How to Command the Room and Inspire Confidence

Executive presence comes from preparation, authenticity, and knowing when to speak, plus a wardrobe that helps you feel aligned and ready.

In an exclusive interview with the Head of GE HealthCare Communications, we explore the key elements of executive presence—what it means, why it matters, and how to cultivate it.

Meet Allison.

Allison England has a way of commanding attention without saying much at all. Her calm confidence, striking red hair, and subtle smile instantly make people feel comfortable in her presence.

Today, Allison leads U.S. and Canada communications for GE HealthCare, having joined shortly after its 2023 spin-off from General Electric. With a career spanning aerospace, agency, and in-house roles, she has navigated traditionally male-dominated industries while staying true to her listening-first leadership style.

In our conversation, Allison shares her journey — from being the youngest in the room to building the confidence to command it — and the lessons she’s learned from diverse female leaders along the way.

Executive Presence: What Shapes It Over Time

What do you think has had the most impact on your perspective as a woman in a leadership role?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work for outstanding female role models, and what shaped me most is how different they all were.

Early in my career, I worked for one leader who was analytical — a lawyer and engineer, focused on facts and outcomes. She wasn’t particularly expressive or stylish, but she was sharp, effective, and deeply respected. Later, I worked for a leader who was warm, compassionate, and invested in people’s growth. She led with heart and built a thriving culture.

They were nothing alike, and both were successful. That taught me early: there’s no one way to lead as a woman. You can be tough or tender, logical or empathetic, minimalist or stylish. Leadership is not about fitting a mold — it’s about embracing who you are.

Executive presence is often defined in many ways. What’s your point of view on what it really means today?

Executive presence can be hard to define in yourself but easy to recognize in others. For me, it’s a blend of qualities: confidence, authenticity, preparation, and purpose.

It’s about asking the right questions, knowing when to listen, and when to guide the room toward clarity. It’s less about performance and more about presence with purpose.

Can you share tips on commanding a room, reading an audience, and staying authentic when presenting ideas?

Situational awareness is everything. The ability to read the room and adjust comes with time. It’s about knowing when to lean in, when to listen, and when to shift gears.

One of the most powerful tools is the willingness to ask questions — and to admit when you don’t know something. Saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out” builds trust and credibility. People will believe you when you do speak. That’s real leadership.

Think about yourself ten years ago. How has your executive presence evolved since then?

Ten years ago, I was the youngest in almost every room. I overcompensated by being strictly professional, because I didn’t want to appear inexperienced.

Now, I’ve learned to integrate more of myself into how I lead — my humor, warmth, and personality. It’s no longer about switching between “work me” and “home me.” It’s about alignment — being both credible and real. That has been my biggest evolution.

How to Disagree Without Derailing the Room

How do you express a differing opinion while keeping the conversation productive?

It’s okay to disagree. You state your perspective, back it up with evidence, and then let it land. You don’t need to argue endlessly or get the last word.

One of the most important leadership instincts is knowing when to stop.

Let’s return to commanding a room, especially as a younger woman leader. How did you approach that challenge?

It’s not easy, and it requires intention.

When I’m leading a meeting, I set the tone early: “Let’s get started so we can be mindful of time.” It signals confidence and purpose.

When I’m not leading, it’s about finding the right micro-moments to speak. You don’t need to talk constantly — but you do need to contribute when it matters. That balance builds visibility and respect.

Confidence and decisiveness: How to Cultivate Both?

For me, it starts with preparation. Doing the work sharpens your perspective and builds trust.

Over time, instincts develop. But I stay curious, always observing leaders in high-stakes moments — what works, what doesn’t. Those lessons become part of your toolkit.

As an introvert, I like to listen first, then speak. Preparation makes it easier to contribute meaningfully when the moment comes.

What are your must-reads or listens for women building executive presence?

I love biographies. Two standouts are My Life in Full by Indra Nooyi and The Urgent Life by Bozoma Saint John.

They’re not “how-to” guides, but they show authentic leadership in action. Seeing different women lead in different ways helps you reflect on your own style.

Wardrobe Essentials for Big Meetings

My must-haves: a black fitted blazer and a pair of stiletto pumps I can actually walk in. At 5’1”, they give me both physical and psychological lift.

For everyday office wear, I love printed midi shirt dresses with heels. For big meetings or presentations, it’s always a black sheath dress: my version of a uniform.

The key is asking yourself: What does the “pulled-together” version of me look like? For me, heels empower me. For others, it might be flats, bold colors, or neutrals. What matters is finding what makes you feel ready.

Tell us about a moment you’re most proud of in your career. Do you remember what you were wearing?

One that stands out is managing our executive leadership conference at Pratt & Whitney, with 250 global leaders. I had requested it as a growth opportunity, and it was a huge success.

And yes — I was wearing a sheath dress, a blazer, and black stiletto pumps.

Allison’s Toolkit: Building Confidence at Work

• Prepare deeply: Confidence comes from knowing your material and your audience.

• Be authentic: Lead in a way that’s true to yourself.

• Read the room: Listen actively and balance speaking with listening.

• Dress with purpose: Choose what empowers you while fitting the culture.

• Keep learning: Stay curious and observe how leaders navigate challenges.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

This interview was originally published on LinkedIn, where it received over 100 interactions from readers who connected with Allison’s leadership style. We invite you to read the full interview, join the conversation, and share it with your network. We hope you find it as inspiring as we did.