The Power Move

There’s something magical about people who just have it. You know the type. They walk into a room and somehow everyone straightens their posture a little. And no, I’m not talking about the loudest voice. I’m talking about presence. That quiet confidence that says, “I know who I am. I’m good here.” No jazz hands required.

Here’s the kicker: presence isn’t some mystical, Beyoncé-level aura you’re either born with or not. It’s a skill. A craft. A thing you can actually build. (Trust me—I’ve worked on it, coached others through it, and on some days, totally faked it ‘til I made it.)

Harvard Business School backs this up. Their research shows that people who exude presence, a blend of confidence, authenticity, and genuine connection, are seen as more trustworthy and influential. Translation: your energy might just outshine your résumé. So how do you tap into this magical superpower?

It starts before you even walk in the room. One of my go-to tricks? A power pose. Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk from 2012 put this move on the map: a few minutes in a Superman stance—hands on hips, chin up, ideally somewhere semi-private—can do wonders. I’ve personally done this more than once in bathroom stalls before big meetings, and yes, I swear it works. 

Once you’re in the room, own your space. Literally. Plant your feet, roll your shoulders back, and let your voice carry. Speak with the kind of clarity that says, “I meant that.” Years ago, I was the only woman in a room full of decision-makers, and I learned quickly that confidence, even if you have to borrow it for the day, sets the tone.

But presence isn’t just about how you show up. It’s also about how you tune in. Some of the most magnetic people I’ve met are incredible listeners. They make you feel like you’re the only person in the room. They’re not waiting to talk; they’re actually listening. Which, in today’s distracted world, is basically the ULTIMATE superpower.

And then there’s the pause. Most of us have this reflex to fill silence like it’s a pothole. But presence lives in the pause. You don’t have to jump in with an answer right away. Take a breath. Let it land. The most impactful people I know choose their words with care and don’t rush to react.

Here’s what I’ve learned from working with brilliant, high-performing humans: the ones who leave the lasting impression? They’re not necessarily the most polished, or the most talkative. They’re the ones who show up fully, thoughtfully, and unapologetically themselves.

Bottom line? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present!