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.

How to Build an Executive Presence

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: Anya Soto

9,853 already enrolled

Included with Learn more

Ask Coursera

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

83 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.

83 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

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.

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

How to Build an Executive Presence20 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

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 Courses13,942 learners

Offered by

Coursera

Explore more from Leadership and Management

Creo Incubator
Cultivating Executive Presence
Course
Status: Free Trial
IESE Business School
Communicating with Presence
Specialization
Status: Free Trial
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Leadership Presence and Credibility
Course
Status: Free Trial
Madecraft
20 Habits of Executive Leadership
Course
Status: Free Trial

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
68.67%
4 stars
20.48%
3 stars
7.22%
2 stars
3.61%
1 star
0%

Showing 3 of 83

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

To take a course from coursera was gratifying achievement, thanks coursera

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

i ENJOYED THIS COURSE AND FOUND IT VERY HELPFUL AND THOROUGH

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.

View more reviews

Unlock access to 10,000+ courses with a subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 4,700 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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.

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.