To see if Laura’s Executive Presence Mastery System 90-day coaching intensive is right for you, set up a strategy call here.

🎄 Welcome to the Speak Up 12 Days of Christmas… where I give you 12 tiny but mighty tips from December 25 through January 6 to help you create big executive presence today so you get recognized for your contributions in 2026 and today is Day 1.

So if you’re ready to stop blending in and start standing out… let’s unwrap your first gift.

Today’s gift is small, but it instantly elevates how you are perceived in conversations, meetings, and holiday gatherings:

What you do with your phone.

✨ True presence is undivided attention — and attention builds trust faster than talent. Have a blessed day and tomorrow we’ll unwrap another simple behavior you can use at dinner tables, office parties, team meetings, or your next big presentation.

To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities.

By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

If you ever nailed your message in a meeting—but still walked away feeling overlooked or dismissed it might not be what you’re saying, but how your body is saying it.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Furlich, author of Nonverbal Epiphany, breaks down the silent signals that make or break your executive presence. Whether you're aiming for the C-suite, pitching ideas, or navigating workplace politics, your nonverbal communication may be working against you—or unlocking your next big opportunity.

By the end of today’s episode you’ll know:

💪How to use body language to instantly project power and confidence in meetings.

🏆Scientifically-backed ways to spot deception, power plays, and hidden cues.

🧩Practical adjustments you can make today—like posture, hand gestures, and walking speed—to feel more in control and be perceived that way too.

If you’re ready to command the room and communicate leadership without saying a word, hit play on this episode now and start mastering the science of executive presence.

If you’ve been showing up to work every day delivering results but still getting passed over for senior leadership roles, it might not be your résumé—it might be your presence. And it’s painful to know you have the skills but still not be perceived as “executive enough.”

That’s why Laura created our Executive Presence Scorecard—to help leaders-in-the-making assess their body language, vocal tone, and energy with the influence they’re ready to own.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a fantastic New Year to you all!

To get access to the Executive Presence Scorecard simply email me at hello@speakupwithlaura.com and put “score” in the subject line.

To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning.

About our guest:

Dr. Stephen Furlich is an associate professor of communication studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce, his bestselling book Nonverbal Epiphany, and his research on human behaviors—focusing on actionable insights for improving how we "speak up" through body language, while inviting personal stories to connect.

Dr. Furlich’s most recent research interest is exploring the role of biology and communication. His perspective is that only focusing on social influences limits understanding. One's biology influences their communication and their communication influences their biological reactions.

Dr. Furlich has published two books, both of which were Amazon’s #1 bestsellers in their respective categories. Additionally, he has presented his research on national television, national radio and national podcasts. In his free time, he enjoys working out, watching sports, traveling and reading to learn more about human behaviors, spirituality and Christianity.

Get your copy of Nonverbal Epiphany today.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high...

To see if Laura’s Executive Presence Mastery System 90-day coaching intensive is right for you, set up a strategy call here.

Ever felt like you don’t quite belong in senior leadership because of where you’re from?

If you grew up outside elite networks or prestigious backgrounds, you might be unintentionally shrinking in high-stakes settings—despite your competence. This episode dives into why smart, driven professionals stay invisible and what it truly costs them.

By the end of today’s episode you’ll know:

🔥Why self-silencing habits are blocking your path to leadership roles.

🦄How to leverage your roots and authenticity into real professional impact.

🧲You can be inspired by real leaders from modest beginnings who’ve shattered the C-Suite glass ceiling.

Listen now to learn how to transform your background into a leadership asset that commands presence, respect, and promotion.

Because executive presence isn't about being flashy. It's about being felt. Even when you're not in the room.

So if you’re listening to this and thinking, "That’s me..."

If your performance is there, but your presence is missing...

And you’re ready to stop shrinking and start showing up...

Then book a strategy call.

There’s a link in the show notes at the top or visit SpeakUpWithLaura.com/speakup

To learn more visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. New Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities.

By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

Name Brand CEOs From Modest Backgrounds:

(source Wikipedia.org)

Tim Cook (CEO, Apple)

Born in Mobile, Alabama — raised in small Robertsdale, AL. His parents worked blue‑collar jobs (shipyard worker / pharmacy). (Wikipedia)

Sam Walton (Founder, Walmart / Sam’s Club)

Born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma — came from a modest rural background before building Walmart into a global retail empire. (Wikipedia)

B. Kevin Turner (Former COO, Microsoft; senior executive at Walmart)

Began as a store cashier in his hometown (small-town roots) and rose through ranks to a top‑leadership role. (Wikipedia)

Howard Schultz (Former CEO/Chairman, Starbucks)

Raised in a low-income housing project — humble urban roots rather than elite upbringing; built Starbucks from modest...