187. Leading Without Stripes: Influence When Authority Fades

As you rise through the ranks, leadership stops being about authority and starts being about influence. From tough personalities to volunteer teams with no obligation to follow, the true test of your leadership is who listens when they don’t have to. In this episode, we explore how to build influence early—and why it's one of the most critical skills you’ll ever master.

Team Conversation Prompts:

1. Who on your team challenges your influence the most—and how might you intentionally grow from that tension?
2. What volunteer or cross-functional group can you lead right now to practice influence without authority?
3. Think of someone you find hard to work with. How would you lead them if they were a key stakeholder in your future mission?