Ep. 62 - Maximizing Influence by Leading with Character

Do you want to know the truth about leadership influence? Your title might give you authority, but it doesn’t automatically give you influence. Research from Harvard Business School reveals that influential leaders share three traits—they’re trusted, competent, and genuinely invested in others’ success.

In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Robert Aboites unpack what real influence looks like and how to grow it. They explain that true leadership isn’t about power or position—it’s about character, competence, and relationships.

Here’s the paradigm shift: Maximizing influence isn’t about getting people to do what you want, but getting people to want what you want.

You’ll learn six practical strategies to maximize your influence starting today:

• Listen Strategically – Influence starts with listening, not talking.
• Keep It Real – Authenticity builds trust; fakeness destroys it quickly.
• Handle Your Business – You can’t influence excellence in others without being excellent yourself.
• Build Relational Capital – Care about the whole person, not just their role.
• Read the Room – Great leaders are emotional thermostats, not thermometers.
• Keep Learning – People follow leaders who are going somewhere interesting.

Tommy and Robert also share how credibility flows from competence and why consistency is the secret to lasting influence. Whether you’re a church leader, organizational director, or emerging professional, this episode will help you grow influence that aligns with biblical values and creates lasting impact.