Your Influence is Your Superpower

If I’ve learned anything from my years working with organizations, it’s this: leadership isn’t about your title. It’s not reserved for executives, managers, or the ones with corner offices and parking spots. Leadership is influence. And influence begins exactly where you are, regardless of your position.

The quote—"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."—is one I come back to often in my work with organizations looking to strengthen their culture and performance. It’s a simple reminder that you don’t need permission to make an impact. You just need intention. I see this truth play out in personal growth all the time. People often believe they need more credentials, more clarity, or more confidence before they can lead. But leadership is less about having everything figured out, and more about showing up with what you've got—and being willing to grow in the process.

You grow into leadership by practicing it. You influence others by being an example, not by waiting to become perfect. Whether you're mentoring a colleague, encouraging your child, or navigating a tough team conversation, your behavior and presence matter more than your position.

I’ve seen organizations pour millions into leadership development and still struggle with morale, turnover, and safety. Why? Because the best strategies and systems in the world won’t work if the culture underneath doesn’t support them.

Culture is the cumulative effect of small actions repeated over time. It’s built in the "good mornings," the hard conversations, the small acknowledgments, and the decisions made when no one is watching. You don’t shift culture with a new vision statement. You shift it by leading differently, consistently, and authentically.

And that starts wherever you are. Parents lead. Teachers lead. Friends lead. Anyone who chooses to show up with purpose and integrity is leading the way for someone else. Leadership and success aren’t about growing yourself for your own sake; it's about growing others through how you show up. That might mean speaking up when it's hard, encouraging someone who’s struggling, or modeling accountability even when no one else does. It's usually quiet and unrecognized, but it’s transformative.

If I had to name one thing that separates the strongest leaders I’ve worked with over the years, I'd say it's perspective. The best leaders don’t have all the answers—they have the right lens. They see possibilities where others see problems. They take ownership instead of pointing fingers. They look at the same reality but respond differently. And that response changes everything.

So, wherever you are today—whether you're running a company, starting a side hustle, leading a team, or just trying to get through the week—remember this: Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, you are already leading. So, the question is: how will you choose to show up? Let me know if I can help or schedule a free discovery call with me to discuss where you are.