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Confidence to build "executive presence" - Confidence Podcast with Ilonka Nussbaumer and Valerie Mocker

  • Jun 18
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 19



Build your workplace confidence:


"Have you ever wondered how you get considered for the top jobs and executive level?”


“How much can you be yourself at work, and how much do you need to change to be promoted?”


"Did you ever wish you knew the secret to staying authentic while navigating complex senior leadership roles?"


Then this episode with our CEO Valerie Mocker and Ilonka Nussbaumer (EVP of HR at Danfoss), is for you!



Practical tips to boost your confidence at work and build the modern executive presence required to advance your career:


Here are 5 practical tips and strategies for your personal growth that you’ll take away from this episode:


  • Lead with authenticity: True confidence doesn't mean being perfect. Ilonka shares how staying true to yourself in every situation and embracing your imperfections is the ultimate foundation for genuine leadership.


  • Listen more than you tell: Modern executive presence has evolved. It is no longer about commanding the room with a loud voice; it is about active listening, asking powerful questions, and driving collaboration.


  • Be bold and courageous: Don't let self-doubt act as a handbrake. Learn how being proactive and stepping outside your comfort zone is vital for accelerating your personal career development.


  • Turn mistakes into growth tools: Instead of letting weaknesses hold you back, discover how to reframe challenging situations and mistakes into powerful lessons that build long-term resilience.


  • Leverage coaching: Discover how asking for help - for example in our Confidence Academy — can be your powerful catalyst to help you rise.



Key chapters in this episode:


  • 00:00 Why executive presence matters Meet Valerie and Ilonka and understand why you should learn about executive presence.


  • 05:19 The Busy Bee Problem and Executive Presence Dive into the core challenges professionals face when trying to establish authority in the corporate world.


  • 10:38 Understanding Executive Presence Explore what executive presence really means in the modern workplace and how the definition has shifted over time.


  • 19:24 Key Skills for Executive Presence Master the vital interpersonal skills required to lead, with a specific focus on active listening and strategic questioning.


  • 23:15 Authenticity in the Workplace Learn how to align your personal values with your professional identity to unlock unshakeable workplace confidence.


  • 32:01 Embracing Weaknesses and Learning from Mistakes Find out how to overcome the fear of failure, address self-doubt, and use imperfections to your advantage.


  • 39:05 Empowering Women and Internal Talent Development Explore what organizations can do to foster diversity, design effective internal talent development pathways, and build strong mentorship structures.


  • 46:21 Final Thoughts and Action Steps Walk away with practical, immediate action steps you can implement today to navigate your organization and elevate your career.



Meet our speakers, Valerie Mocker and Ilonka Nussbaumer:



3 things to know about your Wingwoman Ilonka Nussbaumer: 


  • Ilonka is a seasoned HR executive and currently the Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Danfoss.


  • She is a leading global expert in people strategy, workplace diversity, and internal talent development, with a strong passion for empowering the next generation of leaders - and women!


  • Ilonka grew up on Voralberg (a beautiful area in Austria in Europe) and loves mountains.


3 things to know about your host & CEO Valerie Mocker:


  • Valerie is a leading expert in confidence building and career advancement and the CEO of Wingwomen.


  • In our Confidence Academy, Valerie has already helped hundreds of women around the world to get confident, advance and get promoted in their organisation. She loves to help organisations turn their invisible and silent women into leaders and a fantastic talent pipeline.


  • Valerie loves to move - that includes skiing in Ilonka's mountains and paddling on the rivers of Oxford.




Connect with them on LinkedIn: 






 
 
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