Fund Forum is designed to be a networking group for buy-side HR leaders to come together every quarter to support their development in a safe, collaborative space, and to exchange ideas and insights with peers across the industry.
On 24th June, the UK team, alongside our partners at Arcadia Consulting, ran the second event in this year’s Fund Forum series, ‘Your executive presence’. The event saw buy-side HR leaders join together to discuss the concept of executive presence: how leaders show up, make an impact, and engage others.
This session was run by returning host, Tom Forrest, Senior Consultant and expert in leadership communication at Arcadia Consulting and Nick Atkinson, Event Director and Lead Facilitator at Punch Presentations. The men introduced a fresh lens to the topic of executive presence: the ability to project confidence, credibility, and connection in high-stakes moments.
Research shows that 26% of what it takes to get promoted is tied to executive presence. It’s not just about what you know, it’s about how you show up.
Arcadia breaks executive presence into three key components:
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Gravitas – leaving a lasting impression with confidence and calm
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Physical Command – using your body language intentionally
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Communication – speaking with clarity and authenticity
In a recent Arcadia self-assessment, participants scored highest in communication, but physical command, though only slightly lower, was found to have the biggest impact. Without physical command, gravitas and communication can fall flat, especially in evaluative settings like interviews or presentations. To help professionals build presence, Tom and Nick introduced the S.A.F.E. model:
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State – Start with your mindset and physical presence
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Anchor – Command attention with stillness and strong eye contact
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Flex – Adapt your energy and style based on your audience
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Engage – Structure your message and make it memorable
The session also drew on techniques from world-renowned voice coach Patsy Rodenburg, including her “Three Circles of Presence,” highlighting the value of balanced energy, focused on others, not just yourself. Practical takeaways included a focus on breathing to manage nerves, the importance of pausing and grounding yourself before speaking and making intentional eye contact to connect and own the space.
Executive presence is a skill that can be developed. With the right awareness, preparation, and practice, anyone can elevate how they lead and influence others.
