The Power of Influence — Why It’s the True Currency of Leadership

Leadership is more than a title or authority at its heart, it is influence.

Influence is the capacity to shape ideas, inspire action, and drive meaningful change. For women aiming for senior roles, mastering influence is not optional, it is essential. Yet, too often, women underestimate their own power to influence, and this self doubt can quietly limit their impact, visibility, and career progression.

Influence doesn’t arrive automatically with a promotion. It must be cultivated. It is built through a combination of credibility, communication, relationships, and trust. Women leaders who consciously develop influence gain the ability to guide teams effectively, persuade key stakeholders, and create change that resonates beyond their immediate sphere of work. Influence allows leaders to translate strategy into action, to foster collaboration, and to inspire others to follow.

Yet developing influence can be challenging. Societal conditioning plays a significant role in shaping how women approach leadership. From an early age, women are often encouraged to be collaborative rather than assertive, humble rather than self promoting, cautious rather than bold. In the workplace, this conditioning can translate into hesitation women may hold back ideas, defer speaking in meetings, or avoid advocating for promotions or opportunities. As a result, many highly capable women remain overlooked. It is not a lack of talent that holds them back, it is the ability to project influence strategically and confidently.

Influence is not a single skill; it is a collection of interwoven capabilities underpinned by self awareness. For leaders, effective communication lies at the core. This means not only conveying ideas clearly but tailoring the message to resonate with different audiences, whether presenting to a boardroom, leading a team meeting, or engaging with external stakeholders. Negotiation is another critical aspect of influence, the ability to articulate value, secure resources, and forge mutually beneficial agreements. Strategic relationship building also plays a vital role: influence flourishes where there is trust, mutual respect, and meaningful connection.

Leadership coaching provides a unique and powerful way for women to develop influence. It creates a safe, structured space for reflection and growth, allowing leaders to explore their personal style, identify strengths, and address areas for development. Through coaching, women can practise and refine key skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and self-advocacy. Coaching helps women discover and strengthen their leadership voice, enabling them to navigate organisational dynamics with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

Influence is what transforms managers into leaders. It is what allows leaders to go beyond executing tasks and instead shape the culture and trajectory of their organisation. Women who develop influence are not only able to accelerate their own career growth — they can also be powerful agents of change, challenging outdated norms, inspiring teams, and creating environments where others can thrive.

For women aspiring to senior leadership, influence is a vital skill set — one that requires intentional effort, self-belief, and development. Building influence is not an overnight process; it is a journey of clarity, skill, and confidence. And the impact extends far beyond individual careers , it transforms organisations, driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustained success.

In today’s world, influence is the true currency of leadership.