Executive Presence Reimagined: Authentic Leadership, Resilience, and the Power of Improv

By Trish Lilley, Heather Barnes
July 16, 2026 | 41-minute episode

Presentation Skills Written and Oral Communication Skills Marketing Management and Leadership Podcast

Communications

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What does executive presence really look like in today's workplace — and is it something you can learn? In this episode of the LMA Podcast, Trish Lilley sits down with Heather Barnes to discuss the evolution of executive presence, from polished perfection and authority to something far more powerful: genuine connection, empathy, and trust.

They discuss the role of body language, audience awareness, feedback, and self-awareness in career advancement, particularly for professionals aspiring to leadership roles. The conversation also dives into resilience and why practices like positive reframing, gratitude, and active listening can help professionals thrive. Along the way, Heather makes a compelling case for embracing humor, vulnerability, and even improv as essential leadership tools in today's workplace.

Whether you're an emerging professional looking to elevate your career, a manager developing your leadership style, or a seasoned executive seeking fresh perspective, this is a great conversation on how to show up with confidence.

Tune in to learn:

How executive presence has evolved from traditional authority and polish to authenticity and relationship-building.
Practical techniques to command a room.
Ways to build executive presence at any career stage.
Strategies for developing resilience.
Why humor, improv, and vulnerability can be powerful leadership tools.

LMA Podcast · Executive Presence Reimagined: Authentic Leadership, Resilience, and the Power of Improv

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The content in this feature correlates with the Marketing Management and Leadership domain in the LMA Body of Knowledge (BoK). Dive deeper and access the latest edition of the BoK online.

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Trish Lilley
Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Trish Lilley is the chief marketing and business development officer at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. A forward-thinking, internationally recognized champion of innovation, Trish has led marketing and client development in C-suite roles at four Am Law firms, driving strategic growth, implementing operational realignment, and cultivating high-performing, collaborative teams. Her work has spanned digital transformation, client and alumni relations, lateral recruiting and integration, and a diverse range of branding initiatives. Trish is known for building streamlined service models that strengthen client relationships, drive revenue, and align marketing operations with firmwide business objectives.

A longstanding leader in the Legal Marketing Association, Trish is a Fellow in the College of Law Practice Management, chairs the CMO Advisory Board of Best Lawyers, and serves on the Law360 Legal Industry Editorial Board.

Heather Barnes
Improv @ Work LLC

Heather L. Barnes, MA, is the founder and CEO of Improv @ Work LLC, and she is a faculty member at the Northwestern University Kellogg School for Management. She teaches executive presence, presentation skills, strategic communication, and navigating difficult conversations using improvisational philosophies and techniques. Heather has over 20 years of experience leading people, teaching strategic communication, and innovating large scale presentations.

She worked as a director at both the John G. Shedd Aquarium and at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL. In both organizations she transformed the organizational culture and introduced new methods of engaging new audiences. She applied improv strategies to train teams, communicate complex content to the public, and create guest-centric programs for millions of visitors.

In 2017, Heather founded Improv @ Work LLC to deliver experiential workshops at museums, corporations, law firms, and universities worldwide to empower organizations to evolve. Heather has been a featured speaker at several national and international conferences including the American Alliance of Museums, The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the Association of Science and Technology Centers, and the American Society of Cytopathology.

She teaches other essential leadership skills to faculty, lawyers, and executives through interactive workshops, corporate retreats, and at universities worldwide. Heather also serves as an executive coach. For fun, Heather was a faculty member at the Second City Training Center Chicago and has directed, produced, and performed in several sketch comedy and improv shows. She has a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. To learn more about Heather and Improv @ Work LLC, visit https://improvisationatwork.com/.