Authentic Authority: Why C-Suite Profiles Must Ditch Corporate Jargon

## The Psychology of Trust in Executive Bios Open any executive CV at random. You'll likely find the same words: *strategic*, *visionary*, *synergistic*, *results-driven*, *thought leader*. These words say nothing. Worse, they signal that the writer has nothing specific to say. When everyone claims to be "visionary," no one is. When every profile is "results-driven," the phrase becomes invisible. Corporate jargon doesn't build authority. It erodes it. ## Why Buzzwords Fail at the C-Suite Level Hiring managers and boards have pattern recognition. They've read thousands of CVs. They know filler when they see it. Buzzwords fail for three reasons: **1. They're unverifiable** "Strategic thinker" cannot be measured. "Reduced go-to-market time by 60%" can. **2. They're generic** If it could apply to anyone, it distinguishes no one. **3. They trigger scepticism** Experienced recruiters assume that vague claims mask vague achievements. ## Stiff vs Authentic: A Side-by-Side Comparison Here's how the same message lands differently depending on tone: | **Stiff Corporate Version** | **Authentic Executive Version** | |----------------------------|--------------------------------| | I am a highly motivated and results-driven individual with a proven track record of success. | I build teams that deliver under pressure. Three turnarounds in five years—all profitable within 18 months. | | I possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. | I translate complexity for boards. Clear briefs, honest updates, no surprises. | | I am seeking a challenging role where I can utilise my skills and experience. | I'm looking for a PE-backed business that needs commercial leadership—fast. | | I am a quick learner and adaptable to new environments. | I've landed in four different sectors. Each time, I was billing within eight weeks. | | My career goals align with the values of this organisation. | Your focus on sustainable growth matches how I've built every function I've led. | Notice the shift. The authentic versions are specific, concrete, and human. ## The Interim Market Demands Authenticity > **Key Insight:** Recruiters hire humans, not buzzwords. Authenticity cuts through the noise of a crowded interim market. The interim executive market is competitive. Hundreds of qualified candidates chase the same mandates. What separates the shortlisted from the ignored? Specificity. Credibility. Voice. Clients don't just want competence. They want someone they can trust in the boardroom. Someone who sounds like a real person with a real perspective. Your CV is often your first conversation. Make it sound like you. ## Rewriting Your Profile for Authenticity Start by auditing your current profile. Highlight every phrase that could appear on any CV. These are your targets. For each one, ask: **What did I actually do? What was the result? How would I explain this to a colleague over coffee?** Replace abstraction with evidence. Replace jargon with plain language. Replace passive constructions with active ownership. **Before:** "Responsible for driving strategic initiatives across multiple business units." **After:** "Led the integration of three acquired businesses. Unified operations, cut £2.4M in redundant costs." ## Voice Is Your Differentiator At senior level, everyone has experience. Everyone has credentials. What you control is how you present them. Write like you speak—confident, clear, without pretension. The executives who stand out are the ones who sound like themselves. --- *Ready to sharpen your CV copy? Explore our [Writing & Content](/writing-and-content) insights for more on executive communication.*