Personal Opportunity Development

Building Executive Presence & Unlocking Leadership Potential

Transform Your Leadership Journey

From Hidden Potential to Executive Presence

What is Personal Opportunity Development?

Personal Opportunity Development (POD) is a strategic framework for intentionally leveraging opportunities to elevate your career trajectory and personal growth through enhanced visibility, confidence, and executive presence.

Today's Learning Objectives

Understand the critical importance of executive presence in leadership success
Complete a comprehensive self-assessment of your current leadership strengths
Develop a personalized action plan for enhanced visibility and impact
Create sustainable practices for ongoing confidence and presence building

The Executive Presence Challenge

The Career Impact

Research reveals significant gaps in executive presence across American professionals

67%

of professionals feel they lack executive presence

$2.3M

average salary difference for executives with strong presence

89%

of C-suite leaders say presence impacts promotion decisions

44%

of women report feeling invisible in leadership meetings

"Executive presence is about your ability to connect authentically with others in a way that motivates and inspires them to take action."

- Sylvia Ann Hewlett, Center for Talent Innovation

Executive Presence Defined

Executive presence encompasses three key dimensions: gravitas (how you act), communication (how you speak), and appearance (how you look). This isn't about perfection or putting on an act - it's about authentic confidence that draws people in and makes them want to follow your lead.

The Three Pillars of Executive Presence

Research-Based Framework

Based on extensive research from the Center for Talent Innovation

Gravitas (55% of Impact)

Definition: Your inner confidence and composure under pressure

Emotional regulation and resilience
Decision-making confidence
Authentic leadership style
Grace under pressure

Communication (38% of Impact)

Definition: How you speak and engage with others

Clear, compelling messaging
Active listening skills
Influential conversation techniques
Non-verbal communication mastery

Appearance (7% of Impact)

Definition: Your professional image and physical presence

Professional grooming and attire
Confident body language
Appropriate social polish
Physical fitness and energy

Key Insight: Gravitas carries the most weight in executive presence. Internal confidence is foundational, and all three pillars work together synergistically to create leadership impact.

Building Strategic Visibility

The Visibility Imperative

Strategic visibility is the bridge between talent and opportunity

77%

of executives attribute promotions to strategic visibility efforts

3.2x

more likely to receive stretch assignments when visible to leadership

Strategic Visibility Defined

Strategic visibility is the intentional practice of ensuring your contributions, expertise, and leadership potential are recognized by key decision-makers and influencers within your organization and industry.

Internal Visibility

Cross-functional project leadership
Company presentations and town halls
Mentoring and sponsorship activities
Internal thought leadership content

External Visibility

Industry conference speaking
Professional networking events
LinkedIn thought leadership
Board and committee service

Your 90-Day Implementation Roadmap

Systematic Transformation

From foundation building to leadership demonstration in 90 days

Days 1-30: Foundation Building

Complete comprehensive self-assessment and identify priority areas
Establish daily confidence ritual and practice consistently
Craft and practice your leadership origin story
Identify one internal visibility opportunity and volunteer
Begin weekly LinkedIn engagement with industry content

Days 31-60: Skill Application

Present confidently in at least 2 high-stakes meetings
Implement new communication techniques and gather feedback
Expand professional network by 5 meaningful connections
Seek stretch assignment or cross-functional project leadership
Complete one external speaking opportunity

Days 61-90: Leadership Demonstration

Successfully lead a significant project or initiative
Demonstrate consistent executive presence in all interactions
Receive 360-degree feedback on leadership growth
Mentor someone else in executive presence development
Begin conversations about promotion or new opportunities

Accountability Partnership for Success

The Power of Partnership

Structured accountability increases goal achievement rates by up to 65%

"People who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. When you add an accountability partner, success rates increase to 65%."

- Dr. Gail Matthews, Dominican University

Ideal Partner Characteristics

Someone you respect and trust professionally
Has their own growth mindset and goals
Can provide honest, constructive feedback
Understands your industry or leadership challenges
Committed to regular, consistent check-ins

Partnership Structure

Frequency: Bi-weekly 30-minute calls
Format: Structured agenda with goals review
Reciprocity: Both partners benefit equally
Duration: Minimum 90-day commitment
Metrics: Track specific, measurable outcomes

Your Commitment to Excellence

Making It Official

Written commitments significantly increase follow-through rates

Personal Development Commitment

I commit to actively applying my POD Plan to achieve meaningful personal and professional growth. I acknowledge that executive presence development requires consistent effort, honest self-reflection, and sustained practice over time.

Your Name:

Date:

Accountability Partner:

"Leadership is not about being perfect. It's about being authentic, purposeful, and resilient in the face of challenges."

- Bill George, Harvard Business School

Resources for Continued Growth

Your Development Journey Continues

Executive presence is built through consistent practice and continuous learning

Essential Reading

Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Presence by Amy Cuddy
The Confidence Code by Kay and Shipman
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Professional Development

Executive coaching programs
Public speaking organizations (Toastmasters International)
Industry leadership development programs
360-degree feedback assessments

Digital Learning Tools

LinkedIn Learning executive presence courses
Mindfulness apps for confidence building
Presentation practice through video recording
Goal tracking and habit formation applications

Next Steps

Ready to accelerate your executive presence development? Contact Tip Jones Global for personalized coaching, team workshops, and comprehensive leadership development programs.

Tip Jones

Executive Presence Expert

tip@tipjonesglobal.com

Your Leadership Journey Begins Today

You possess the foundation for exceptional leadership. This POD framework provides the roadmap to make your leadership potential visible and impactful. Take the first step today.