60. Voice, Visibility, and Senior-Level Influence [Leadership Advisor Series]

In this speaker series, Karen is talking to experts on the challenges and opportunities for leaders in 2026.

Guest: Laurie-Ann Murabito

In this episode of Grounded and Aligned™, Karen Gombault speaks with executive communication advisor Laurie-Ann Murabito about a skill many senior leaders underestimate: public speaking.

In many organizations, performance is necessary but no longer sufficient for advancement. Senior roles now require visible authority, clarity under pressure, and the ability to influence across stakeholders who may not sit in your reporting line.

In this episode of Grounded and Aligned™, Karen speaks with executive communication advisor Laurie Ann Murabito about what she is hearing from corporate leaders following year-end reviews: feedback around conciseness, executive presence, and memorability. The pattern is consistent. Leaders with strong track records are being passed over for promotion because their communication does not signal readiness for broader scope.

If you are operating in a matrix environment, presenting to boards, or preparing for expanded accountability, this conversation examines why speaking skill is no longer optional. It is a structural component of leadership credibility.

Key takeaways

• Why executive presence is increasingly cited in promotion decisions, even when technical performance is strong

• How virtual environments have raised the bar on clarity, vocal control, and attention management

• The link between nervous system regulation and consistent authority in high-stakes forums

• Why speaking opportunities function as internal strategic networking, particularly in large organizations

• How personal brand resilience matters in periods of restructuring, acquisition, and leadership turnover

• A practical starting point for increasing visibility without overexposing yourself

As scope increases, so does scrutiny. The leaders who advance are not only delivering results but doing so in a way that is visible, structured, and credible across forums. Communication is not an add-on to the role. It is part of how readiness is assessed.

Watch on YouTube.

Contact Laurie-Ann here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-ann-murabito/

https://www.instagram.com/laurieann.murabito

https://www.youtube.com/lamurabito

Website: https://speakandstandout.com

Podcast: https://podcast.speakandstandout.com

Laurie-Ann Murabito is an Executive Communication & Speaking Advisor who transforms high-level leaders and technical experts into indispensable industry authorities. As the creator of the Strategic Narrative framework, she helps executives move beyond "sharing information" to mastering high-stakes communication that secures stakeholder buy-in and drives results.

A former corporate leader who built three successful businesses from the ground up, Laurie-Ann combines her background as an award-winning professional speaker with deep expertise in leadership psychology. She is the best selling author of Rethink Leadership and Rethink Your Leadership, and the host of the top-ranked Be IN Demand podcast.

Her client roster includes global organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, the American Cancer Society, and Baystate Wealth. Laurie-Ann is dedicated to helping leaders bridge the gap between their expertise and their delivery, ensuring they are prepared for their next promotion, global platform, or pivotal industry opportunity.