This June, I had the incredible privilege of spending time with Bank of America at their Business Women Leadership Summit. I was surrounded by so many remarkable women, fellow entrepreneurs, Dominican-born like me, and fierce advocates who are out there helping other women and leaders rise. It was energizing. And as always, when I experience something powerful, I bring it back to you, my community.

One of the key takeaways I posted about on LinkedIn was something from the research Felix Chan shared during the summit: 

One million users log in to ChatGPT every hour. 

Approximately 65% of future jobs haven’t yet been created. 

One billion jobs will need to be upskilled, and that includes one-third of the global workforce.

This isn’t a small ripple. It’s a tsunami. And today, let’s talk about what it means to get in front of the waves, so that when they hit your workplace and your role, you can ride them with purpose, instead of getting swept under.

Influence and Visibility: Your Two Lifelines

Let’s start with two core themes: influence and visibility. These were at the heart of the Elevate Masterclasses I taught in February and June 2025, and are core topics of our leadership development solutions, such as ExecutiveBound Elevate (our six-month, immersive, and transformational leadership skills and confidence-building program). 

As leaders, influence and visibility aren’t only nice-to-haves. They’re our lifelines in times of change.

When we lead teams into the unknown, whether that involves integrating AI or driving organizational transformation, our influence becomes crucial. And what I’ve learned from experience and the research is that influence begins with you. If you feel uncertain about what’s coming… if you resist what you don’t understand… that hesitation is going to ripple out to your team.

And I see it often. Leaders who are experts in their fields feel uncomfortable admitting they don’t know something, especially in this new AI-driven environment. However, I also recognize the benefits and value of being both an expert and a learner. That’s exactly what today’s most respected thought leaders are doing: learning constantly, with curiosity and humility.

One empowering mindset shift to adopt is that technology is here to help. For example, instead of spending hours on research, we can ask AI to summarize, simplify, and even help us explain complex ideas in everyday language. 

The goal is not to replace your intelligence, but rather to leverage tools that help you learn faster, smarter, and more effectively. Adaptive learning is a cornerstone of effective leadership in this new era.

How Can You Elevate Your Influence? 

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Stephen Covey

Now, let’s focus on influence: influence also requires a deep understanding of those we lead. One of the most common challenges I hear from leaders and clients is: “What can I do when my team resists change?”

Start by getting clear on the why behind the change, and then ask questions. Solicit insights (using the new leadership language) into what your team is thinking, feeling, and fearing. When you invite their voices into the conversation, you uncover what lies beneath the surface of the resistance. That’s your pathway to influence them.

Then, once you’re clear on their concerns, address them openly. For example, say, “I know some of you are wondering how we’ll tackle this [challenge], and to be honest, I’ve wondered that too. Here’s what I do know: we’ll figure it out together.” That kind of transparency, vulnerability, and honesty builds trust. It shows your team that you’re not naive, you’re present, you’re aware, and you’re ready to lead even in the unknown.

Visibility: Show Up Where It Matters Most

None of what I’ve shared is possible if you are not visible. Visibility is your bridge to influence.

And let’s make this key distinction. Being visible doesn’t mean taking over every meeting and overshadowing everyone else. It means showing up in the rooms where decisions are being made, and getting invited into those rooms. That won’t happen by chance. It happens through relationships with the true influencers in your organization.

Here’s your next action step, if you’re willing to experiment and explore:

Map out your Centers of Influence. Who in your organization is respected, considered an authority, and admired by team members?  

List them. Learn about them. Reach out to them. Leverage your internal network to be introduced to them. And once you are, request a 15-minute cyber coffee. Become very strategic and position your request around something meaningful: “I know you’re spearheading this initiative, I’d love to learn more about your vision to understand how the work for our team may align.”

That one conversation might lead to a new ally, a new opportunity, or simply the start of a collaborative relationship. 

And yes, sometimes the connections won’t click. That’s okay. You showed up. You stood out. And that, too, is progress. Focus on building relationships with them, which develop over time, rather than being transactional –one-hit wonders, and goodbye.

Then, once you are invited to be in the influential rooms, don’t focus on proving your worth. Instead, be ready to contribute to the conversation from your expertise’s perspective.

Show up with an open mind, a clear perspective, and your unique voice. Authentically share your insights from a place of service – this approach will help you get out of your own way and anchor you in what you know and will serve others. 

The Confidence to Be Seen

Don’t be surprised if you feel intimidated. Remember this: comparison is the thief of confidence. Do not play the comparison game. Everyone has a unique value proposition, and so do you. You are in your own league. Anchor yourself in your expertise. Walk in with your shoulders back, your heart open, and your intention clear.

Imagine those rooms as a dance. How are you engaging with others?  Or are you sitting back, watching from the sidelines? How much airtime are you taking? Are you dominating the floor, or moving with the rhythm of the room? Be a good dance partner. 

Leadership is a dance, so reflect, “How many people did I dance with in that room?” If the answer is none, that’s your wake-up call. If you over-danced, spoke more than you listened, that’s insight. And if you didn’t dance enough, maybe it’s time to stop playing small.

Self-awareness is your greatest asset here. It shows you how to adjust and lead with presence instead of performance.

As we wrap up, I’d love to leave you with this: Visibility fuels influence. Influence drives transformation and change. And true leadership, especially in this AI era, isn’t about staying comfortable. As a leader, our mission is to adapt with courage and help others do the same.

Ask yourself:

How am I preparing my team for what’s next, or how am I avoiding the conversation?

What am I doing to build relationships with influencers at my organization, which can position me to lead with influence?

On a scale from 1 to 10, how ready am I to be the leader who responds to change, and rather than recoil, shapes it? (1 = not prepared at all)

Hoping that influencers will notice you is not a good strategy. 

Visibility is the bridge to influence. And through influence, we can future-proof our teams and organizations.

The AI era isn’t coming. It is here.

Your role isn’t to have all the answers; it is to lead the way through the uncertainty with clarity, connection, and courage.

If you feel intimidated in the rooms where strategic conversations take place, you’re not alone. When you’re ready to equip yourself or your leaders to overcome the fear and gain clarity about the resistance, let’s connect. 

I’d also love to hear your answer to these questions. Leave me a comment or message me directly at info@executivebound.com. We’re here to help you navigate, starting now.

Lead with purpose, live with joy!

Dr. Ginny