You’ve heard it in feedback.
You’ve felt it in the room.
You’ve watched someone less competent get the promotion — because they “just felt like a leader.”

Maybe you didn’t speak up with perfect polish.
Maybe your voice shook for half a second.
Maybe your tone didn’t match their idea of calm.
And suddenly, the narrative became: “You’re not quite ready.”

Let’s call it what it is:
Executive presence has become corporate camouflage for bias.

It’s a shape-shifting term — used when they can’t name the real reason,
or don’t want to.

It’s used to reward people who already fit the mold —
And stall the ones who are quietly breaking it.

Because when they say “presence,” they often mean:

But comfort doesn’t create change.
And leadership isn’t a look — it’s an impact.

This week, we’re breaking the myth.
Because executive presence isn’t something they give you.
It’s something you define. Something you build. Something you own.

Whether your leadership is loud or quiet, commanding or collaborative — you don’t have to trade authenticity for authority.
Not anymore.

📖 The AI Talent Frenzy Is a Mixed Bag for VCs – The Wall Street Journal

Even venture capitalists are feeling the heat from the AI hiring surge.
This piece breaks down how inflated expectations, outrageous comp packages, and unclear value add from some AI “superstars” are creating friction — not just fuel — in the startup ecosystem.

💡 Takeaway: It’s not just about having AI talent. It’s about deploying it smartly. Presence, clarity, and leadership matter more than ever — especially when the market is oversaturated with hype.

“I was told I didn’t have executive presence — by a guy who read from PowerPoint in every meeting.”
– Senior Director, Tech, San Francisco

We’ve collected dozens of stories from high-performing professionals who were told they weren’t “leadership material” based on:

You know what’s rarely questioned?
Mediocre leadership with the right voice and haircut.

📥 Download the Swipe File – “Say It With Authority”
A ready-to-use PDF of high-authority phrases for:

Keep it handy for your next 1:1, team call, or boardroom moment.

📌 Tools I recommend this week:

Use AI to sharpen the signal — but don’t lose your voice in the process.

(Image idea: split screen of chaotic Zoom caller vs. calm, poised leader who’s clearly doing the real work.)

They’ll say you’re too soft.
Then say you’re too direct.
They’ll tell you to speak up.
Then punish you for saying too much.

Define your presence — or they’ll define it for you.

Leadership isn’t about mimicking power.
It’s about embodying your own version of it.

Don’t contort yourself to match a broken mold.
Upgrade the mold.
Own the room.
Lead like you.You've got the Edge. Now sharpen it.

See you next week,
— Deepali Vyas
Your Elite Recruiter
Doing the research so you don’t have to.

Want to go deeper?
🎯 Join the next live Career Game Plan session (July 31st at 5pm EST)
Let’s move with meaning. 🔗 Follow | Book a Session

These openings are under the radar — not on LinkedIn, not on job boards.
I’m sharing them here first, to connect top talent with real, unposted opportunities 👇

I’m here to help — and your opportunity will reach thousands of highly engaged, top-tier professionals. Let’s lift as we climb!🚀

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