7 Ways To Prepare For Exec Meetings

Senior executive meetings are crucial for success, but they can also be nerve-wracking.

To ensure you make the most of these meetings, it’s important to prepare thoroughly.

Here are 7 ways to prep for an exec meeting (my favorite is BLUF, see below).


1. Bring data, always bring data

“In God we trust, all others bring data”.

Running a business is a numbers game.

Numbers and metrics are super important to executives. The information you are sharing or presenting should include numbers which will make the conversation objective and fact-based.


2. Research and synthesize

It pays to research key topics that are likely to come up.

The trick here is to synthesize the information so that you get to the point in the very first statement you make.

No need to go through 10 bullet points to get to the punch line.



3. Arrive early to the executive meeting

Always arrive ahead of time. 

Not only does this show good leadership, but it also demonstrates you’re ready for the meeting and you value their time.

It also allows some time for small talk, which is an essential aspect of networking.



4. Connect

Connect with executives as a colleague and a fellow human beings. Guess what?

They are also craving human connection because many times their role doesn’t allow to make great work friends.

Stronger executive relationships help you become comfortable working with them and makes them more comfortable working with you.



5. BLUF

Bottom Line Up Front.

Start with the conclusion first, like “Our customer sat numbers are slipping, we identified Customer Wait Time as the factor. We are asking X$s to implement an AI system that will improve Customer Sat within 3 months.”

This way, the exec knows what to expect and she can dive into the right details if she has any questions. Or she might approve it and end the meeting in 10 minutes!



6. Bring value

Executives are busy and value only a productive interaction.

What new perspectives can you bring to different aspects of the business?

Execs love getting nuggets of information which they can use to connect (macro) dots later.



7. Prepare for questions

You should be able to answer the question, “So what?”. Point to data, synthesize the issues around that topic and answer the question confidently.

If you don’t prepare for a senior executive meeting, then it the conversation could go south and you will lose a ton of credibility; like the video example below.

What are your thoughts on preparing for exec meetings? Anything that you would like to add to this list?

#leadership #executiveconversations #presence #research #leadershipcommunication

Related Posts

OpenAI’s GPT-4o Image Generation: Redefining AI Creativity

OpenAI’s GPT-4o Image Generation redefines AI creativity with improved precision, text rendering, and contextual understanding. It eliminates common issues like distorted features and unclear text, making it ideal for design, marketing, and content creation. Accessible to all users, it opens new possibilities for AI-driven visuals

OpenAI’s Agents SDK: The Future of AI-Powered Digital Employees

OpenAI’s Agents SDK enables developers to build AI-powered digital employees that perform tasks autonomously. With core primitives like Agents, Tools, and Handoffs, AI can now search, analyze, and collaborate seamlessly. The future of AI-driven automation is here.

The USB-C Moment for AI: Introducing the Model Context Protocol (MCP)

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is the USB-C for AI, creating a universal standard for seamless AI-data integration. No more custom connectors—just secure, scalable, and efficient AI interactions. Companies like Block and Replit are already leveraging MCP to bridge AI with real-world datasets. Is this the future of AI integration?

AI Evals: The Must-Learn Skill for AI Practitioners in 2025!

AI evaluations (AI evals) are the must-learn skill for 2025! They go beyond traditional testing by measuring AI performance, fairness, and real-world impact. With frameworks like the EU AI Act and the need for measurable outcomes, mastering AI evals gives professionals a critical edge. Ready to level up your AI game?

AI and Robots Transforming the Game: How the Golden State Warriors Are Innovating Basketball

AI is revolutionizing basketball, and the Golden State Warriors are leading the charge. At the 2025 NBA All-Star Tech Summit, they introduced Physical AI—a suite of four specialized robots designed to enhance training, strategy, and player recovery. From AI-powered defenders to automated play simulations, this technology could reshape the game. But should basketball remain a purely human experience?

Cloud Hyperscalers: The Biggest Winners in AI Monetization?

Scroll to Top