Unlocking your Potential in the Business World
Today’s competitive professional landscape, success extends beyond technical skills and hard work. It’s about crafting a clear, authentic message, leading with confidence, and understanding how others perceive you. These personal leadership characteristics and professional development factors are crucial when promotions and succession planning occur in organizational meetings. This was the focal point of Susanne Mueller’s inspiring session, “Empower Your Success: Building Executive Presence and Self-Confidence,” as a part of NYWICI’s Next Level You series. As a TEDx Speaker, Global Executive Coach, and the Founder and CEO of Susanne Mueller Consulting, Susanne Mueller offers invaluable insights into enhancing executive presence and building self-confidence in today’s fast-paced industries.
Meet Susanne Mueller: The Ironwoman of Leadership
Susanne Mueller’s journey from Switzerland to the United States is a testament to the power of resilience and self-confidence. Susanne has a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and executive coaching. With degrees from Columbia University and Marymount Manhattan College, and diverse career experiences such as connecting the Swiss Mission to the United Nations and leading the global SAP implementation for Nestlé, Susanne is a beacon of leadership and perseverance.
Her books, “Take it from the Ironwoman – Global Business Coaching with Sports Parallels” in 2017 and “Lipstick Leadership – Empowering and Inspiring Women who Dare to Lead,” in 2021 and her weekly blog and podcast with guests from around the globe, further establish her as a thought leader in empowering success.
In her free time, Sussanne transforms into a dynamic running coach and passionate athlete, conquering triathlons, marathons, yoga, and hiking adventures. With achievements like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, completing the full Ironman in Lake Placid, and running 26 marathons across the globe, she’s also a devoted traveler, having explored over 50 countries and mastered more than five languages.
Prepared Spontaneity: The Art of Seizing Opportunities with Confidence
Moving to New York with just $2,000 and creating a successful global business, Susanne emphasizes the importance of always having a cool story to share. Prepared spontaneity is the art of having a compelling and authentic story ready to share at any moment, enabling you to seize opportunities with confidence and leave a lasting impression in both formal and informal settings. “It’s not bragging if you have done it,” says Susanne Mueller and emphasizes that this concept is not about exaggerating but rather about being prepared to articulate your
achievements and experiences effectively when the moment arises. It’s a strategic blend of preparation and genuine spontaneity, ensuring that you can confidently present your personal brand, convey your message, and share your vision. By mastering prepared spontaneity, you can turn everyday encounters into opportunities for growth and success, always ready to showcase your unique strengths and accomplishments.
The Three Pillars of Crafting Your Executive Presence: Appearance, Communication, Gravitas
Executive presence is often perceived as an elusive trait, but Susanne breaks it down into three manageable components: appearance, communication, and gravitas. Each plays a crucial role in how you present yourself and how others perceive you.
- Appearance: While appearance constitutes only a small part of executive presence, it is essential. Susanne advises, “Put on something that looks good on you. Avoid patterns that may appear busy and be mindful of your background in virtual meetings.”
- Communication: Effective communication is key. “In virtual meetings, you need to be a bit more bubbly than in-person meetings to capture the audience’s attention,” Susanne explains and adds, “Use body language, speak clearly, slow-down your speech and engage your audience with meaningful stories.”
- Gravitas: This showcases how you act and the power you own. It’s about social-emotional intelligence and your ability to influence and inspire others. “Gravitas is 67% of executive presence so, be aware of your actions and how you handle yourself under pressure and always present confidence,” Susanne says.
Building Self-Confidence: The Foundation of Leadership
Self-Confidence is a skill that can be developed and cultivated through deliberate practice. Susanne outlines three critical components for building self-confidence.
- Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Reflect on your achievements and learn from your experiences. Susanne shares her personal story of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and completing an Ironman, emphasizing the importance of bringing your unique experiences to the table that sets you apart and adds depth to your personal and professional brand.
- Self-Management: This involves maintaining self-control and being trustworthy. “Know when to speak and when to listen,” says Susanne.
- Social Awareness: Show empathy towards yourself and others. “Being empathic helps in building strong, meaningful relationships,” Susanne describes.
- Social Skills: Continuously improve your social skills. Engage with your peers, be curious, and always strive to learn more.
The Power of Lifelong Learning
In her book “Lipstick Leadership,” and the new one that is soon going to get published, Susanne highlights the importance of lifelong learning. She breaks it down into three key areas: Learning, Listening, and Leading.
- Learning: Embrace lifelong learning. Attend webinars, exchange ideas with peers, and stay curious by continuously seeking new knowledge. “Learning is more important than knowledge,” Susanne quotes Harvard Professor Dr. Amy Edmondson.
- Listening: Active listening is vital. “Silence is golden. Don’t interrupt and listen to what has not been said,” Susanne suggests. This allows you to understand others better and respond thoughtfully.
- Leading: Lead with authenticity. Reflect on what others say about you and embrace feedback. “Executive presence happens when you are not in the room,” Susanne reminds us. Ensure that others speak highly of you even in your absence.
Breakout Sessions: Applying the Lessons
The session concluded with interactive breakout rooms where participants discussed their building blocks, how to transfer personal stories into business narratives, and strategies to ensure their voices are heard in meetings and promotions. These discussions allowed participants to apply Susanne’s insights practically and collaboratively, fostering a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
Stepping into Your Power
Susanne Mueller’s session was a powerful reminder that your success is not solely defined by your technical skills but your ability to present yourself with confidence and authenticity. By embracing your unique story, elevating your executive presence, and constantly building self-confidence, you can unlock new levels of success and leadership in your career. As you move forward, remember Susanne’s words: “Always have a story ready. Be prepared to share your achievements and step into your power.”
Written by Hande Erkan
