I recently reflected on one of the most surprising lessons from my MBA: a session on personal grooming as part of a professional etiquette module. While most of my MBA courses explored models of strategy and finance, this particular session focused on appearance—hair, posture, accessories, and yes, makeup.
At the time, it seemed almost peripheral. But in the years since, I’ve come to appreciate it as a critical introduction to executive presence—a powerful, often underestimated form of professional currency.
As we navigate increasingly digital and global spaces, our image often precedes us. For many professionals, especially women, first impressions aren’t just made in person—they’re shaped online: LinkedIn profiles, speaking engagement headshots, media interviews, and internal leadership announcements. Each is a visual signal that frames perception before a single word is spoken.
In this context, what we might call “styling” becomes less about decoration and more about deliberate framing. The polished image is not a mask—it’s a signal: I take this work seriously, and I am prepared to represent it with credibility.
In my own case, I’ve embraced this with intention. I do not rely on spontaneous snapshots for professional representation. Instead, I schedule deliberate photoshoots—with makeup, wardrobe, and lighting that reflect the level of excellence I aspire to communicate. This is not deception; it is curation. Just as we craft thoughtful reports, prepare board decks, and rehearse presentations, so too can we prepare how we show up visually.
There is sometimes discomfort around this—particularly when the curated version is seen alongside our everyday selves. Colleagues may double-take. Some may even whisper. But what they’re adjusting to is not a contradiction—it’s a composite: the same professional, styled for different moments.
For female professionals navigating this balance, here are three guiding insights:
- Presence is part of performance. Especially in leadership roles, how you enter a room or appear in a press release affects credibility and command.
- Curated is not counterfeit. Just as we wear suits to client meetings, we can present ourselves visually in a way that aligns with our ambitions without losing authenticity.
- Feminine expression is not a liability. We can wear red lipstick, floral prints, or natural hair and still command the respect of rooms that once required conformity.
The truth is, I didn’t learn makeup to impress. I learned it as part of my MBA—to prepare. And every time I reach for lipstick, it reminds me:
This is not about vanity. It’s about vision.
Let them look.
Let them listen.
Let them learn.
How do you navigate visibility and authenticity in your professional life?
