💡 Why This Episode Matters
Have you ever been labeled at work before you even had the chance to prove yourself?
“Too emotional.”
“Not charismatic.”
“Not leadership material.”
I’ve been there—and I know how frustrating it feels when those labels silently hold you back.
The truth is, people are making up to 11 decisions about you in the first 7 seconds. And those first impressions can either open doors—or close them.
That’s why I sat down with Sylvie di Giusto, international keynote speaker, bestselling author of The Image of Leadership and Discover Your Fair Advantage, and the world’s first 3D immersive keynote speaker.
Sylvie has spent decades helping leaders and professionals take control of their perception, master first impressions, and build a leadership presence that works in their favor.
Why First Impressions Matter
Q: Why do first impressions carry so much weight?
Because our brains are wired to judge instantly. Whether it’s 7 seconds or milliseconds, people form opinions about your credibility, trustworthiness, and potential—before you even speak.
That may feel unfair, but here’s the opportunity: you can influence those impressions.
The ABCDE Framework for Leadership Presence
Sylvie shared her ABCDE model—a simple but powerful way to take control of perception:
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A = Appearance: The visual cues people notice instantly.
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B = Behavior: Your attitude, emotional intelligence, and micro-decisions in a room.
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C = Communication: The words you choose, your voice, and your presence.
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D = Digital footprint: How you show up online—what people see when they Google you.
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E = Environment: The people and places around you that reflect back on your leadership.
Each of these areas is an opportunity to align how you want to be seen with how others actually perceive you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ Why unconscious biases can either block you—or boost you
✅ How to send signals of leadership without faking who you are
✅ Why “caring for everyone in the room” may hurt your leadership presence
✅ How to align your online and offline presence for credibility
✅ Why your environment—and who you surround yourself with—matters more than you think
A Quote to Carry With You
🔥 “You have to appear, behave, and communicate like a leader long before you get the title.” — Sylvie di Giusto
This is a reminder that leadership isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about intentionally showing up as the leader you already are.
Why This Matters for Women in Tech
For women in leadership—especially in male-dominated spaces—perception can make or break career opportunities.
This conversation is about giving you the tools and confidence to take control of how you’re seen, so you’re recognized for the leader you truly are.
Listen to the Full Episode
🎧 Ready to master perception and claim the opportunities you deserve?
👉 Listen here: https://limorbergman.com/podcast/
Or watch the full video version on YouTube.
About Sylvie di Giusto
Sylvie di Giusto, CSP, is an international keynote speaker, consultant, and multi-award-winning presenter who helps leaders and teams shape perception and maximize their human impact. She is the author of The Image of Leadership and Discover Your Fair Advantage and has worked with organizations like Microsoft, American Airlines, Hilton, and the US Air Force.
Learn more at sylviedigiusto.com.
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sylviedigiusto
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sylviedigiusto
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sylviedigiusto
Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/sylviedigiusto
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@sylviedigiusto
About Me
Hi, I’m Limor Bergman Gross—executive coach, podcast host, and former Director of Engineering at DigitalOcean.
I help mid-level women in tech build strategic influence, develop executive presence, and get promoted—without burning out or pretending to be someone they’re not.
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📸 Instagram @limorbergman