A stronger presence in your professional life: How you can advance your career, your inner attitude and your professional success with your personal development

Professional success is not only achieved through professional competence. In today's world of work, which is characterised by increasing complexity, rapid change processes and high social interaction, it is no longer enough to be well-positioned professionally. What is crucial is how present a person is in interpersonal contact – with inner clarity, authenticity and the ability to remain capable and confident even under pressure.

This kind of presence is more than a superficial impression. It arises from the conscious connection of body, mind and emotion and significantly influences how we are perceived – for example in job interviews, team meetings, leadership situations or in digital appearances. An attitude of presence helps to regulate insecurities, communicate authentically and build long-term sustainable relationships.

Amy Cuddy's book Presence provides a sound basis for this: it combines current social psychological research with practical methods that can be applied in both individual coaching and leadership development. It is not about superficial ‘self-promotion’, but about strengthening an inner attitude that is visibly reflected on the outside.

What it's about:

• key insights from the book and how to put them into practice in your professional life

• techniques that can be applied directly in business – in digital communication, in leadership roles or when networking

• a conscious and authentic presence that strengthens your impact and promotes your career.

Body language as the starting point for presence at work

Your body language not only influences how others perceive you at work, but also how you experience yourself. An open posture, calm eye contact and an upright body position signal inner stability and strengthen your self-confidence. Especially in an increasingly digitalised working world, non-verbal communication remains an underestimated success factor – both in direct conversation and in video calls.

Power Posing: Activate self-confidence in a targeted way

The power posing method makes it possible to achieve an activating effect on your inner attitude in business with just a few minutes of conscious posture. Amy Cuddy shows how this reduces stress and creates a sense of control – a concrete approach to self-regulation in challenging situations such as job interviews or presentations.

Authenticity as the basis for trust and connection

Presence is not created by perfection, but by authenticity. Those who dare to show themselves with uncertainties build trust and promote an open feedback culture. This is an opportunity for managers in particular to establish a climate of openness and mutual respect – a central building block for sustainable cooperation.

Consciously shaping your inner attitude – for more impact and success at work

A strong inner attitude has a positive effect on your charisma. Self-awareness is an important aspect of personal development. Regular reflection and strengthening expands your individual professional perspective in the long term. Personal skills. This forms a solid foundation for your professional development and mental strength. Professional development.

Emotional openness: understanding vulnerability as a resource in professional life

In many professional contexts, vulnerability is still seen as a weakness. Amy Cuddy breaks with this image and shows that opening up creates space for trust, innovation and genuine connection in difficult situations. This can foster new forms of professional collaboration, especially in teams.

Using feedback as a development tool

Constructive feedback helps us to recognise and develop our own strengths in a targeted way, which makes a significant contribution to professional development. Cuddy recommends actively seeking feedback and seeing it as an opportunity for growth. This is how you establish a learning-friendly attitude in your day-to-day work – both for yourself and as a team.

Concentration and focus strengthen your professional presence

Particularly in stressful phases, it helps to consciously focus on the person you are talking to. If you engage fully with the content and the relationship during the conversation, you will appear more confident and authentic. Presence here means being fully attentive in the moment – and thereby increasing both connection and impact.

Breathing techniques to strengthen your self-regulation

Targeted breathing exercises help to reduce inner restlessness and promote concentration. They are a simple but effective method of regulating stress before important conversations or performances – a valuable component for developing a stable presence.

Consciously shaping networks – presence in contact

A stable professional network not only strengthens your resilience, but also provides impulses for your personal development. Amy Cuddy emphasises the role of supportive relationships, mentoring and trusting communication – as keys to presence in a social context as well.

Practising presence in everyday life: a continuous journey

Presence is not a one-time state, but a path of practice. Those who regularly reflect, use breathing techniques and consciously employ their own body language develop an authentic and effective presence – with a direct impact on career, job satisfaction and professional development.

FAQ: Presence, career and personal development

How does presence manifest itself in personality?

It shows in clarity, calmness and reliability – in posture, voice and communication.

How do we recognise this personal presence?

Through conscious body language, emotional clarity and an authentic appearance – even in complex situations.

Can presence be felt – and what are the benefits?

Yes, presence can be experienced immediately. It strengthens your confidence in your abilities and facilitates real connection with others.

Is it enough to be focused and attentive?

Focus is key – but presence goes beyond that: it integrates body, mind and relationship.

Is it a fad or a sustainable change?

Presence stands for a new understanding of leadership and work. Not a short-term trend, but part of a fundamental change.

Does success only belong to extroverts?

No, working on your presence is not suitable for everyone. Introverts can also appear present – through depth, clarity and conscious communication.

Have you defined your own standards for success?

Inner orientation is crucial. What does success mean to you personally? This question deserves regular attention.

What are the benefits of team training based on presence?

It promotes trust, communication and cooperation – real added value for teams that want to grow together.