What does executive presence mean in this course?

Executive presence in this course means showing up with credibility, clarity, authenticity, and influence while staying aware of the people and situation around you. The focus is on being seen for the right reasons by balancing visibility, humility, collaboration, and real contribution.

When would you focus on executive presence?

You would focus on executive presence when you want your work, ideas, or leadership potential to be noticed beyond your immediate tasks. The course especially applies it to moments when you need to build trust, increase visibility, or influence others without overshadowing your team.

How does executive presence fit into a broader workflow?

Executive presence supports the earlier and middle stages of professional work, when you are building relationships, choosing high-impact priorities, and making your contribution visible. In this course, it connects self-awareness, trust, strategic relationships, and communication of results into a more intentional way of working.

How is executive presence different from self-promotion?

Executive presence is broader than self-promotion because it includes how you build trust, collaborate, read the room, and align your work with organizational goals. The course treats visibility as important, but only when it is backed by authenticity, contribution, and respect for team success.

Do you need any prerequisites before learning about executive presence?

You do not need deep prior leadership training, but an interest in professional development and a willingness to apply new ideas are important. The course also assumes you are open to self-reflection, feedback, and improving how you show up at work.

What tools, platforms, or methods are used in this course?

The course mainly uses self-reflection and strategic relationship mapping rather than specialized software. Those methods support practical planning around your impact, key stakeholders, and long-term executive presence.

What specific tasks will you practice or complete in this course?

You will practice assessing your authentic executive presence and blind spots, building trust and strategic relationships, documenting and communicating your impact, and identifying higher-visibility opportunities. You also create a personal journey map that turns those insights into a practical plan for strengthening your presence over time.

How to Build an Executive Presence

4 days left! Save on skills that make you shine with 40% off 3 months of Coursera Plus. Save now

How to Build an Executive Presence

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: Anya Soto

9,319 already enrolled

Included with

Learn more

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

82 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

82 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Identify and develop their authentic executive presence + ROI
Manage strategic relationships
Develop their own strategic executive presence journey map

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There is 1 module in this course

This course is designed to equip learners with knowledge and concepts around building a powerful executive presence while ﬁnding the balance between self-promotion and genuine contribution, asserting your presence and collaborating eﬀectively with others. I will share with you how

After coaching executives for the past 15 years and spending time with hundreds of CEO's as a Vistage presenter, I can help you stand out without creating a perception of self-serving motives or overshadowing team contributions. Would you like to learn how to be seen for the right reasons, in the right way, at the right time and by the right people? This course is designed for aspiring leaders, mid-level managers, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to enhance their professional growth and impact. It offers practical strategies to develop an executive presence that balances authority with authenticity, empowering participants to stand out and lead effectively in any professional setting. Interest in professional development and willingness to learn and apply new skills and concepts. Desire to enhance executive presence and openness to feedback and self-improvement through self-reﬂection and exercises. After completing this course, learners will be able to analyze and cultivate their authentic executive presence, maximizing their Return on Investment (ROI). They will also demonstrate proficiency in strategically managing relationships and devising a personalized journey map for their strategic executive presence development.

Module details

What's included

12 videos4 readings4 assignments

12 videosTotal 53 minutes

Introduction to the Course & Meet Your Instructor3 minutes
What is Executive Presence and How it Shows up in Board Rooms 2 minutes
How to Build Trust to Increase Influence6 minutes
Mistakes Hurting Your Visibility 4 minutes
Demonstrating Results in the Workplace4 minutes
How to Identify and Secure a Role in High-Visibility Projects 6 minutes
How to Identify Key Players and Their Power/Influence in Your Organization 6 minutes
Strategic Relationship Management 5 minutes
Identify Your Style of Leadership and Influence 5 minutes
Common Blind Spots 6 minutes
Develop Your Strategic Journey Map 3 minutes
Congratulations and Continuous Learning Journey2 minutes

4 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Course Overview5 minutes
How to Develop Your Executive Presence When You're Working Remotely?5 minutes
4 Simple Steps to Building Your Network and Getting Booked Solid 5 minutes
The New Rules of Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett5 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 50 minutes

Knowledge Check: Identify And Develop your Authentic Brand And Executive Presence + ROI10 minutes
Knowledge Check: Strategic Relationship Mapping And Management 10 minutes
Knowledge Check: Develop Your Strategic Executive Presence Journey Map10 minutes
How to Build an Executive Presence20 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(24 ratings)

Anya Soto

Coursera

4 Courses13,231 learners

Offered by

Coursera

Learner reviews

5 stars
68.29%
4 stars
20.73%
3 stars
7.31%
2 stars
3.65%
1 star
0%

Showing 3 of 82

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2025

I liked the conciseness of the course. The instructor is very clear and shares her own experience and advises on how to apply the concepts she describes in an effective way.

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2025

good course that you can discover different aspect while creating a executive presense

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

i ENJOYED THIS COURSE AND FOUND IT VERY HELPFUL AND THOROUGH

View more reviews