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Showing posts from September 23, 2025

The Gravitas Gap: Ambitious Professionals Seek an Elusive Quality for a Competitive Edge

SAN DIEGO —In a tight labor market where technical skills are table stakes, a growing number of mid-career professionals are turning their focus inward, investing thousands in coaching and self-development to cultivate a quality that can’t be listed on a resume: gravitas. This shift marks a departure from traditional career development, which has long prioritized hard skills and certifications. Now, for the 25-to-45-year-old demographic in high-stakes, client-facing roles, the ability to command a room with quiet confidence is being seen as the ultimate career accelerator. “We’re seeing a significant uptick in demand from individuals and corporations wanting to develop what we call authentic influence,” says Mark Taylor, a leading influence coach. “It’s no longer enough to have the right data. You have to have the presence to make that data land with impact. That’s the gravitas gap.” The effects of this "gap" are tangible. Professionals report feeling unheard in meetings, bei...