By the time you walk into the room, the first impression is already forming. The question is whether you shaped it or it shaped you.

Priscilla Pollara has spent her career helping leaders, brands and politicians answer that question before it matters.

This is a conversation about what actually happens in the moments that matter. The ones you have prepared for and still somehow not quite nailed. The filmed interview, the keynote, the high-stakes meeting where you knew your material but left feeling like you hadn't quite landed.

Priscilla and Alex explore why style, presence and communication have to work together, and what falls apart when they don't. It is direct, honest and full of things you will want to write down as a female founder or senior leader.

YOU'LL EXPLORE

• Why first impressions are made before you open your mouth
• The difference between performing confidence and being prepared
• Why buying something new for a high-stakes moment is one of the most common mistakes women make
• What journalism teaches you about commanding attention
• How to decide what impression you want to leave before you walk in
• Why Priscilla wants more women to learn to professionally boast
• What style and communication have in common and why they have to work together

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — First impressions and where Priscilla's work begins

01:02 — From newsroom to communications consultant

08:23 — What journalism teaches you about finding the story in a person

13:32 — Knowing the impression you want to make before you walk in

21:00 — When credibility doesn't translate into the room

28:08 — Being better in smaller groups and why that is not a weakness

35:28 — Dress how you want to be treated

37:27 — Why buying something new before a high-stakes moment lets you down

40:12 — Authenticity versus performance - where the line is

50:51 — Perception: how you see yourself is not how others see you 55:13 — The one thing Priscilla wishes more women would give themselves permission to do

58:13 — Quickfire: the wedding dress, the blazer collection and no fashion regrets

If this conversation landed for you and you are ready to work on your own style, presence and communication before your next big moment, Stage Ready Style is a full-day in-person event on 17th June at Citizen M Tower Bridge, London. Alex and Priscilla are working with a small group of women, on exactly what this episode covers.

Tickets are £497. Places are limited.

👉 https://www.alexandrastandley.co.uk/stagereadystyle

Or if you want to start the conversation before then, book a free Style Strategy Call.

👉 https://www.alexandrastandley.co.uk/service-page/style-strategy-call

Find Priscilla at www.toptrick.co.uk, on Instagram @priscillacomms and on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-pollara/