NYAIR Episode 56
Every Message Matters: Leveraging Your Leadership in Person and Onscreen
In the NY-AIR Roundtable’s inaugural DEI workshop, executive coach Raleigh Mayer unpacks the essential communication and leadership skills now required to thrive in hybrid and virtual settings. Packed with science-backed strategies, candid stories, and high-energy guidance, this episode offers actionable tools for building presence, confidence, and inclusivity—both on and off the screen. Senior professionals and aspiring leaders alike will discover why “fine” is no longer enough, and how to use every message to power growth, reputation, and real career advancement.
Featured Guests
Raleigh Mayer
Principal, Raleigh Mayer Consulting Inc.; Senior Fellow, Logos Institute for Crisis Management
Known as the “Gravitas Guru,” Raleigh Mayer is one of America’s leading executive coaches and communication experts. A frequent advisor to Fortune 500 firms, government agencies, and top business schools, Raleigh brings over two decades of experience helping leaders at every level master persuasion, executive presence, and crisis leadership. She teaches at Columbia Engineering, Barnard College, and NYU, and is recognized for her creative keynotes and “Seven Ups of Successful Leadership.” Raleigh serves on the Forbes Coaches Council, the Financial Women’s Association leadership council, and is a founding member of Women in Sports and Events.
Mithra Warrier
Managing Director and U.S. Head of Prime Brokerage Sales, TD Securities
Mithra Warrier is a managing director and U.S. Head of Prime Brokerage Sales for TD Securities and a member of the New York Alternative Investment Roundtable management committee.
Key Insights From This Episode
Visual Presence Delivers Instant Impact
First impressions are driven 55% by your visual presence—even on video. Intentionally edit your on-screen appearance and environment to telegraph confidence and credibility.
Tone Speaks Louder Than Words
How you say it (energy, vocal range, clarity) drives 35% of your impression. Practice assertive communication and avoid undermining language or hesitant tone—even in remote environments.
Fine Is a Four-Letter F Word
Settling for “fine” or “neutral” will stall your trajectory. Leaders must learn to project confidence and command attention, even before they feel ready inside.
Self-Advocacy Is Not Optional
Don’t wait for talent to speak for itself—learn to practice “edited authenticity” and positive self-promotion that aligns your internal value with external perception.
Leadership Is Modeled, Not Mandated
Leaders set the tone—by being visible, modeling desired behaviors, fostering psychological safety, and enabling everyone to take a bigger seat at the table, regardless of their title.
Small Talk Is Big Talk
Use routine social interactions (“how are you?”) as opportunities for soft self-promotion and to create memorable, positive touchpoints with your team and organization.
Access the Full Conversation
Unlock the full conversation and get a downloadable insights toolkit tailored for leaders and high-potential professionals. You’ll gain science-backed strategies for building digital gravitas, communicating with precision, and progressing your career—even when your office is a screen. Equip yourself with actionable tips your future self will thank you for.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“Fine is a four-letter f word. The other F word is at least interesting.”
— Raleigh Mayer
“Leaders are judged not just by what they say, but by the positive behaviors they model every day, on and off the screen.”
— Raleigh Mayer
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