The Presence Principle

This book is the first executive presence (EP) guide specifically designed for diverse professionals who want to lead authentically while embracing their full selves. It demystifies the often ambiguous concept of EP, offering a clear, actionable roadmap for professionals at every stage of their leadership journey. Whether you’re navigating early career challenges or stepping into senior to C-Suite leadership positions, this book equips you with the tools to lead with confidence and grace.

What sets this book apart is its inclusive and visual approach to executive presence. Unlike traditional leadership guides, it addresses the needs of a diverse workforce and explains EP through accessible language and memorable illustrations. It also tackles modern leadership challenges―such as building presence in virtual environments and on social media―while incorporating expert insights from fields like artificial intelligence, personal branding, and visual communication. The structured "Inform, Equip, Empower" framework ensures each chapter delivers practical strategies, reflective exercises, and real-world applications. Written by an EP subject matter expert (SME) and a world-renowned opera singer who, together, have built and taught professionals around the world, this book takes the most empowering view of EP to provide readers with tools they can immediately apply.

This book is ideal for a wide range of readers from early-career professionals and business students to high-potential employees and seasoned executives. Sales professionals looking to enhance their influence and anyone seeking to elevate how others perceive their leadership will also find immense value. No matter your background or career stage, this guide empowers you to develop a strong, authentic EP in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Alexa Chilcutt, PhD, is the faculty lead for Johns Hopkins Carey Business School’s Executive Education Business Communication Certificate, and co-lead for the Academy for Women and Leadership. She is a certified executive coach who designs custom corporate training programs, and serves as executive education faculty for Texas Christian University’s Neeley Business School and The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business.

Carl DuPont, DMA, is an interdisciplinary artist, trainer, and leader. He is an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University who teaches voice at the Peabody Institute and Business Communications in the Carey Business School’s Executive Education program. He leads the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington National Institute and founded DuPont Consulting, LLC.