In this updated and expanded edition of her celebrated book Executive
Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success, one of the
world's most influential business thinkers reveals the qualities
essential to leadership in our fast-changing, post-pandemic world. Some
are timeless (confidence, decisiveness), some are brand new (the ability
to command Zoom), and all are game-changers.
Nearly a decade ago, economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett cracked the code of
executive presence (EP). Drawing on complex data and in-depth interviews
with senior executives from sectors as different as finance and fashion,
she demonstrated that EP is a potent mix of gravitas, communication, and
appearance.
Executive Presence became a classic. Translated into seven languages,
it's helped tens of thousands of ambitious, accomplished professionals
(women and men, Blacks and whites) to fast-track their careers. Chuck
Robbins (CEO of Cisco), and Thasunda Brown Duckett (CEO, TIAA), are
among the leaders who recommend this book for any up-and-comer seeking
to rise through the ranks and do something extraordinary with their
lives.
But EP has evolved. Black Lives Matter, the #MeToo movement, and a
global pandemic have changed the leadership equation. But how? To answer
that question, in 2022, Hewlett embarked on a second round of
quantitative and qualitative research, targeting seasoned leaders and
thirty-something-year-old executives at the cutting edge of the new
economy (fin-tech, gaming, media). Her findings are timely as new
executives find their feet in a post-pandemic world.
Hewlett demonstrates that in 2023 leaders worldwide seek to promote
high-performing men and women who exude confidence but also project
authenticity and inclusivity*.* They're also intent on advancing those
who excel at leading remote teams and demonstrate a command of social
media. It's no coincidence that Eddie Glaude, Amanda Gorman, and Gustavo
Dudamel are stars of this new edition of Executive Presence and the
usual suspects.
Hewlett's most potent message, ten years ago and now, is that EP is
eminently learnable. You don't need to have the voice of James Earl
Jones, the communication skills of Steve Jobs, or the athleticism of
Michelle Obama to ace EP. You merely have to arm yourself with the tools
and tactics contained in these pages.
