Executive Presence — Why Capability Isn’t Enough

You’re doing the work.So why aren’t you moving? Most senior leaders don’t have a capability problem.They have an influence problem. In this episode, I break down the three traps that keep high performers stuck—despite delivering at a high level. Because at this level, it’s not about doing more.It’s about whether people back you. If you feel like you’re already operating at the next level… but not being seen for it—this is for you. Work with Sarah:Doors are now open for Elevate, a six-week group program designed to elevate how you communicate, show up and lead — with clarity, confidence and presence. Investment from $2,500. https://sarahmakris.com.au/elevate/  Limited places. Applications close soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever walked out of a meeting thinking: “I know I’m capable… so why didn’t that land?” Maybe someone spoke over you.Maybe someone repeated your idea and got the credit.Or maybe your voice tightened and you started rushing your point. For many professionals, the issue isn’t capability. It’s executive presence. Research from the Center for Talent Innovation found that executive presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to be promoted — a significant factor in career progression.  sarah-take-02 In this episode, Sarah Makris explains: What executive presence actually is• Why leaders are constantly interpreting signals• The subtle behaviours that undermine credibility• Three simple shifts that immediately strengthen your presence Because the difference between being capable and being promoted often comes down to how you show up when it matters. If you want your ideas to land, your voice to carry weight, and your leadership to be recognised — this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’re good at what you do. You deliver. You prepare. You work hard.  So why are others getting elevated ahead of you?  In this episode, Sarah unpacks the uncomfortable truth most high performers miss:  It’s not about competence. It’s about presence.  Research from the Center for Talent Innovation found that executive presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted. That’s not a soft skill. That’s a career lever.  Inside this episode, you’ll discover:  Why strong operators often stall at senior levels  The subtle signals that quietly undermine authority  How posture, pace and polish shape promotion decisions  The difference between sounding busy… and sounding strategic  Why “working harder” rarely fixes visibility gaps  Sarah breaks executive presence into three practical components — gravitas, communication and polish — and explains how leadership is interpreted through signals, often subconsciously.  You’ll hear real-world examples of capable leaders who were overlooked — not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked signal control.  And you’ll walk away with three upgrades you can implement immediately:  ✔ Slow your entry ✔ Land your point ✔ Regulate your energy  This isn’t about being louder. It’s about being credible.  If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, Why didn’t that land? — this episode will change how you show up next time.  If you're ready to move from capable to promotable, press play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered why you aren't achieving more with so much experience? Maybe you're a professional who has a great career but still feels frustrated not achieving your desired result. In this episode, we will explore the art of shifting paradigms and cultivating a mindset worthy of breakthrough success.  Karen Brook, a High-Performance Mindset coach, shares her deep understanding of the power of mindset and how it affects our ability to achieve breakthrough results in our professional and personal lives. Karen walks us through the process of closing the gap between our current circumstances and our desired outcomes by changing the negative paradigms. So, if you are ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities of mindset work and shift your paradigms to create the success and fulfillment you desire, this episode is for you!  Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:  Learn how to break free from the old patterns that hold you back and set goals for growth.  Find out how to expand your thoughts, feelings, and actions and build a new self-image.  Discover how to shift your beliefs and habits to attract more of what you desire.    If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, connect with me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you! Mentioned Resources: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill You2 by Price Pritchett  The Power of Awareness by Neville Goddard The Dore Lectures on Mental Science by Thomas Troward You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling by Frank Bettger Connect with Karen Brook: Website: https://karenbrook.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenbrook/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenbrook Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamkarenbrook/  Connect with Sarah Makris: Website: https://sarahmakris.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-makrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmakrisaustraliaFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/sarahmakrisaustralia/Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahmakriscareersuccesscoach Thank you for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Middle managers — often referred to as the B-Suite — are facing a structural squeeze. In this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca Houghton, author of More Impact More Easily, to unpack why this layer is experiencing significantly higher burnout and greater redundancy risk than other organisational levels. We explore: Why middle leaders are caught in an identity crisis The pressure of accountability without full authority Why restructures disproportionately impact the middle The difference between skillset thinking and mindset leverage How B-Suite leaders can increase influence without increasing hours Rebecca shares why sustainable impact isn’t about doing more — it’s about thinking differently. If you operate between strategy and execution, this conversation will help you protect your relevance, strengthen your positioning, and lead with greater clarity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Career Success, Sarah Makris speaks with Hannah Jones, Executive Manager of Payments and Customer Success at Commonwealth Bank, about what really happens when accomplished leaders decide to become visible. Hannah shares her career reinvention journey — from event planning in New York, to corporate banking, fintech, and back into one of Australia’s largest financial institutions — and the mindset shift required at each transition. Central to the conversation is the fear many senior professionals experience when they consider putting their ideas, opinions, and expertise into the public domain. Together, they unpack imposter syndrome, career plateaus, and the hidden risk of relying too heavily on internal reputation. Hannah explains how strategic visibility, consistent thought leadership, and intentional networking helped her expand her influence, grow her external profile, and create career optionality — without compromising credibility inside large organisations.  This episode is a practical and honest conversation for senior leaders who know they are capable, but suspect that capability alone is no longer enough. Sharp lesson: your work may be excellent — but if no one beyond your immediate circle sees it, opportunity stays limited.  Learn more about Shine Career Accelerator -  https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-the-circle/  Download - 10 networking strategies - https://sarahmakris.com.au/10-proven-networking-strategies/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can be senior — and still invisible.And for many experienced leaders, that’s the real career risk. In this episode, Sarah Makris unpacks how highly capable, well-respected leaders quietly lose momentum — not because they lack talent, but because their visibility doesn’t match their value. Through a real corporate leadership story, Sarah shows how “quiet excellence” can make you indispensable to your team, yet invisible to the people who decide roles, budgets, and succession. Inside the episode: What invisibility really looks like at senior levels Why hard work no longer “speaks for itself” How being respected differs from being recognised The hidden cost of staying heads-down for too long Why relevance fades before capability does Sarah also shares five practical actions leaders can take this week to raise their visibility with integrity — no bragging, no posturing, no political nonsense. If you’ve ever felt: Trusted but overlooked Capable but not considered Senior, yet oddly unseen This episode will feel uncomfortably familiar. Invisibility is subtle.Its impact on your career is not. Doors to SHINE are now open for leaders ready to ensure their visibility finally reflects their value. - https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-the-circle/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Petra Davison for a sharp, honest conversation about leadership, transition, and what it really takes to stay relevant at senior levels.  We explore the gap many accomplished leaders experience between capability and visibility — and why performance alone is no longer enough. Petra shares grounded insights on navigating career inflection points, making intentional moves rather than reactive ones, and building influence in complex, fast-moving environments.  This is a conversation for leaders who know they’re capable of more — and are ready to be deliberate about their next chapter.  Key Themes & Insights  Why high performers get overlooked  Strong execution doesn’t automatically translate to recognition, influence, or opportunity.  Career transitions are a leadership skill  The most effective leaders manage their narrative before change forces their hand.   Visibility without ego  Being seen and heard is not self-promotion — it’s strategic leadership.  Clarity creates momentum  When leaders articulate what they want and how they want to be known, decisions become easier and opportunities more aligned.   Playing the long game  Sustainable careers are built through positioning, relationships, and timing — not just hard work.  Who This Episode Is For  Senior leaders questioning their next move  Executives feeling under-recognised despite strong track records  Leaders navigating change, uncertainty, or transition  Anyone who wants to lead with greater influence, not just effort  If this conversation resonates, it’s likely time to step back and get intentional about how you’re positioning yourself for what’s next.  Listen in, reflect honestly — and if you’re ready to be more deliberate about your career and leadership impact, explore how we can work together.  Resources mentioned  Learn more about SHINE - Career Accelerator - https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-the-circle/Download 10 Proven Networking Strategies  - https://sarahmakris.com.au/10-proven-networking-strategies/  Books  Do Hard Things https://www.amazon.com.au/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/006309861X  Extreme Ownerships - https://www.amazon.com.au/Extreme-Ownership-Jocko-Willink/dp/1250067057  Chronicles of Narnia https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-chronicles-of-narnia-all-seven-books-in-one-paperback-volume--c-s-lewis/book/9780007117307.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21611718657&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hNVPSuEGA86Lhvm9_JP2qUQ1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7LzLBhAgEiwAjMWzCDXAAYvu6rOOuMV56W3q_kXBBM6wAXk5IO50ZNCLv8-z5RGaMWHj9hoCx70QAvD_BwE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology Leader Sheena Peeters joins me to share her career journey, from consulting to starting her own business in personalized stationery to transitioning back into the corporate world. She discusses the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of maintaining relationships. Sheena also emphasizes the importance of developing soft skills and becoming a strategic business partner. We discuss the need to allocate time for self-reflection and the benefits of building your personal brand as Sheena shares her experience with my SHINE program - Career Accelerator for executives.  Key Takeaways: Running her own business provided flexibility but also required breaking the rules and consuming a lot of time. Transitioning back into the corporate world was challenging, but leveraging existing relationships helped find opportunities. Maintaining connections and deepening relationships is important, as well as being adaptable and problem-solving in one's career. Technology leaders need to develop soft skills and become strategic partners in solving business problems through technology. Sheena is committed to supporting and championing women in STEM and encourages women to connect and support each other in their careers.     Quotes:  06:24 - “I think one of the greatest advantages of being in technology and in an area of transformation is that we get to create solutions that really help people and change the lives of people.” - Sheena Peeters 19:54 - “Building your brand is actually not necessarily about the superficial things. It's about the depth of your knowledge.” - Sheena Peeters     A bit about Sheena Peeters Sheena Peeters, GM of Product and Technology at Sisu,  is a dynamic leader who specialises in driving growth through innovation and digital transformation. With a wealth of experience across various industries, Sheena's expertise lies in orchestrating complex change, cultivating leadership, and propelling organizations toward commercial success.    Sheena is also a strong advocate for supporting and championing women in STEM. She believes in creating a community where women can feel supported and celebrated in their careers.    If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!   Mentioned Resources: 10 strategies you can use today to build your strategic networks. SHINE Program   Connect with Sheena Peeters:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-peeters-a3a9a429/   Connect with Sarah Makris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-makris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmakrisaustralia Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/sarahmakrisaustralia/ Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahmakriscareersuccesscoach Thank you for listeningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, effective communication is more important than ever. If you are a corporate executive or business leader who wants to make a lasting impression, harnessing the power of your voice is an important element in building a credible personal brand.. In this thought-provoking podcast episode we explore the challenges people face with their voice, the importance of voice warm-ups, and the strategies for overcoming fear and delivering your message with impact. Summary: Sally Prosser, Voice  and Public Speaking Coach, shares her insights on using your voice effectively in various situations. She emphasizes the importance of being aware of the power of your voice and understanding how it works. Sally discusses the challenges people face with their voice, such as speaking too softly or using a high-pitched voice. She provides tips on how to improve your voice, including doing a voice warm-up before important presentations or meetings. Sally also discusses the significance of body language and gestures in effective communication. She shares her experiences working with TEDx speakers and highlights the importance of delivering a message with impact. Sally concludes by discussing the importance of mindset and self-belief in overcoming fear and delivering powerful speeches. Key Takeaways: Being aware of the power of your voice and understanding how it works is crucial for effective communication. Doing a voice warm-up before important presentations or meetings can make a significant difference in the quality of your voice. Speaking from your diaphragm and using proper breathing techniques can help improve the resonance and power of your voice. Women can be strong stage speakers by embracing their feminine energy and using their natural voice. Maintaining a strong mindset, focusing on your body language, and using effective breathing techniques can help navigate difficult conversations. Quotes: 03:31 - "Our voice is this dynamic instrument, and we can adapt to the scenario that we're in at that time." - Sally Prosser 09:12 - "Once we bring the voice down into our body, that's when we truly connect with our own voice, our own voice being the organ of the soul." - Sally Prosser 16:20 - "Become rock solid in who you are, and the way to do this is to work with the mind, the body, and the breath." - Sally Prosser A bit about Sally Prosser   Over the past 20 years, Sally Prosser helped hundreds of professionals speak with more confidence, had a career as a TV reporter, and built a community of more than 300 thousand on TikTok. She's a TEDx Speaker Coach, an expert on using a hairbrush as a microphone, and in 2020, was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for PR and Media in Queensland.   Sally is your one-stop-shop for everything speaking. From gaining the confidence to put yourself out there to producing a strong voice, crafting speeches for the stage, and designing a strategy to get your spoken message heard. With a strong belief that our voice is the organ of our soul, Sally's all about finding your unique voice and speaking from the heart!   If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!   Mentioned Resources: FREE Audio Track: Pep Talk in Your Pocket: https://sallyprosser.mykajabi.com/pep-talks-in-your-pocket That Voice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-voice-podcast/id1475068489 Episode Suggestion: Interview with Leah Mether: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/career-success-coach/id1671222263   Connect with Sally Prosser:  Website: https://www.sallyprosser.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-prosser/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallyprosservoice/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/SallyProsserVoice/ YouTube: https://web.facebook.com/SallyProsserVoice/   Connect with Sarah Makris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-makris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmakrisaustralia Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/sarahmakrisaustralia/ Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahmakriscareersuccesscoach Thank you for listening!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.