In this episode of The Inspire Podcast, Bart Egnal talks with Maggie Huculak, an executive coach, actor, and Consultant with The Humphrey Group, about the importance of developing an authentic presence as a leader. They explore how presence isn’t about putting on a façade but rather about connecting genuinely with others.
Maggie shares practical exercises to help leaders ground themselves, enhance their communication, and make a meaningful impact. By embracing authenticity, leaders can better navigate nervousness, connect with their audience, and project confidence in any setting. This episode is filled with actionable tips for any leader looking to strengthen their presence and become more inspiring.
Show Notes
3:05 - What is presence and why it matters for leadership.
4:40 - The relationship between presence and authenticity.
7:38 - How to make a connection when feeling nervous.
8:51 - Chair exercise to balance power, intelligence, and compassion.
10:15 - How presence helps build trust with your audience.
12:13 - Grounding exercise to center yourself.
14:30 - Techniques for calming your nerves before speaking.
17:45 - How grounding can stabilize both you and your audience.
18:10 - The role of breathing in maintaining a calm, grounded presence.
19:43 - The importance of gestures and hand use in communication.
22:15 - How to adjust your body language to match the tone of your message.
23:00 - Maintaining eye contact to keep a strong connection.
25:39 - Expressing yourself authentically through facial expressions.
26:50 - Using vulnerability as a strength in leadership presence.
27:14 - Final thoughts: Be present, be vulnerable, make a connection
