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The PRESENCE Inventory™ for Founders & Entrepreneurs “Does your presence reflect the power of your business?”

Introduction 

As a founder of color, you carry more than a business—you carry a vision, a legacy, and often, the burden of being the first or the only. You may have built something exceptional… but still feel overlooked, underestimated, or invisible in the rooms that matter most. Maybe you've… * Pitched with passion but left unheard. * Felt like your appearance or energy had to be “perfect” to be taken seriously. * Built your brand with grit, but your leadership presence hasn't caught up to your ambition. * Grown tired of doing everything alone—and carrying it all without showing a crack. This is where The PRESENCE Model™ comes in. It’s not about charisma. It’s not about code-switching. It’s about showing up—fully, visibly, and strategically—as the founder you are meant to be. This inventory will help you reflect on where your executive presence is supporting your growth—and where it's holding you back. Rate each statement honestly. No need to overthink. Trust your first instinct. Scale: 1 = Rarely  2 = Sometimes  3 = Occasionally  4 = Frequently  5 = Consistently

First Name

Last Name

Email

🟨P – Poised Gravitas (Gravitas is your capacity to hold weight and wield it wisely. It's the calm certainty with which you navigate high-stakes environments.)

I remain calm and grounded in moments when my business or leadership is under pressure.

I remain calm and grounded in moments when my business or leadership is under pressure.
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I project confidence even when navigating uncertain funding, client shifts, or visibility gaps.

I project confidence even when navigating uncertain funding, client shifts, or visibility gaps.
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I don’t shrink or overcompensate in the face of doubt, resistance, or rejection.

I don’t shrink or overcompensate in the face of doubt, resistance, or rejection.
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I hold my boundaries without emotional leakage or apology.

I hold my boundaries without emotional leakage or apology.
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I command trust through presence—not just words.

I command trust through presence—not just words.
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🟨R – Resonant Communication (Entrepreneurial presence demands clarity, brevity, and influence. It’s how you say it, to whom, and with what result.)

I communicate my vision clearly and powerfully to clients, collaborators, or investors.

I communicate my vision clearly and powerfully to clients, collaborators, or investors.
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My voice carries intention—calm, assertive, and magnetic.

My voice carries intention—calm, assertive, and magnetic.
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I don’t overexplain or code-switch to be palatable. I speak to be understood and respected.

I don’t overexplain or code-switch to be palatable. I speak to be understood and respected.
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I tailor my message without compromising authenticity.

I tailor my message without compromising authenticity.
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I can own the room—or the Zoom—with clarity and composure.

I can own the room—or the Zoom—with clarity and composure.
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🟨 E – Elevated Visibility (Visibility can make or break your success. You cannot afford to be the best-kept secret in your market.)

I am actively seen and recognized in my industry, niche, or city.

I am actively seen and recognized in my industry, niche, or city.
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My brand presence reflects the power and excellence of my work.

My brand presence reflects the power and excellence of my work.
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People often say, “You’re everywhere” or “I keep hearing about you.”

People often say, “You’re everywhere” or “I keep hearing about you.”
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I leverage visibility (events, interviews, features) to grow my reach and influence.

I leverage visibility (events, interviews, features) to grow my reach and influence.
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I show up with intention—online and in real rooms.

I show up with intention—online and in real rooms.
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🟨S – Strategic Thinking (Strategic thinking goes beyond linear analysis to include such things as intuition and creativity, anticipation and foresight, and continuous learning and adaptation. It’s characterized by the ability to see the “Big Picture,” forward thinking, and the ability to make data-driven decisions.)

I’m building for longevity—not just revenue.

Q3I’m building for longevity—not just revenue.
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I know when to say no to protect my time, energy, and future growth.

I know when to say no to protect my time, energy, and future growth.
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I solve problems from a higher vantage point—not just in the weeds.

I solve problems from a higher vantage point—not just in the weeds.
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My decisions are led by vision, not fear or reactivity.

My decisions are led by vision, not fear or reactivity.
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I regularly invest time in planning—not just producing.

I regularly invest time in planning—not just producing.
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🟨 E – Embodied Authenticity (Authenticity is the intersection of your identity, integrity, and values. It is the “true you” acting in alignment with your values, beliefs, and motivations in external environments.)

I show up fully—culturally, spiritually, and professionally—in every room I enter.

I show up fully—culturally, spiritually, and professionally—in every room I enter.
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I don’t water myself down to appear “safe,” “professional,” or “acceptable.”

I don’t water myself down to appear “safe,” “professional,” or “acceptable.”
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My brand is aligned with who I am—not just what I sell.

My brand is aligned with who I am—not just what I sell.
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I lead from a place of integrity, even when it's not easy.

I lead from a place of integrity, even when it's not easy.
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I believe my identity is an asset, not a liability.

I believe my identity is an asset, not a liability.
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🟨 N – Networked Influence (The impact you have within a network of relationships, affecting decisions, actions, and overall outcomes. It’s not solely based on formal authority and often stems from credibility, trust, and the ability to leverage connections.)

I know how to build aligned partnerships that reflect mutual respect and value.

I know how to build aligned partnerships that reflect mutual respect and value.
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I’m supported by a network that amplifies my name, mission, and opportunities.

I’m supported by a network that amplifies my name, mission, and opportunities.
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I ask for help or introductions without shame or hesitation.

I ask for help or introductions without shame or hesitation.
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I leave people feeling seen, inspired, and called into action.

I leave people feeling seen, inspired, and called into action.
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I move rooms—without having to dominate them.

I move rooms—without having to dominate them.
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🟨 C – Commanding Appearance (This refers to your ability to deliberately project confidence, authority, and professionalism that inspires trust and influences others.)

I use my appearance and energy to tell a leadership story—before I even speak.

I use my appearance and energy to tell a leadership story—before I even speak.
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I feel confident and grounded in my physical presence—on camera and off.

I feel confident and grounded in my physical presence—on camera and off.
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My personal style reflects power, polish, and authenticity.

My personal style reflects power, polish, and authenticity.
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I take ownership of how I show up—visually and energetically.

I take ownership of how I show up—visually and energetically.
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I receive comments like “You look like a boss,” “You’re sharp,” or “You stand out.”

I receive comments like “You look like a boss,” “You’re sharp,” or “You stand out.”
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🟨 E – Executive Voice (The ability to communicate with clarity, authority, and inspiration in a way that establishes credibility, builds trust, influences stakeholders, and aligns teams.)

I speak like the founder of a legacy—not just a hustle.

I speak like the founder of a legacy—not just a hustle.
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I know how to pitch, present, or teach in ways that position me as an authority.

I know how to pitch, present, or teach in ways that position me as an authority.
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I’m comfortable introducing myself in high-level, investor, or corporate spaces.

I’m comfortable introducing myself in high-level, investor, or corporate spaces.
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I use language that aligns with my leadership, not just my product.

I use language that aligns with my leadership, not just my product.
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People remember my message—and respect my delivery.

People remember my message—and respect my delivery.
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