What Tracey Madigan Taught Me About Executive Presence

A conversation with Tracey Madigan reminded me how much others want influence and confidence without putting in the time to get it.

They want others to pay attention, even if they don’t yet have something worth listening to.

Many people use the phrase "executive presence" to describe those aspirations.

Tracey shared that the journey to develop executive presence is always a bespoke journey.

She meant custom-tailored. No one expects to wear someone else's tailored suit and it will work just right. No matter, we know many people try exactly this in their communication.

They imitate delivery and try to copy someone else's confidence. Then they wonder why it feels unnatural.

Tracey has spent decades working in professional media.
She has coached executives, on-camera talent, and leaders from some of the world's most influential organizations.

Her work takes her around the globe, helping people communicate more effectively.

When someone tells her they want executive presence, she already knows there is no universal formula to show them. 

Some people arrive with deep experience.
Others carry uncertainty or self-doubt.

Why Generic Advice Only Takes You So Far

Quite a few collect speaking techniques, believing executive presence will follow if they learn the right formula.
Tracey explained that those resources can help.
They introduce useful ideas.
They expose people to new perspectives.
Executive presence, however, grows from something deeply personal.

She identified the quality that separates people who command attention from those who struggle to connect.
Confidence.
And this comes from pure sources.
Confidence grows out of a clarity of purpose.

When Tracey coaches executives, she asks.
"What is your purpose?"
Most people feel confident they have an answer.
They talk through their presentation.
They describe the slides they prepared.
Some explain how they intend to handle questions.
Then she asks again.
"What is the purpose of the presentation?"
That question often creates a pause.
Many then recognize that they prepared for the presentation itself and overlooked the reason they are standing in front of the room.
Tracey encourages them to look beneath the activity.
The presentation serves a purpose.
Sometimes that purpose involves persuasion.
In other situations, a leader needs to provide clarity, reinforce an important message, or strengthen trust among the people listening.
Once people identify that purpose, their communication starts to feel different.
Their confidence grows because they know why they walked into the room.

What I Hope Happens When I Speak

Tracey has seen me speak a number of times. She asked me what purpose guides me when I stand in front of a group.
I never walk into a room simply to fill time.
Nor do I walk into a room hoping to impress people with what I know.
That is a waste of all of our time.
If someone wants to review my accomplishments, they can do that before I arrive.
Most organizations invite me because they recognize a challenge.
Relationships need strengthening.
Trust needs reinforcement.
Critical people need stronger connections with one another for good reasons.
I want people to leave with practical skills they can use to strengthen the relationships that matter, often with high stakes.
Those relationships may exist within a professional network.
Others may grow among volunteers, funders, colleagues, friends, or family members.
I’m also aware the effects reach far beyond the room.
I genuinely believe that when someone learns how to cultivate trust, support, admiration, and wellbeing, other people notice.
Children, friends and colleagues notice.
Future generations often absorb the lessons through observation.
The work influences more than one generation for strength, health and resilience.

Walking Into a Room With Intention

Purpose influences energy, focus, and how people respond.
Someone with executive presence rarely enters a conversation without intention.
They know what they hope to accomplish.
That principle extends beyond boardrooms and presentations.
Tracey pointed out that purpose matters in everyday interactions as well.
A person might hope a barista feels appreciated.
Someone else might hope a delivery driver feels respected.
Another interaction might call for helping someone feel understood.
Every conversation creates an opportunity to contribute something meaningful.
Yet many of us neglect that opportunity because we never stop to identify our purpose.

The People We Want Around Us

I told Tracey that people generally enjoy spending time with individuals who want something good for them.
Think about the people you seek out most often.
You often trust their intentions.
You believe they want you to grow.
Perhaps they encourage you to become a better parent.
Maybe they support your growth as a leader.
Perhaps they challenge you to become a stronger friend.
The specific area matters less than the core motivation.
People appreciate relationships that help them move forward.
Conversely, few people enjoy spending time with someone who constantly seeks admiration.
We might respect that person's accomplishments and even find them impressive.
Yet there’s a point when self-promotion exhausts us.
Most people recognize the moment instantly.

When A Conversation Stops Being A Two-Way Street

Tracey described this experience perfectly.
You meet someone interesting.
They tell stories about fascinating work.
You hear about influential people they know.
For a while, the conversation feels engaging.
Then something shifts.
Suddenly, you realize the exchange no longer flows in both directions.
One person talks.
The other person listens.
Curiosity disappears.
The conversation turns into a performance.
That insight often creates distance.
Sharing success or talking about your passion isn't the problem.
Healthy relationships require mutual interest.
They require curiosity and attention flowing in both directions.
Executive presence often reflects that same principle.
People respond positively when they sense genuine purpose.
People disengage when they sense a search for admiration.

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A Better Question Before Every Meeting

What is your purpose when you show up for others?
Not your time agenda, presentation, or talking points.
What do you hope happens for others because you showed up?
Do you hope to strengthen trust, to persuade, or to clarify?
Do you want someone to feel more seen and appreciated?
Are you trying to build stronger relationships within a group? 

If you show up with a generous purpose, I promise that over time, others will feel it.

Get free resources on building the community you long for at www.charlesvogl.com

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