Executive Presence for Women in Business: Confidence, Strategy & Style
- Cole Woods
- Oct 28
- 4 min read
In today’s world, executive presence is often misunderstood as just a polished outfit or the ability to command a room. And while appearance and presence are deeply connected, true executive presence goes beyond the surface. It’s the convergence of confidence, self-respect, and strategic intention. The kind of energy that speaks before you even open your mouth.
As women in business, whether you’re leading a team, building your brand, or preparing to step into your next level, cultivating executive presence isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a strategic advantage.
Executive Presence Is More Than How You Look
Let’s start here. While style plays an undeniable role (and yes, I do believe fashion is a form of non-verbal communication), presence is about how you carry yourself. It’s the quiet assurance. The stillness in your confidence. The clarity in your communication. The pride in your posture.
When you prioritize showing up with intention, from the inside out, people notice. Not only do they respect you, but they begin to trust your leadership, whether you’re speaking or not.
✨ Read my blog post on Dress for Success to dive deeper into the fashion psychology behind first impressions.
A Personal Note on Presence in Practice
Over the years, I’ve walked into many workspaces, some with clear dress codes and others where the atmosphere was more laid-back. But no matter the environment, I made it a point to show up polished, put together, and business casual at the very least. Not because I was trying to prove anything, but because I understood early on that how you present yourself often sets the tone for how others treat you.
I've noticed that my intentionality not only commands a certain level of respect but often encourages others to elevate their own presence too. Because truthfully, getting dressed with care isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s an act of self-care and self-respect. It’s easy to throw on anything and roll out the door. But choosing to show up mindfully every day sends a message not just to the world, but to yourself.
Why Strategy Always Wins
Presence is always a strategy. It’s not about overcompensating or being performative; it’s about understanding your environment, your audience, and your goals and showing up in a way that aligns with all three. The bag you carry, the tone of your voice, your email signature, and the eye contact you maintain all tell a story.
The Oleada Marina Carry-All is a perfect example. It's not just a beautiful accessory; it’s functional, versatile, and elevated. When I styled it for fall, the theme was work bag chic, something that speaks to the woman who’s both graceful and grounded, soft yet strategic. That bag doesn't scream for attention, but it still gets noticed. That’s the sweet spot.
🎥 Need some visual inspo? Check out my Work Outfit of the Day videos on TikTok for real-life examples of showing up with strategy and style.
For the On-Screen Business Baddies
Growing up, my style inspirations were always the Black business baddies on screen: Joan (Girlfriends), Robin Givens (Boomerang), Maxine Shaw (Living Single), Whitley Gilbert (A Different World), and Chanté (Two Can Play That Game). These women were stylish, successful, and unapologetically confident. They carried themselves with intention and grace, and that energy shaped how I saw myself as a woman in business.
Now in my 30s, I realize I embody that same energy, not because I’m mimicking them, but because they modeled the blueprint of executive presence long before I had the words for it.
How to Cultivate Executive Presence
Here are a few actionable ways to curate your own:
Clarify Your Intentions — Before you enter a space (physical or digital), decide how you want to be perceived and what impact you want to make.
Curate Your Visual Identity — This isn’t about being expensive; it’s about being consistent. Choose pieces that align with your message. (And yes, you can still be chic while working from home.)
Communicate with Precision — Speak thoughtfully and concisely. Power often lives in the pause.
Invest in Quality Tools — From your tech to your tote, what you carry influences how you feel and perform.
Move with Intention — Every gesture matters. Walk, speak, and engage with confidence and purpose.
Master Your Stillness — True power doesn’t rush or chase. It attracts.
The Takeaway
Whether you're entering a boardroom or logging into a Zoom call, executive presence isn’t about being the loudest or most decorated; it's about the energy you bring, the respect you command, and the standards you hold for yourself. Style is a tool, but confidence is the anchor.
So the next time you reach for your favorite blazer or your go-to tote, ask yourself: What story am I telling today? Let that answer guide your presence, your posture, and your power.
💼 Shop the Oleada Marina Carry-All and use code COLE20 for 15% off sitewide. Elevate your everyday workwear with intention.
Related: Watch My Panel Recap
I recently had the opportunity to speak on Cindy J’s “Beauty, Brains & Boundaries” panel, where we explored how confidence and presence influence women’s success in business and beyond.
🎥 Watch the recap on YouTube for key takeaways and styling moments from the day.
Coming Soon:
The Glow Guide App
If you’ve ever wondered what your version of executive presence looks like, whether in fashion, communication, or energy, I have something exciting on the way.
✨ The Glow Guide App will help you uncover your Power Dressing style, presence archetype, and more through your birth chart and Human Design. Think of it as your personalized roadmap to confidence, clarity, and glow.
🚀 Sign up for early access: Join the Glow Guide Waitlist
Pretty Smart Ebook
I’m also excited to share that my ebook, Pretty Smart: The AI Glow-Up Guide, is now available for pre-order and goes live on December 1st. This guide takes everything I’ve learned about blending technology, beauty, and self-mastery to help women like us navigate our glow-up journey with clarity and strategy.
💡 Pre-order now and get exclusive access to digital extras and early Glow Guide app perks: Pre-Order Pretty Smart
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