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E79 Speak Up Like a Leader: The Real Secret to Executive Presence
Description
What does it really mean to hold your own in today’s workplace?
In this episode of The YES! Show, Christine sits down with executive coach, former Expedia C-suite leader, and author Melissa Maher to unpack the real meaning of executive presence and how leaders can confidently speak up without pretending to be someone they’re not.
Melissa shares lessons from decades in hospitality leadership, her journey from nervous young leader to confident executive, and the practical tools that help professionals communicate with clarity, influence decisions, and show up powerfully in high-stakes moments.
This episode is about finding your voice, trusting your value, and leading with clarity instead of perfection.
🎓 What You’ll Learn
- How executive presence is built through clarity, not personality changes
- Why do many high performers struggle to speak up after promotions
- Simple physical and communication techniques that instantly increase confidence
- How mindset and self-talk influence leadership impact more than skill alone
✅ Action Items
- Lead with the headline
Start conversations or presentations with your main point first, not the background story. - Practice clarity over volume
Use fewer words and slow your delivery to increase trust and authority. - Prepare your “core message” before meetings
Write down your key idea and desired outcome, so you show up ready to contribute.
One Question Cards link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lre-gzoUjSP8eH9p2rD9nXZT4NDFfxtP/view?usp=sharing
Power Stance Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/rq8TNJq9AAA
Connect with Christine:
📍Website - https://www.thewisepineapple.com/
📍Linkedin profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-trippi-56105311
📍Insta link - https://www.instagram.com/the_wise_pineapple/
📍YouTube Link - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU7LZGz1ZsveweIvpCIkrfQ/
📍Join our FREE Facebook group of hoteliers - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/wDiuSA1RbSGqqtJH/
📍Join the Crown Society! https://www.thewisepineapple.com/crown
Connect with Melissa:
📍Linkedin profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamaher/
📍Website -https://pinnacleenterprisesgroup.com/
http://www.holdingyourownbook.com/