Influence and Impact: A New Way of Seeing It

By Rich Habets

Most people still believe that influence and impact come from power, status, money, working hard, and making big decisions. That’s the old way of leadership—the business-as-usual approach and, let's be honest, is seen all around us.

But real impact doesn’t come from what you do or the position you hold. It comes from who you are.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Who you are speaks before you open your mouth.” It’s true, but most people don’t fully grasp what that means. Influence isn’t just about what you say or what you know. It operates on a completely different level—one that goes beyond logic, strategy, or even skill. It works at the level of energy and frequency.

The Power of Presence

Think about the people who have had the biggest impact on you. Not just the ones who gave you good advice, but the ones who shifted something in you just by being in the room. Maybe they carried a sense of certainty, a deep calm, or an undeniable authenticity that made you feel different.

That’s not about words. That’s about energy.

People feel you before they hear you. Whether you’re leading a team, speaking to an audience, or just walking into a meeting, your energy enters the room before your voice does. It’s what creates trust, credibility, and real influence—not the title on your LinkedIn profile.

Influence Beyond Words

There’s research to back this up. Studies on nonverbal communication show that over 90% of what we communicate is not in our words but in our tone, body language, and presence. (Psychology Today)

Even in leadership, authenticity is the key to influence. Forbes highlights that genuine presence builds deeper trust than any strategic move or carefully crafted message. (Forbes)

And if you want to go deeper, even quantum physics suggests that everything is energy. (Scientific American) The way you vibrate—your frequency—determines what and who you attract. You don’t convince people with logic; you shift them with your presence.

The Shift: From Doing to Being

This changes everything. If real influence comes from energy, then leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are. It’s about:

  • Cultivating a deep sense of self-trust and authenticity
  • Aligning with your own inner authority instead of external expectations
  • Letting your energy speak for you instead of over-explaining or trying to prove yourself

You don’t have to try to be influential. When you embody who you truly are, influence happens naturally.