Magnetic personality: 7 skills that make you impossible to ignore

Chances are, you know someone who can just walk into a room and everyone notices.

They’re not loud, nor dressed to impress. They just have this aura about them—their magnetic personality—that makes people drawn to their presence.

“Charismatic people make us feel more charismatic,” says Vanessa Van Edwards, a speaker with Science of People and author of Captivate, in her Magnetic Charisma program on Mindvalley. “They make us feel more confidence.”

That’s probably why so many are drawn to people like Beyoncé, Barack (and even Michelle) Obama, Taylor Swift, Keanu Reeves, and Zendaya. They’re genuinely themselves but know that the secret to getting people’s attention is to amplify the best parts of themselves.

And the spark that makes them magnetic? It’s a fire you can ignite, too.

What is a magnetic personality?

The “magnetic personality” meaning—it’s charisma, pure and simple. The kind of unfiltered mojo people can’t resist because it’s genuine, intentional, and rare, making everyone around you feel a little brighter, a little more alive.

“A social and professional superpower” is how Vanessa would define “magnetic personality.” She explains that people with this kind of charm can “easily drum up interest in their ideas, have a memorable and lasting presence, make a positive first impression, have a lasting reputation, and deepen connections with people who matter to them—at work, at home, and at play.”

For instance, a study on Ronald Reagan’s way of communicating found that his charisma made people see him as warmer and more effective as a leader. (Perhaps that’s why he was famously known as “The Great Communicator.”)

But that’s the thing about magnetic people: they tend to have…

• Stronger, more meaningful connections, whether it’s at work, with friends, or in new social settings.
• Better career growth because they can make memorable impressions, communicate with ease, and attract opportunities like promotions, partnerships, or leadership roles.
• Better influence from negotiating deals to inspiring others.
• Increased likeability, which can lead to stronger support systems in every area of their lives.
• Boosted self-confidence because they know they can handle social situations, be themselves, and make a great impression on people.

These characteristics are why their presence sticks with you. They reignite in you a spark that, once lit, is impossible to ignore.

What makes someone magnetic?

What makes a magnetic person so compelling is simply this: it’s how they make people feel valued, energized, and deeply connected. Vanessa explains that charisma is “the incredible ability to inspire, impact, and influence the people around you.” 

Charismatic people make us feel more charismatic. They make us feel more confidence.

— Vanessa Van Edwards, trainer of Mindvalley’s Magnetic Charisma program

What’s more, according to Olivia Fox Cabane, author of The Charisma Myth, it’s a powerful blend of three magnetic personality traits:

1. Presence, which is about being fully engaged in the moment, giving undivided attention that makes others feel seen and valued;
2. Warmth, which radiates kindness and goodwill, signaling that you mean no harm and are here to connect; and
3. Power, which establishes your ability to influence the world around you—a subtle boldness that commands respect.

The fact of the matter is, the more charismatic you are, the more people put their trust in you.

And don’t be thinking that a magnetic person is born being all charming and confident. This nuanced personality is totally cultivatable, no matter if you identify as an extrovert, introvert, or ambivert. 

Examples of magnetic people

It’s hard to ignore those with a magnetic presence about them. Just take a look at Vanessa or Olivia—they can make people around them feel something profound.

Here are a few more you’re likely more familiar with:

• Oprah Winfrey exudes warmth, empathy, and confidence, whether she’s interviewing world leaders or telling personal stories. 
• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s infectious enthusiasm, ability to connect, and how to be authentic with people across generations make him a magnetic force.
• Greta Thunberg’s passion and conviction about climate change have captivated millions, proving that magnetic charisma is about purpose, not polish.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda draws people in with his creativity, passion, and infectious enthusiasm.
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s blend of confidence and empathy sparks connection wherever she goes.
• Dev Patel’s charm comes from his down-to-earth nature, intelligence, and capacity to bring deep emotional resonance to his work.
• Emma Watson mixes intelligence with grace that draws you in, whether she’s championing gender equality at the United Nations or speaking about sustainability.
• LeBron James’ leadership, humility, and dedication to uplifting others have earned him admiration worldwide.
• Malala Yousafzai’s calm yet resolute demeanor commands attention, proving that it doesn’t take theatrics to show magnetism.

Not all charisma is used for good, though. Puff Daddy (or Diddy, as he’s better known now), O.J. Simpson, and Anna Delvey all had an undeniable pull.

Diddy’s confidence built an empire, but allegations of abuse cloud his legacy. O.J. Simpson’s charm eerily shaped the public perception of his trial. And Anna Delvey? She scammed New York’s elite with nothing but audacity and a well-rehearsed persona.

The point here? Having a magnetic personality is powerful—but it’s up to you how you wield it.

7 habits that may be blocking your magnetic potential

Sometimes, it’s not about what you’re missing; rather, it’s about what you’re doing that’s holding you back. Vanessa calls these “charisma traps”—habits and situations that make it harder to show up as your most magnetic self or even make friends as adults.

Here are some that could potentially be your saboteurs:

1. Talking more than you listen
2. Acting aloof or uninterested
3. Overthinking every interaction
4. Slouching, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting
5. Focusing on flaws—yours or theirs
6. Trying too hard to be perfect rather than genuine
7. Surrounding yourself with toxic people

“Most of us can’t be our most charismatic selves,” says Vanessa. And it’s because of these pitfalls. So what can you do? Ditch them.

7 signs you have a magnetic personality

As Olivia writes in her book, “Consciously or not, charismatic individuals choose specific behaviors that make other people feel a certain way.”

So what does it mean to have a magnetic personality? Here are some signs that you’re already radiating charisma:

1. People naturally open up to you. And that’s because you create a sense of safety and warmth that makes others feel comfortable being vulnerable.
2. You’re fully present. People can sense that you really pay attention and listen—and they love it.
3. You leave a lasting impression. People don’t just remember your name, but how you made them feel.
4. You inspire trust effortlessly. And it often leads to deeper relationships, both personal and professional.
5. You can make any conversation interesting. Your passion, enthusiasm, and knack for thought-provoking questions make even the most mundane topics come alive.
6. Your body language speaks volumes. From your posture to eye contact to gestures, everything about you radiates confidence and openness.
7. You’re not afraid to be vulnerable, which only makes people feel closer to you.

You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.

— Vanessa Van Edwards, trainer of Mindvalley’s Magnetic Charisma program

You might not even realize it, but these magnetic personality traits are already part of who you are. All it takes is a little intention and effort to let them shine brighter than ever.

How to have a magnetic personality: 7 tips from charisma experts

With the right mindset and a few key habits, you can take the magnetic persona that’s already within you and amplify it into a superpower. Here’s how:

1. Master the art of presence

It’s no secret that in today’s hyper-distracted world, presence is a rare gem. Did you know that the average person checks their phone at least 352 times a day? That’s once every two minutes and 43 seconds. And with the constant ping of notifications, it’s no wonder many conversations feel rushed, shallow, and forgettable.

Now, think about the last time you spoke to someone who gave you their undivided attention. How did it feel? Warm, respected, important?

Presence has that kind of power—it makes people feel truly valued. And without it, according to Olivia, “everything falls apart.”

There are so many ways to be present: listening to listen (as opposed to listening to answer), tuning out distractions, and being mindful of your body language, just to name a few.

What’s also interesting is, research shows being mindful (a core part of being present) improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances emotional intelligence. These are all key traits of a magnetic personality.

2. Learn the power of storytelling

Everyone loves a good story. It’s “the primary operating language of the mind,” as Eric Edmeades, a leading authority in Behavioral Change Dynamics, explains in his Mindvalley program, The Stage Effect. And it teaches us not just what to do but why the lesson or message within the story matters.

Not only that, studies show that when we hear a story, our brains release oxytocin—the “feel-good” hormone that fosters trust and connection.

Think of Barack Obama’s 2008 “Yes, We Can” speech. Or Malala Yousafzai’s 2013 United Nations speech. Or Kevin Hart’s story about how his mom taught him the importance of the Bible in a way he’ll never forget.

The thing with these stories is, they’re often a mix of humor, a personal lesson, and a memorable twist. As Vanessa poses in her Mindvalley program, “How do you want people to feel before, during, and after interacting with you?”

This is what you should keep in mind. Whether it’s a small, funny moment from your day or a personal triumph, interact in such a way that people will see your humanity. They make you approachable, not intimidating.

3. Let your body “exclaim” confidence

Effective communication skills don’t just revolve around the words you say but also how your body “speaks.” Standing tall, making eye contact, leaning in, gesturing with your arms and hands, and all else—this way of “talking” makes you seem more trustworthy, capable, and yes, magnetic.

Think about Amy Cuddy’s famous TED Talk on power posing. She shares that small changes in how you hold yourself can dramatically shift how others perceive you—and how you perceive yourself.

She says, “We are also influenced by our nonverbals, our thoughts and our feelings and our physiology.” And when you carry yourself with confidence, you radiate a silent kind of charisma that draws people in.

But don’t overthink it. Simple tweaks, like relaxing your shoulders, smiling, and avoiding fidgeting, can transform how you show up. Even something as subtle as standing with your feet firmly planted—what Amy calls “expanding”—can shift the vibe you give off.

The best part is, confidence is contagious. “Your charisma gives others confidence in you,” Vanessa explains, “and you more confidence in yourself.”

4. Find your “why”

Consider Oprah’s commitment to inspiring others… Or Greta Thunberg’s unwavering mission for climate change. What do they have in common? Purpose.

It’s the kind of inner drive that adds depth to your actions, making every word and decision carry weight. And the truth is, we’re all drawn to people who know what they stand for and where they’re headed.

So your “why” gives people a reason to connect with you, root for you. 

“Know exactly how you want to show up,” says Vanessa. Finding your purpose starts with asking yourself: What genuinely lights you up? What do you want to contribute to the world?

It doesn’t have to be grand—it could be as simple as mentoring others or spreading positivity in your daily interactions. And once you identify it, let it shine through.

5. Show people they matter

Recognition is a shortcut to connection. “You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him,” explains Vanessa, quoting journalist Leo Aikman. She adds that using positive words to highlight someone’s strengths or achievements can create an immediate sense of warmth and trust—a “raving introduction,” as she calls it.

For example, instead of introducing someone as “This is Karolina,” you could say, “This is Karolina, our brilliant SEO manager who’s been skyrocketing our website traffic and fine-tuning our online presence for three years. We’re lucky to have her.” This thoughtful introduction not only makes Karolina feel valued but also sets the tone for others to see her in a positive light.

Mark Reklau, in his book, How to Become a People Magnet,” highlights a great point that can really elevate your interaction: “Use their name as often as you can,” he says. “People like to be called by their names.”

He also advises to:

• Let them finish their sentence
• Don’t interrupt people
• Make a short pause before answering
• You can also nod while they are talking

“This gives them the feeling that you have listened closely and are interested in what they have to say,” he says.

6. Turn self-doubt into self-discovery

News flash: Even the most magnetic people—yes, even icons like Michelle Obama—have admitted to having imposter syndrome.

And left unwatched, that inner voice can do a number on your mental health, can’t it? Whispering fleeting nothings like, “You’re not good enough” or “What if you’re not ready, and they all know it?”

Olivia explains that imposter syndrome is surprisingly common—even at the highest levels of success. In fact, researchers found that up to 70% of people—men and women alike—have felt like impostors at some point in their careers.

And the irony? The higher your intelligence or success, the more likely you are to feel like a fraud. Why? Because high achievers set higher bars for themselves and fear they won’t measure up.

Now, while this kind of self-doubt is normal, it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. In fact, it can be a tool for growth if you know how to use it.

Olivia’s advice is to destigmatize it. Simply acknowledging that imposter syndrome is a shared human experience helps strip it of its power. She calls it a “legacy of your genetic heritage”—nothing more than a leftover quirk from our evolutionary wiring.

From there, reframe the narrative. When your mind says, “What if I fail?” ask, “What if this is exactly the challenge I need?” Use every doubt as a signal you’re growing, and with every step forward, you’ll prove to yourself that you were capable all along.

7. Live unapologetically as yourself

You know what’s truly magnetic? Owning exactly who you are—flaws, quirks, and all.

Just look at Lizzo or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. They’ve leaned into what makes them unique, and the world can’t get enough of it.

But it’s a tricky thing to master, according to Eric. Why? Because “sometimes we don’t

even really know the authentic versions of ourselves.”

Curious about being authentic like Lizzo or Dwayne? Start by identifying your core values. What do you stand for? What lights you up? Then, let those values guide how you present yourself, speak, and connect with others.

As Olivia says, “Nothing kills charisma faster than appearing inauthentic.” And spoiler alert: people can tell.

Awaken your unstoppable 

If there’s one thing magnetic people have mastered, it’s this: they never stop growing. Because the reality is, charisma is a skill you can shape, refine, and own—it’s the spark that sets you apart.

And now, it’s your turn to mold yours.

With a free Mindvalley account, you’ll get access to expert-led programs like Vanessa Van Edwards’ Magnetic Charisma and Eric Edmeades’ The Stage Effect, plus more than 1000+ unique daily meditations to keep your vibe sharp. And that’s not all: you’ll also join a global community of brilliant minds, all rooting for your glow-up.

It’s time to stop admiring magnetic people from the sidelines. The tools to become one of them are right here… at Mindvalley.

Welcome in.