In a fast-changing corporate culture, where leadership is often measured by influence alongside performance, Elevate Executive Presence by Samira Gupta arrives at an important time and shows the way forward. A leadership coach, speaker, and life mentor, Gupta draws on decades of experience to create a structured yet enlightening process that enables readers to lead with authenticity, poise, and confidence. At the heart of the book lies Gupta’s 3P model — Poise, Power, and Performance. Instead of relying on abstract theories about executive presence, she offers a pragmatic approach to cultivating both an inner and outer presence that inspires trust and confidence. Poise is positioned as the centre point, equipping leaders with calmness, composure, and empathy, especially in challenging situations. Power is reframed — not as authority or control, but as clarity of thought, confident communication, and the ability to uplift others. Finally, Performance is defined as the consistent delivery of excellence through values-driven action and the integrity of genuine relationships.
The book’s layout and structure are well-designed, blending theory, case studies, and practical exercises. Everyday scenarios — from boardroom crises to difficult feedback conversations — illustrate Gupta’s core message: executive presence is rooted in trust, not mere dominance.
What makes Elevate Executive Presence stand out is its accessibility. Complex ideas of leadership are explained in a straightforward way, making it equally relevant to C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and junior professionals. Gupta also debunks myths, such as the belief that executive presence belongs only to extroverts or larger-than-life personalities. By highlighting leaders like Ratan Tata and Warren Buffett, she demonstrates how introverts can command presence through authenticity, humility, and quiet strength.
The book resonates strongly in today’s accountability-driven world, where inclusiveness and empathy define great leadership. Gupta emphasises emotional intelligence, flexibility, and humility as essential traits. The universality of its principles is another strength: though intended for professionals, its lessons in self-awareness, resilience, and authenticity are equally valuable for personal relationships and growth.
Elevate Executive Presence is a journey of self-discovery. It encourages readers to reflect inwardly, refine their values, and communicate genuine confidence that naturally inspires others. By sharing her insights and practices, Gupta offers a blueprint for leading with impact.
The book is both a guidebook and a mirror for professionals who aspire to lead with integrity and influence. Gupta presents leadership as a lived experience that requires alignment of inner values with outward behaviour. Her approach combines emotional intelligence, clarity of communication, and personal branding into a coherent framework that is immediately actionable.
The strength of the book lies in its practicality. Each principle is illustrated with insights that are easy to apply in high-pressure environments — whether in meetings, negotiations, or moments of crisis. Gupta demonstrates how poise lends credibility, power expands influence, and performance cements respect. These qualities, when cultivated deliberately, transform the way leaders are perceived and the results they deliver.
At its heart, the book is an invitation to embody leadership that inspires confidence without arrogance, authority without intimidation, and influence without manipulation. For seasoned executives, it provides tools to refine presence; for emerging leaders, it offers a roadmap to grow into roles with assurance. Poise, Power, and Performance together form a leadership trifecta. Gupta shows how mastering them creates an enduring legacy built on trust, respect, and purposeful action.
About the Book
Book: Elevate Executive Presence
Author: Samira Gupta
Publisher: Zorba Books
Price: Rs 299/-
