How Great Leaders Influence (without Manipulating)
From Innovating Leadership: Co-Creating Our Future by Innovative Leadership Institute
May 19, 2026 · 35 min · Season 12 · Episode 20
About this episode
This episode explores how great leaders use influence rather than authority to drive change and build trust within organizations.
Leadership today depends less on authority and more on influence. In this episode, persuasion expert Brian Ahearn explains the psychology behind trust, reciprocity, credibility, and voluntary buy-in — and why leaders who understand human behavior are better equipped to drive change and build lasting organizational alignment.
People in this episode
Guest: Brian Ahearn
Topics covered
- leadership
- influence
- psychology
- trust
- organizational alignment
Keywords
- leadership
- influence
- persuasion
- trust
- reciprocity
- credibility
- organizational change
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