Have you been told you need more "Executive Presence" and are left wondering, "What does 'Executive Presence" even mean?!" Or do you ever wonder what do recruiters and hiring managers look for in the talent they seek out?
This week Erin talks with Britt Bloch, Vice President of Talent Acquisition Strategy and Recruiting at Navy Federal in April 2021. This interview will give you all the 3D information and inspiration you need to answer those questions, and more.
Britt not only has a unique, inside-view into the world that is a black box for so many, her own story of success and bucking the norm will inspire you to do things your own way. Britt's unique take on authentic leadership as well as finding talent with grit, resilience, and gravitas is without a doubt, Britt's secret sauce.
In this episode, you'll hear how Britt believes you should top shrinking to make someone else comfortable and instead be yourself, find a company culture that's ready to embrace you, and never worry about Executive Presence again.
If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie
To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com
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00:00 I had so many reach outs from young leaders in many different organizations that said, "Oh my gosh, I'm told that all the time. What does that mean? What do I do?" And that's horrible. That's not the message we want to send. We want to have leaders that are inspiring and empowering and inclusive and emotionally connect with their teams. That's being the leader that's present.
00:24 Welcome to the B-Cuz podcast with Erin and Nicole. Wait, are we recording? Yes, this is our intro.
So we've been friends long enough to basically go from idiots to executives. And then we got fed up with the fake working world, the rat races, and all the parts of our lives where we needed a costume to cope.
If you're in, drop the superhero disguises and photo filters and join us as we explore and empower authenticity everywhere.
01:33 Hey guys, welcome back to the B-Cuz podcast. This is Erin here again with another amazing interview.
I'm here with Britt Bloch. Britt is the Vice President of Acquisition Strategy and Head of Recruiting at Navy Federal Credit Union.
She's worked in this world for a long time, including at a Brazilian Fortune 500 company. But most importantly, she is one of the most authentic people I know.
I found Britt on LinkedIn after she published an article about executive presence and how that concept can actually hold people back in their careers.
04:10 - Britt: The article was called "Busting the Myth of Executive Presence."
The genesis of that article came from several years ago when I was about to interview for an executive role. One of the panelists very inappropriately told me before I interviewed, "I'll support your interviewing, but I don't think you have executive presence."
And I thought, "What does that even mean? What is executive presence?"
I'm all about culture, authenticity, and being yourself. So after I wrote that article, what was heartbreaking was the number of young leaders who reached out and said, "I'm told that all the time. What does that mean? What do I do?"
That's not the message we want to send. Leadership is about inspiring, empowering, including, and emotionally connecting with your team.
06:06 - Britt: Years ago, I walked into a team that was very officious and intimidated by the art of the possible. They were scared to fail fast and fail forward.
Over time, we created a shift. There were healthy challenges, passionate conversations, and courageous conversations.
There was a trampoline of trust — where people could say what was on their mind and know they could bounce back.
I also noticed people who weren't wired toward traditional data-driven styles were celebrated for their emotional intelligence and adaptability.
10:18 - Britt: We have to open up the candidate aperture. We need new channels — technical schools, community colleges, coding camps, and underrepresented communities.
My background taught me grit, resilience, and how to navigate challenging situations.
I started working in fifth grade. I worked multiple jobs. I learned how to be self-managed and how to read a room quickly.
I don't have a completed degree. I'm 36 credits away, but I'm learning every day. I don't need a piece of paper to prove I'm learning.
Results, expertise, passion, heart leadership, accountability, and execution matter.
17:49 - Britt: My advice for people looking for a new opportunity is to network proactively.
Networking isn't reaching out when you need something. It's interacting with people, commenting, sharing insights, and building relationships.
LinkedIn is a 24/7 conference. It's not just a place for resumes.
23:10 - Britt: I think some of it is false bravado. You have to muster up courage before you walk into an intimidating situation.
But preparation gives you confidence. When you showcase your expertise, you create the space to be different.
You can have personality. You can be fun. You can be dynamic. You just have to back it up.
26:18 - Britt: People are always managing risk, especially interpersonal risk.
You have to find your tribe — the people who support you, challenge you, and allow you to show up as yourself.
When you have a tribe of supporters, it's a force multiplier.
31:43 - Britt: A trampoline of trust means creating a space where people feel safe speaking up.
Too often, there are meetings behind the meetings because people don't feel comfortable sharing what they really think.
People have to trust that they won't be judged or penalized for sharing an idea. That's how you create innovation.
34:43 - Britt: You have to be you. You have to do you. Find your tribe. Constantly seek learning opportunities. Proactively network.
And absolutely don't shrink to make other people feel comfortable.
There's only one you. If you want to stand out, you have to be yourself.
