Make Your Mark Through Presence, Not Performance

Susan Room
Jul 25
3 min read

Finding Presence in a Museum in Cologne

Whilst working in Germany recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful Museum of East Asian Art in Cologne. Three magnificent exhibitions were on display - and all three moved me in different ways.

Self Portrait by Pan Jianfeng — Self-Portrait (2025) - Pan Jianfeng

But it was the first one, showcasing major works by the Chinese artist Pan Jianfeng, that struck me most deeply.

One piece in particular - Self-Portrait (2025) - stopped me in my tracks. Not just the finished work, but the way it was created. Nearby, a 6-minute video played on loop, documenting Pan painting the portrait live in front of an audience.

For copyright reasons, I can’t share the video here - but it offered a breathtaking insight into how one artist quite literally makes his mark: not with words or voice, but with paint, movement, and presence.

Still image of artist Pan Jianfeng painting a self portrait. — Still from exhibition video - © Pan Jianfeng

The video captures Pan’s Live Action Writing Performance, where the audience watches him create his self-portrait on a vast sheet of paper using a giant brush - each movement deliberate, each pause filled with presence.

What Pan’s Silent Performance Reveals

Pan's performance is a masterclass in mental and physical stillness. When he does move, every step is intentional - carefully placed to avoid disturbing the marks he has already made. He is entirely at ease with silence. He takes his time. He owns his time and space. Every gesture is deliberate, every brushstroke deeply considered. In this video of the exhibition I visited, (from Pan's own YouTube channel), 'Self-Portrait' can be seen in the first few seconds, as the glass doors open.

Ink Roaming Tour video © Pan Jianfeng

In a world that often values speed over depth, Pan shows us the power of going slow, of thinking before acting, and of making your mark with care and intention. His silent performance teaches us about true presence - in both body and mind.

As someone who works with voice and presence, I found it profoundly resonant. In a world so often edited and filtered, this was art made in one breath. A reminder that making your mark isn’t always about speaking. Sometimes, it’s about how you show up.

The Four Pillars of Presence That Set Leaders Apart

Pan’s performance is more than artistic expression, it’s a powerful metaphor for the kind of presence we need in the workplace. Like Pan, leaders are called upon to make their mark every day. But how often do they pause before acting? Reflect before responding? Take up space with intention?

Pan's performance highlights what I believe are the four pillars of presence:

Mental presence - being fully aware and intentional.
Physical presence - grounded, still, and deliberate.
Verbal presence - choosing our words with thought and care.
Vocal presence - using our voice in ways that make others listen.

Whether in a boardroom, a client meeting, or a team huddle, how we show up matters. Presence is how we make our mark. And it's no longer optional. It's your competitive edge in an AI-driven world.

What Mark Does Your Presence Make at Work?

I often ask leaders: how are you making your mark? Not just in your results, but in your presence - your mindset, your body language, your words, your voice?

Many haven’t considered these questions. And those that have, often admit they don’t ask for feedback for fear of hearing things they’d rather not know. But without awareness nothing can change.

Next time you're entering a room full of people, a difficult conversation, a high-stakes presentation, or any situation that matters, take a moment. Ask yourself: what mark do I want to make? Then consider how your mindset, body, words, and voice can help you achieve it. And after the interaction, seek feedback.

Presence isn’t performative - it’s purposeful. It begins with clarity of intention, 'groundedness' in the body, and the courage to speak and behave with care. Every movement, every breath, shapes the impression we leave behind.

And just like Pan’s performance, making your mark doesn’t need to be loud. Often, the most powerful presence is the quietest in the room - anchored, deliberate, and deeply felt.

Want to know more?

If you're a senior leader wanting to improve how you make your mark - or help your people improve theirs - please get in touch to explore how we can work together.