502: Why Your Small Town Roots Might Be Damaging Your Executive Presence Without You Realizing It

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/speakupTo 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...