Power & Influence: Leading Beyond Your Title
Influence is the currency of leadership—but most leaders only spend what they’ve been given.
This session helps technical leaders break out of default power (positional, cultural, prestige) and tap into personal power—built on presence, clarity, and credibility.
Whether you’re managing up, across, or leading without formal authority, this talk gives you the tools to lead with more impact.
We’ll Explore:
- The 4 sources of leadership power and how to use them
- How to navigate the thin line between influence and manipulation
- The tension between being respected and being in charge
The best leaders don’t use power to control. They use it to connect.
About Pete Behrens
Pete Behrens didn't set out to become a leadership expert. His professional journey began as an engineer, solving technical problems, but life had other plans. Over three decades, Pete has evolved from individual contributor to technical leader to business executive and organizational coach, learning that the most complex challenges aren't technical; they're human.
As Founder and CEO of Agile Leadership Journey, Pete has dedicated his career to helping leaders navigate uncertainty with courage and authenticity. He believes that leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about having the humility to ask better questions and the courage to step forward when the path isn't clear.
Pete’s debut book, “Into the Fog: Leadership Stories from the Edge of Uncertainty,” captures decades of leadership wisdom through compelling real-world stories. The book reveals how authentic leadership emerges not in moments of clarity, but in the uncertainty of everyday challenges–what Pete calls “the Fog.”
An influential speaker, Pete has shared his insights at various global conferences and hosts the Relearning Leadership™ podcast, where he engages with industry experts and leaders to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and organizational development.
More About Pete »