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Ladies,
Let’s talk personal branding in 2025—specifically, how to visually embody your brand identity as a soulful female entrepreneur.
I am sure at some point on your entrepreneurial journey, you’ve heard the term Executive Presence (EP). But what exactly is Executive Presence? Do you possess it? And how does one cultivate the look and presence of an authentic executive?
One evening, while researching women and leadership, I came across a thought-provoking, life-changing speech given by Act-1 Founder and billion-dollar business mogul Janice Bryant Howroyd via INC.com, titled How to Create Your Own Dream Job (check it out here). I was mesmerized—engaged from start to finish—but most importantly, I was inspired to act.
Was it her poised ability to communicate and articulate her thoughts intelligently, concisely, and effortlessly? Was it the fabulous white trapeze dress and nude heels she wore, flowing perfectly with every movement on stage? Or was it her natural candor and humility in sharing her journey from small-town girl to influential entrepreneur? Ladies, I believe it was a strategic and natural combination of all the above—known as gravitas. Some women naturally possess it, while others must work toward it, but do not despair—executive presence is a learnable skill that all successful women have mastered over time.
We recognize it in the leaders we admire, those who inspire us both personally and professionally. Sylvia Ann Hewlett, author of Executive Presence, describes gravitas as “that certain je ne sais quoi quality that some people have that makes other people judge them born leaders… They live intentionally, guided by a set of values or a vision for their lives that compels them to seize every chance to put their convictions into practice.”
Beyond looking the part of an executive—regardless of the profession or business you choose—authentic connection and leadership require a deep understanding of emotional intelligence. This is the ability to step into any business environment and command a room with presence, poise, approachability, and intelligence. But does EP only apply to business settings, or does it extend beyond boardroom meetings and client dinners? Absolutely.
Through my own journey—especially during a difficult transitional phase—I learned that stepping into my truth, despite fear, was crucial. I had to methodically reinvent myself from the inside out. Reconnecting with my core values and embracing my talents and purpose continues to shape how I carry myself and help others (my clients) rediscover their own passion and purpose.
As Howroyd brilliantly states in her speech: “Be where you say you’re going to be, when you’re going to be there, and how you’re going to be there.” When planning your career path as an entrepreneur, C-level executive, or creative professional, envision where you see yourself in the next 3-5 years. When you finally arrive at that moment, how will it look and feel to you? Another way to interpret Howroyd’s mantra is learning to be present in every aspect of your life—consistently and authentically—while connecting with others along the way.
Ultimately, as I mentioned earlier, understanding and reassessing what you bring to the table—your talents, skills, and experiences—and strategically packaging those qualities into an authentic, viable brand will set you apart. This gives you that extra je ne sais quoi in business and life.
6 Personal Branding Tips for Women Entrepreneurs
Here are six holistic personal branding tips that take into account your personal brand, core values, and the community you serve:
Reconnect with your core values. Assess whether they have been instrumental in supporting your goals.
Define your communication style. Understanding how to communicate effectively yet authentically will help you connect more deeply with others, both personally and professionally.
Invest in your personal brand. Have you dedicated time to building it? If so, does it align with your core values?
Identify your passion. What excites you the most in life? Does it shine through in your daily interactions?
Determine your leadership style. Leadership isn’t always about being at the forefront. Many great leaders operate behind the scenes, empowering others by recognizing and elevating their talents.
Refine your executive presence. The image of an executive leader who authentically embodies presence is uniquely tied to an identifiable style—one that visually communicates confidence and inspires those around them.
By implementing these insights, you can craft an executive presence that not only influences but also empowers others while staying true to yourself. So, how will you step into your executive presence in 2025 and beyond?
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Until next time! Image Consultant & Personal Stylist, Tonya J. xoxo
Are you an ambitious female entrepreneur or a 9-to-5 corporate leader navigating pivotal transitions in your business or personal life? If so, I invite you to apply for an exclusive, complimentary 30-minute Lifestyle Clarity session with Tonya.
In this session, you’ll explore your evolving style and brand, receive personalized insights on your next steps, and discover how you can continue to elevate your journey as one of Tonya’s exclusive clients through her signature, elite RWS programs.
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