Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTubeHow to Become Influential: Everyday Leadership That Creates Change
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified coach, AAMFT clinical supervisor, host of the Love, Happiness, and Success Podcast and founder of Growing Self.
It’s easy to feel powerless when so much feels outside our control. Global crises, political division, and everyday stress can make us forget our ability to create change. Yet the truth is simple: you have more influence than you think.
This episode of the Love, Happiness and Success podcast is all about how to become influential in ways that feel authentic and achievable. I sat down with Cynthia Rivard, a business strategist, environmental advocate, and author of A New Breed of Leader, to talk about what influential leadership really looks like.
Cynthia believes every one of us can become a micro leader: someone who makes a positive difference through consistent, small actions that ripple outward.
What Influential Leadership Really Means
When most of us hear the word leader, we picture someone in charge — the boss, the loud voice, the one with the title. But influential leadership has little to do with rank.
Instead, it’s about the energy you bring into every interaction. Calming your child after a tough day, listening to a coworker with compassion, or choosing to stay grounded in conflict are all moments of leadership.
The influence comes not from power, but from presence.
The Core of Influential Leadership
True influence grows from three qualities:
- Trust — When people trust you, they’re open to hearing you. Without trust, persuasion rarely works.
- Compassion — Understanding others builds connection. Compassion makes people feel safe enough to engage.
- Clarity of vision — A sense of direction, even if imperfect, guides your choices and inspires confidence.
When these three elements combine, your influence becomes magnetic. This is the foundation of learning how to become influential in your daily life.
Staying Grounded in a Divided World
We’re living in reactive times. Arguments flare up on social media, political conversations divide families, and stress spills into our workplaces. The temptation to fight back or withdraw is strong.
But influential leadership calls for something different: calm, curiosity, and respect.
Cynthia shared this reminder: “Don’t seek to convince — seek to understand.”
By listening first, you lower defensiveness. Emotional regulation, then, becomes more than self-care; it’s a leadership skill.
Ready to grow?
Schedule a free consultation
Whether you’re dealing with personal growth blocks, relationship dynamics, or just trying to feel happier and more balanced in your life—we can help. Get matched with someone who specializes in exactly what you’re needing right now.
How to Become Influential Through Micro Actions
Waiting for the perfect plan before you act? Cynthia would say: stop waiting.
She defines hope as faith in action. You don’t need to see the entire road before you take a step. Small actions create clarity.
Here are four steps to put influential leadership into practice:
- Clarify what matters most. What energy do you want to bring into your relationships, work, or community?
- Start with a micro action. It could be a kind gesture, an honest boundary, or a conversation you’ve been avoiding.
- Reflect and adjust. After each action, ask: What worked? What didn’t? What can I learn?
- Lead yourself first. Self-leadership — regulating thoughts and emotions — is the root of influence.
You don’t have to lead nations to lead meaningfully. Just begin where you are.
Reflection Questions
Think about the circles you move in: family, friendships, work, and community.
- Where is your quiet influence already making a difference?
- What’s one small action you can take today that aligns with your values?
- How might your life shift if you started seeing yourself as a leader, even without a title?
This is the real heart of how to become influential: noticing the power you already hold.
Keep Growing With Me
If you’ve been feeling ready to show up differently in your relationships, your work, or your life, I’d love to support you as you start putting that influence into action. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It’s a private, supportive space where you can share what’s been on your mind — whether that’s building confidence, finding your voice, or learning how to lead your life with intention. We’ll help you get matched with the right expert so you can move forward feeling clear, encouraged, and hopeful.
I’d also love to stay connected beyond the podcast. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, where I share stories, reflections, and gentle reminders to help you stay intentional as you lead your own life. And if something from this conversation really hit home, tell me about it — I’d love to hear how you’re using your influence out in the world. Let’s keep this conversation going!
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Resources:
Bastardoz, N., & Day, D. V. (2022). Integrating leadership and power: A micro process model. In D. L. Stone & J. H. Dulebohn (Eds.), Leadership: Leaders, followers, and context (pp. 289–330). Information Age Publishing. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357222162_Integrating_Leadership_and_Power_A_Micro_Process_Model
Larsson, M. (2016). Leadership in interaction. In J. Storey, J. Hartley, J.-L. Denis, P. ’t Hart, & D. Ulrich (Eds.), The Routledge companion to leadership (pp. 173–193). Routledge. https://research.cbs.dk/files/45721292/magnus_larsson_leadership_in_interaction_postprint.pdf
Schnurr, S., & Schroeder, A. (2020). Leadership in interaction: An introduction to the special issue. Leadership, 16(5), 511–521. https://doi.org/10.1177/1742715020954790
What Should I Do With My Life?
Figuring out what to do with your life can feel overwhelming, especially when you have lots of options. Here’s how to get clarity and direction…
Why “Holistic” Career Coaching?
“Holistic career counseling” takes all of your life goals into consideration when crafting your career path. Why this matters…
Professional Development
Choosing a career and getting a job is only the beginning. Professional development helps you continue to grow and thrive. Learn more…
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence can make or break a career (not to mention a marriage). Read “what is emotional intelligence” to learn why EI is so important on the job, and off — and how to develop it in yourself.
What is a Career Path?
Career pathing refers to the process of mapping out your professional trajectory, step by step, and into the future. Here’s how to make “career path planning” work for you…
Leadership Development
Moving into a leadership role often requires an entirely different skill set than the one that led to your original success. Want to grow into a great leader? Learn about leadership coaching.
Choosing a Career
Deciding on a career is a major life decision that requires deep insight into yourself, in order to create a satisfying career in alignment with your passion and your values. Learn how to choose a career…
What is a Career Coach?
What does a career coach do? What to expect in career coaching? What are the different types of career coaches? All is revealed in, “What is a career coach?”
How to Find a Career Coach
Not all career coaches are the same in terms of their training, expertise, or capacity to help you in specific situations. Here’s what you need to know about finding the right career coach for you…
How Much Does a Career Coach Cost?
Great career counseling is priceless, but the cost of a career coach can range from free, to thousands, depending on your goals and the type of coach you choose. Learn about career coaching costs, right here.
Does Insurance Cover Coaching
Does insurance cover coaching? Is there such a thing as “coaching insurance?” Here’s what you need to know about health insurance and coaching…
Gift Career Coaching
You can support a loved one through their career exploration and professional growth work by gifting them career coaching with an expert career counselor. How to gift career coaching…
Career Coaching Services
We offer many career coaching services to support your career development including Denver career coaching, online career counseling, leadership coaching, emotional intelligence coaching, and more.
Resume Writing Services
While our specialty is in-depth career counseling for personal growth and professional development, we also offer resume writing services and interview coaching. Learn more…
Solution Sessions
If you’re looking for quick career advice about a specific situation, consider a one-time solution focused coaching session to get clarity and direction. Learn about “solution sessions.”
The Success Collection
Our career counselors are here for you. Browse The Success Collection for their best career advice in our blog and podcasts.
More Questions? Let’s Talk.
We’re available by phone, email, text and chat, and happy to answer any of your questions personally. Get in touch, anytime.
Start Career Coaching
Ready to begin career coaching with Growing Self? Schedule a free coaching consultation with the coach of your choice. Start here.