Presence, Not Performance: The Confidence Others Feel Around You
#30

Presence, Not Performance: The Confidence Others Feel Around You

The need for “executive presence” is the vague phrase that shows up in performance reviews as the reason women don't get the promotion – even though almost no one can define it. Lindsay Patterson, co-founder and CEO of CPA QualityPro, joins Nancy and Questian to strip it down to something simpler and more meaningful: instilling confidence in others that you're the right person for the job. They dig into the double-standard that turns an assertive woman into "aggressive"; what to do when office culture rewards the loudest jerk in the room; and why walking away from a toxic culture is never failure.


  • (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
  • (01:14) - Meet Lindsay Patterson
  • (04:14) - First-Day Reporter Shock
  • (07:07) - Lessons on Respect and Power
  • (08:18) - Defining Executive Presence
  • (11:45) - Double Standards and Toxic Cultures
  • (17:13) - Presence Without Assimilation
  • (19:35) - Being Yourself in Leadership
  • (23:28) - Overprepared to Be Taken Seriously
  • (25:07) - Research Gravitas Competence Warmth
  • (27:46) - Practical Steps to Build Presence
  • (29:30) - Rehearse Like a Pro
  • (29:58) - Audio vs Body Language
  • (32:00) - Handling Tech Chaos
  • (32:31) - Dress Rehearsal Wardrobe
  • (33:51) - Zoom Outfit Fails
  • (35:05) - Camera On Executive Presence
  • (37:29) - Zoom Setup and Focus
  • (38:14) - Confidence and Composure
  • (40:08) - First Impressions Take Space
  • (42:32) - Navigating the Double Bind
  • (44:24) - Power Systems and Allies
  • (47:28) - Bias Culture and Inclusion
  • (50:04) - Everyone Is Faking It
  • (53:34) - Confidence Equals Preparation
  • (55:40) - Community and Final Signoff

Show notes:
•   Guest on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/lindsaypatterson
•   CPA QualityPro – cpaqualitypro.com
•   The Accounting Podcast – “Solving for CPA Mobility with Lindsay Patterson” – accounting.show/472
•   Amy Cuddy TED Talk – “Your body language may shape who you are” – ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy
•   Sylvia Ann HewlettExecutive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success
•   Earmark CPE – earmark.app
 
SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

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