In the defense sector, the stakes are high. Every role, every project, every decision ties back to national security and public trust. That’s why it’s critical for organizations in this space to have strong, confident leaders who can drive clarity, communicate a vision, and inspire action, especially as they move into executive roles.
Recently, I worked with a senior leader at a government contracting firm who had been promoted into a highly visible executive role. She was brilliant and deeply respected by her team and unmatched in technical knowledge. But with her new title came new expectations: briefing senior stakeholders, shaping strategy, and representing her team’s work to internal and external decision-makers.
And she was struggling.
She admitted she didn’t feel ready. She wasn’t confident in front of the room. She second-guessed herself in high-level meetings. Her team was delivering incredible work, but it wasn’t landing with the weight or recognition it deserved because she wasn’t showing up with the executive presence her role demanded.
We worked together through executive coaching, focusing on exactly what she needed: finding her authentic voice, owning her seat at the table, and learning to communicate her team’s work with clarity and impact. We practiced real scenarios such as stakeholder briefings, strategy presentations, moments of pushback. Over time, she became more self-assured, more compelling, and more powerful in how she led.
By the end of our engagement, she wasn’t just representing her team, she was leading them into greater visibility and success.
This story isn’t unique. In mission-driven and compliance-heavy environments, technical expertise will always be rewarded, but it’s rarely enough. Leadership must be developed. Presence must be practiced. Confidence must be earned through support, not just experience.
If this sounds familiar or if you have a team of high-potential leaders who need support stepping into bigger roles, I’d love to connect.
Let’s talk about how we can help your leaders show up with confidence and clarity when it matters most.
Reach out to me directly at frank.dadah@mcgpartners.com to start the conversation.
