This weekend I spoke to a group of HBCU students about professional presence. I didn’t have a “room” to present in nor could I connect my computer to present my deck. Instead of stressing, I pivoted. Ironically, that became one of the biggest lessons of the day. As professionals, we spend a lot of time preparing. But preparation isn’t just about having a plan, it’s about being able to adapt when the plan changes. That’s a lesson Howard University reinforced for me years ago, and it’s one I hope every student carries into internships, interviews, and their careers. My advice: • Prepare thoroughly. • Expect the unexpected. • Advocate for yourself. • Keep moving when things don’t go according to plan. Even my outfit reflected that mindset. With Texas temperatures over 100°, I skipped my usual third layer and relied on thoughtful design, strong structure, and intentional color to communicate confidence. Presence isn’t perfection. It’s the ability to adapt with confidence. #StyleAsStrategy #ThePresenceCollective #Leadership #ProfessionalPresence #HBCU