel slower at the more senior executive level? Learn the answer in today’s episode. If you’re in the room but not shaping decisions, this episode exposes the hidden executive presence risk that quietly stalls high-performing leaders — even when everything looks “fine” from the outside. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 😳Why silence in certain meetings erodes status — even when results stay strong 🔑 How identity ceilings form and why time actually locks them in 🔥 What intentional visibility looks like without becoming louder or inauthentic If you want to protect your trajectory and build real influence before options quietly close, press play and get clarity on what needs to shift now. Because the problem isn’t your performance... It’s that your value isn’t fully visible where decisions are being made. That’s why I created a private, high-touch Executive Presence Mastery System to help senior leaders break identity ceilings, build intentional visibility, and regain momentum without abandoning who they are. If you want clarity on what’s really holding you back, go to the top of these show notes, click the first link, or head to www.speakupwithlaura.com/speakup and choose a time that works for you. I’d love to show you how to move forward — intentionally and strategically. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Click here if: You’re a senior leader who’s finally ready to level up, speak up, get recognized and nail that promotion…and you want to work with Laura Camacho to build your Executive Presence in the next 90-120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. Most high performers stay stuck because they rely on clarity and accuracy to communicate. But senior leaders aren’t listening for effort—they’re listening for judgment. This episode shows why unusual pairings (think Absolut x Tabasco) are your secret weapon to creating contrast and credibility in how you speak. By the end of today’s episode you’ll know: 🧲The fastest way to sound like an industry leader without talking more or louder 🧩5 easy-to-use tactics to elevate your messaging and become unforgettable in meetings 🚀Why connecting two “unexpected worlds” in your language builds executive presence instantly Listen now to discover how one surprising shift in your communication style can help you go from reliable contributor to trusted leader. 💡 So if you’re ready to move from reliable contributor to trusted advisor, go to the show notes, click the first link you find, or head over to speakupwithlaura.com/speakup — and book a time that works for you. I’d love to show you how to fast-track your transition into visible leadership — without selling out your personality. To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning. In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.