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The future is here, and changes are arriving faster than most leaders expect. With advancements in technology, evolving employee expectations, and a shift toward more human-centered leadership, the way leaders operate must change dramatically as well. The days of command-and-control leadership are over. Instead, leaders are being called to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and lead with vulnerability. But how do we rise to meet these demands?
In the latest episode of Future Ready Leadership, two expert voices—Tom Henschel, host of The Look and Sound of Leadership, and Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit—help us unpack two critical skills leaders will need to thrive in 2025: executive presence and effective communication. While their insights form the foundation of this discussion, let’s take a step further to understand why these skills matter in the broader context of today’s workplace and how leaders can cultivate them.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
Cultivating Executive Presence
Executive presence often feels like an intangible quality—the kind of “it factor” that some leaders seem to naturally have. But as Tom Henschel explains in this episode, executive presence isn’t magic; it’s a learnable skill. It’s about commanding attention and trust in every room you enter, whether it’s in-person or virtual, and showing up as someone people want to follow.
You don’t need to be born with executive presence. In fact, Tom shares that most leaders develop it through intentional practice. He points to three key areas where leaders can focus their efforts:
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Be self-aware. Executive presence starts with understanding how others perceive you. Seek honest feedback—not just from peers or mentors, but from the people you lead. Awareness is the first step toward improving how you show up.
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Experiment and refine. Leadership is a process of growth. Try new approaches, whether that’s speaking with more authority, changing how they present ideas, or even refining their nonverbal cues. Over time, these small adjustments add up.
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Stay grounded. Teams look to leaders for stability. In times of uncertainty, inspire confidence by showing calm and decisiveness.
Executive presence is more about creating real trust and clarity than appearing polished. And as we head into 2025, that’s exactly what employees and organizations will demand.
Amplifying Your Leadership Impact Through Effective Communication
If executive presence is the foundation of leadership, communication is the tool that amplifies it. Charles Duhigg explains that great communication isn’t just about what you say but how it resonates with your audience. The leaders who succeed in 2025 will be those who can create authentic connections through every conversation, presentation, and decision.
Charles shares some incredible insights in this episode, but the one that stood out to me most was this: communication is a two-way street. Too often, leaders think their job is to deliver information. But true impact comes from engaging with people—listening, understanding, and responding in a way that meets them where they are.
As a leader, here’s how you can improve your communication skills:
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Know your audience. Are you speaking to a group of executives who need a big-picture overview or to a team that thrives on details? Adjusting your style to fit your audience ensures that your message lands the way you intend.
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Focus on clarity and intention. Before any conversation, ask yourself: “What do I want the other person to walk away with?” Delivering your message with purpose and clarity.
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Connect emotionally. Whether you’re inspiring your team or navigating a difficult discussion, emotions matter. People don’t just follow logic—they follow leaders who make them feel seen and understood.
Communication might sound like a simple skill for leaders, but if you turn it into a daily practice, it can make or break your ability to influence, motivate, and lead.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
Why These Skills Matter More in 2025
As the workplace continues to evolve, leaders must go beyond traditional management techniques. Executive presence ensures that your message is received with respect and authority, while effective communication ensures it lands with the desired impact. Together, these skills enable leaders to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and navigate challenges with confidence.
If you’re looking to future-proof your leadership in 2025, mastering these skills is non-negotiable. But this article is just the beginning—Tom Henschel and Charles Duhigg dive even deeper into these topics in the latest podcast episode of Future Ready Leadership.
To hear their full insights and practical advice, listen to the episode below. The future is fast approaching—are you ready to lead it?
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
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