Post-Panel Reflection: Power & Influence in Practice
There are moments in our careers that stretch us in all the right ways. Moments that remind us we’re not just leading others, but learning about ourselves too.
Recently, I had one of those moments. I stepped into a new space: my first keynote panel.
I was invited to share my story — how I lead, what leadership looks like in practice, and how I think about power and influence in both work and life. I spoke about the kind of leadership that listens as much as it directs, that mentors as much as it manages, and that’s willing to be seen in both strength and vulnerability.
The response afterward was humbling. Several people approached me to say that my story had inspired them. Two women from Deloitte even mentioned wanting to collaborate on future projects. That kind of feedback tells me that I made an impact and that something in what I shared reached the people who needed to hear it most.
And yet, as I walked away, I noticed something interesting about myself afterward. I didn’t feel like I had nailed it. Some of my responses felt strong, yet others felt like they wandered.
Even though I stayed composed on stage, I left the event feeling oddly drained — replaying certain moments in my head. Did I come across the way I had hoped to?
But here’s what I’ve learned: that’s not failure. That’s growth.
The discomfort we feel after stepping into something new isn’t a sign we did it wrong. It’s a sign we were brave enough to do it at all. I stepped into a bigger arena, shared parts of my story publicly, and trusted my voice in a space that required both confidence and courage. That always feels vulnerable, especially when you care deeply about doing it well.
The truth is, impact and perfection rarely arrive in the same package.
I may not have felt perfect, but the audience connected, related, and responded. That’s what influence looks like in practice — not polished delivery, but real resonance.
So next time, I’ll prepare with the same intention, but I’ll also remember to celebrate the doing as much as the delivering. Because real leadership isn’t about flawless execution; it’s about showing up, being authentic, and allowing your presence to make an impression that lasts longer than your words.
We talk so often about finding our power, but maybe the real practice of influence begins when we use that power to connect — to show up imperfectly, courageously, and fully human. That’s the kind of leadership that changes rooms.
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