Unlocking Executive Presence: A CEO’s Journey to Success
Success isn’t just about experience—it’s about how you present it. Many high-performing professionals reach a point where technical expertise alone isn’t enough to propel them forward. They need to refine their executive presence, master impactful communication, and tell a compelling leadership story.
That’s exactly where one of my clients found himself in 2023. Despite a nearly 30-year career filled with promotions and leadership roles, he wanted to elevate his presence, sharpen his messaging, and prepare for what could be the biggest opportunity of his career. While there was a possibility that he could be in the running for CEO, nothing was certain—until he took intentional steps to shape his narrative and deliver it with confidence.
The Challenge: Crafting a Leadership Story That Stands Out
With a background in mathematics and finance, my client’s career had evolved far beyond his formal education. His leadership experience in tech, governance, and public service made him a dynamic candidate, but the challenge was articulating that in a way that connected with not only decision-makers, but the rest of the firm as well. His story couldn’t be just a checklist of accomplishments—it needed to convey his leadership philosophy, his impact, and his vision for the company’s future.
The Strategy: Clarity, Confidence & Connection
Over nine months, we worked together to:
✔️ Clarify His Leadership Narrative – Identifying themes in his career that showcased his problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and vision.
✔️ Strengthen His Executive Presence – Refining his delivery using my 4 C’s Framework: Confidence, Content, Clarity, and Conversational Delivery.
✔️ Master High-Stakes Communication – Using video coaching, live rehearsals, and structured feedback to ensure his message was compelling and effortless.
The Breakthrough Moment
When the moment arrived for him to present his vision to the company’s decision-makers, he wasn’t just prepared—he was confident. He spoke with clarity, authenticity, and a commanding presence that left a lasting impact. A few weeks later, during one of our coaching sessions, he got the call: He had been named CEO.
The Takeaway: Are You Ready for Your Next Level?
This transformation wasn’t just about a promotion—it was about owning his story, his leadership, and his potential. If you’re a high-level professional eyeing your next big move, ask yourself:
Are you effectively communicating your value and leadership vision?
Does your presence inspire confidence in those around you?
Are you prepared to step into your next role with clarity and conviction?
If you’re ready to refine your executive presence, master high-stakes communication, and position yourself for career-defining opportunities, let’s work together. Your next chapter is waiting—let’s make sure you’re ready to own it.
If you enjoyed this blog post, here are some other resources you might enjoy:
My book, "Dare To Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter": The winner of two Feathered Quill Book awards, and an Book Excellence award, and recommended by Forbes in 2022 as “a teaching memoir”.
My podcast, the "Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner" podcast: An award-winning and internationally streamed show that highlights powerful stories of re-creation and reinvention from guests who have taken their life experiences, and used that knowledge to create their “next chapters” and live their best lives.
My work as a keynote speaker, executive coach and communication expert. You can read more about more of my services here.
Interested in Taking Yourself or Your Executive Team to the Next Level?
Brunner Communications assists high-profile individuals and organizations in sharpening and developing top level business communication, executive presence, and public speaking skills. Our passionate team provides one-on-one executive business coaching, and runs specialized business workshops. Through customized training, clients learn the necessary skills to become great communicators and build a marketable reputation.
