Episode 10: “Authentic Presence – Who You Are Is How You Lead” with Gihan Abuelela

Have you ever been in the presence of someone and just felt… seen? Heard? Understood? That’s the kind of presence, your authentic presence, that Gihan Abuelela believes matters — in every interaction, at every level.

As Senior Leadership Solutions Partner and Applied Research Scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership, she is interested in how people show up, not just as leaders, but as human beings. “People think presence is something you perform,” she says, “but it’s not. Who you are is how you lead, in its simplest form.”

For Gihan, leadership is a social process that happens everywhere — in team meetings, in hallways, across hierarchies. Presence is about more than words or titles. It’s about grounding yourself, connecting to your values, and asking the question that guides her work: “Can people feel me and trust me when I show up?” Trust, connection, and authenticity are inseparable.

In this episode, Gihan shares stories from her work with leaders and teams, practical reflections on how to slow down, be fully present, and make human connections that endure. And she reminds us of a truth Maya Angelou expressed so powerfully: people may forget what you said or did, but they never forget how you made them feel.

If you want to show up authentically, build trust, and influence others — whether at the top of an organisation or in your next meeting — this episode is a window into the art of showing up as your true self.