---
title: Brenna Woodley Quoted by Corporate Counsel Now
date: 2026-03-05T00:00:00-05:00
author: Frank Manfre
canonical_url: "https://www.kelleydrye.com/news/commanding-the-room-an-executive-presence-playbook-for-in-house-counsel"
section: News
---
# Brenna Woodley Quoted by Corporate Counsel Now

 March 5, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelley Drye Special Counsel [Brenna Woodley](https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/brenna-m-woodley) was quoted in the article, ​“Commanding the Room: An Executive Presence Playbook for In-house Counsel,” published by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC).

The article discusses how executive presence for in-house counsel is less about charisma and more about repeatable behaviors: how you show up in moments of pressure, how you communicate risk, how you read stakeholders, and how you sustain yourself in a demanding role.

Brenna offered an outside-counsel perspective on what distinguishes effective in-house leaders in sensitive situations. Among other points, Brenna noted how women often ​“undersell, ... or wait for permission to speak.” Effective leaders don’t. ​“They know they’re in that room for a reason,” and they hold onto that even in difficult moments.

Brenna also cautioned against equating fast advice with strategic leadership. In high-pressure situations, ​“a strategic response is better than a fast one,” and confident in-house counsel pause to evaluate information to provide strong strategic advice.

Overall, presence requires both situational awareness and the confidence to contribute early and thoughtfully.

Read the full article [here](https://corporatecounselnow.com/commanding-room-executive-presence-playbook-house-counsel).

 

 

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