What really makes someone a great leader? It’s not the title. It’s not the power. It’s their ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. In this episode of Tim Stating the Obvious, we take a deep dive into a misunderstood leadership trait—charisma.
Charisma isn’t about being the loudest or most charming person in the room. It’s about authentic connection, influence, and presence. I sat down with Richard, a psychotherapist and executive coach from South Africa, who brings a powerful perspective on what real charisma looks like in action—from trauma recovery to high-stakes leadership.
Charisma vs. Charm: Here’s the Difference
Charm is surface-level. It tells people what they want to hear. Charisma goes deeper. It builds trust and makes people walk away feeling better about themselves and their future. Charisma is about connection that lasts beyond the moment.
The Internal Game
Richard made something very clear: true charisma starts inside. It's not just about body language or eye contact. It starts with self-awareness—knowing what matters to you, managing your emotions, and understanding the emotional temperature of the room. Leaders who are in control of themselves can connect more deeply with others.
Can You Learn Charisma?
Absolutely. You’re not born with it—you build it. But you’ve got to slow down. The pace of modern life pulls us into constant reaction mode. If you’re running back-to-back Zoom calls with no time to breathe, you’re not connecting—you’re just executing.
Technology and the Charisma Crisis
Remote work and digital overload are eating away at our interpersonal skills. Real charisma gets built in the margins—in the hallway chats, in that walk between meetings. If you’ve noticed your leadership presence slipping, it might be time to unplug, reflect, and reconnect with people on a human level.
Traits of Charismatic Leaders
Charismatic people like Oprah and Richard Branson aren’t trying to impress—they’re trying to understand. They show up with humility, ask great questions, and give others space to speak. They’re not in the room to be right; they’re there to create impact.
The Leadership Skill No One Talks About: Transitions
Most people skip the transition. One meeting ends, another starts. But as a leader, your ability to reset, center yourself, and bring intentional energy into the next conversation is a huge part of your presence. Take 30 seconds between calls. Breathe. Get grounded. Show up on purpose.
Micro-Habits that Build Charisma
What’s Holding You Back?
Many leaders—especially women and high achievers—struggle with authenticity because they’ve been told to tone down who they are. They feel like they’re too much or not enough. The way forward isn’t to shrink—it’s to show up, piece by piece, in micro-experiments of authenticity. Over time, this builds confidence and clarity.
Charisma and Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is common. But here’s the secret: it starts to fade the more you share your real self. Try it. Tell someone what excites you. Talk about a mistake you learned from. When you show up authentically, people connect—not just with your position—but with your purpose.
Why Psychological Safety Matters
If people don’t feel safe, they won’t speak up. They won’t take risks. And they definitely won’t innovate. Charismatic leaders create space for others to bring their full selves to the table. This isn’t fluff. It’s strategy. Teams that feel safe perform better—every time.
Let’s Get Practical
Before your next meeting:
Final Thought
Charisma isn’t magic. It’s mindset. It’s emotional intelligence. It’s intention. You build it by slowing down, tuning in, and choosing connection over performance. And when you do, people don’t just listen to you—they follow you.
Curious to know more about Tim Stating The Obvious? Contact me through the contact form below to delve deeper into the world of leadership excellence!