I teach this because I’ve watched too many brilliant leaders get labeled “not ready for the next level”—not ready to lead at the executive level, not ready for bigger scope, not ready for promotion—when it’s often a misdiagnosis. The gap isn’t talent; it’s being known by the people who decide and being influential when you finally get in the room.I’m Julie Young, an executive coach and leadership development consultant, and I spent 30+ years inside complex, matrixed organizations (Hershey, Gillette, P&G, Takeda). I’m ICF-ACC certified, and I focus on practical influence. And just to be clear: this isn’t about “playing politics.” When you can see what someone needs from you and give it to them, you begin to feel confident and aligned. That's executive presence.