Why Executive Teams Need Image Consulting (and How Venus Rising Does It)
A lot of companies I talk to have highly competent executive teams managing medium to large P&L responsibilities for different business lines. High visibility moments for these executive team members happen regularly in each of the business lines - and somewhat less frequently across the company as a whole. Many of these companies don't have an internal team that works with these executives to help them align their image with the event in question. Image consulting is different from communications training - and this tends to be where companies experience a gap in the support they provide to their executive teams.
When I refer to 'high visibility' moments, I'm talking about financial events (shareholder meetings and board meetings), industry & marketing events (conferences, product launches, campaign launches) and internal & cultural moments (leadership changes, company milestone announcements and employee events & initiatives). The question is - how do companies ensure that these executive team members show up to these events in a way that exudes leadership, confidence and in a way that reinforces the company brand?
At Venus Rising, we help companies answer that question in a way that actually moves the needle. We work with leadership teams to refine their image, align their presence with corporate goals, and ensure they project confidence, authority and authenticity in every high-stakes moment.
When we worked with Cox Enterprises, for their Dialog conference in 2024, they understood that their executive team’s presence wasn’t just about looking good—it was about reinforcing trust, credibility, and the company’s brand values. And, it was important to get it right - as the pictures from events like these will be used for years to come.
Unfortunately, other companies struggle with misaligned executive presence, which leads to inconsistent messaging, a diluted brand identity, and missed opportunities in critical business moments.
The Business Issue: What’s at Stake?
When Venus Rising works with executive teams, we try to emphasize that a strategic approach to executive presence in these high stakes moments isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a business-critical factor that can directly impact the bottom line by influencing:
Investor confidence (Investors want to see leadership teams that have polish and presence.)
Client relationships (Executives that appear disheveled, or misaligned, can inadvertently erode client trust.)
Talent retention and recruitment (Employees look to leadership for inspiration. A strong executive presence attracts and retains top-tier talent.)
Media & PR performance (The way executives show up in public forums influences how the entire company is perceived.)
The desired result? Avoiding a fractured executive brand that is inconsistent - and costly.
The Problem: Why Most Executive Teams Struggle with Image
Most executive teams want to project confidence, authority, and authenticity—but they face real challenges in getting there.
Common obstacles we hear from executive team leaders:
“I know how to lead, but I don’t know how to ‘show up’ in high-stakes moments.”
“I feel like my image doesn’t match my role—I don’t want to look like I’m ‘playing dress-up.’”
“I’m confident in my expertise, but I don’t always feel comfortable in the public eye.”
“Our leadership team isn’t visually aligned—we don’t look like we belong to the same company.”
“We need to evolve our external image to match our company’s growth, but we don’t know how to do that strategically.”
These concerns aren’t about vanity. They’re about leadership impact. If executives don’t feel aligned with their image, or if they feel that the team's image doesn't reflect well on the company brand, it can create a subtle but significant disconnect in how they are perceived, how they communicate and how they lead.
The Solution: How Venus Rising Helps Companies Elevate Their Executive Teams' Impact
We approach executive presence strategically—helping leadership teams align their image, presence, and brand positioning to support business objectives. Our VR Image Consulting for Executive Teams program focuses on:
Executive Brand Alignment: We analyze how each leader’s presence aligns with company values, audience expectations, and leadership goals.
Personalized Image Strategy: We develop tailored strategies for each executive to enhance their personal brand while maintaining authenticity.
High-Stakes Preparation: Whether it’s media appearances, board meetings, or investor pitches, we ensure executives are poised, polished, and prepared.
Onsite & Virtual Support: We offer coaching, styling, and presence consulting before and during major events.
Long-Term Brand Management: For ongoing leadership development, we provide brand management retainers that help executives maintain a consistent and powerful presence year-round.
The Value: Why Executive Image Matters to Your Bottom Line
The value to the Business:
Stronger investor confidence: A well-aligned executive team reassures stakeholders and drives funding opportunities.
More effective media presence: Executives who command the room make better headlines.
Stronger talent attraction & retention: A polished executive team enhances employer branding and corporate reputation.
Consistent brand representation: When executives embody the company’s values, messaging becomes more cohesive and impactful.
The value to the Executive:
Greater confidence in high-visibility moments: No more second-guessing their look or presence.
Stronger leadership influence: A polished presence amplifies their ability to inspire and persuade.
Career relevance: Executives who exude confidence and brand-alignment are seen as more relevant.
As one of our corporate clients told me, “This experience [working with Venus Rising] didn’t just change how I dress—it changed how I show up as a leader.”
Final Thought: The “Unspoken” Language of Leadership
Executive image isn’t just about clothing—it’s about projecting confidence, credibility, and clarity so that they are seen, understood and remembered. Venus Rising helps companies ensure their executive teams don’t just show up, but stand out—commanding the attention and respect they deserve.
If your company is navigating a major transition, refining its leadership image, or preparing executives for high-stakes moments, then I'd love to talk to you.
Schedule your VR Image Consulting For Executive Teams consultation call.
Eileen
