Japanese Saying: Iron Fist In Velvet Glove or Velvet Fist in Iron Glove? 外柔内剛？内柔外剛？

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

'An iron fist in a velvet glove.' A CEO from Europe often told me this before important meetings. I remember this because it perfectly described him. He appeared gentle, but could be very ruthless.