Seven in ten people believe CEOs, journalists, and public officials are purposely misleading them yet 80% still want business leaders to address societal issues. That’s the paradox every executive walks into the moment they hit “post.”
LinkedIn has become the new power suit. And a suit and a C-suite profile share the same rule: they make a strong impression if tailored well.
Technology now lets companies show rather than tell what happens behind the scenes: how products are made, who the people are, what values the company stands for. Consumers and employees expect this transparency as part of the trust equation.
Why Executive Presence Matters
Executives face more pressure now than ever before to positively represent their companies and its values in all public areas of their lives, whether it’s their private Facebook profile or attending a Coldplay concert (read our take on that reputation rehab gambit).
That’s why LinkedIn is critical. Four in five members drive business decisions, meaning an executive’s audience often includes decision-makers, media, and future hires.
The Elements of a Power Profile
Every LinkedIn profile, like a good suit, needs a few things to be successful:
- The cut matters. A tailored suit says who you are before you speak. Likewise, a leader shouldn’t post generic company messaging. It’s got to be tailored to ensure that the leader’s voice is coming through loud and clear.
- The color counts. Safe choices don’t turn heads. Leaders have stories, opinions, and perspectives that add vibrancy to the feed and sharing them can make the conversation richer.
- Timing is everything. You wouldn’t wear a linen suit to an outdoor winter wedding. Similarly, posting should only happen when what’s being said resonates with teams, peers or the market.
When leaders get the cut, color, and timing right, they do more than look sharp online. They reinforce trust at a moment when audiences are looking for it.
The Wrinkle Factor
Sometimes it’s the imperfections that land best. Bristol Myers Squibb’s CEO once posted about how few of his own plans didn’t go as expected. It drew 50+ reposts, 60+ comments, and 1.7K+ engagements because audiences want leaders who are real, transparent, and resilient.
So, who’s dressing your company?
In a world where trust in leadership is low but expectations remain high, the question isn’t whether executives should show up on LinkedIn. It’s whether they’re showing up in a suit that fits. Green Room knows a few exceptional tailors.
