Ep 28: Influence vs. Authority: How Change Really Happens

In this episode, Indra and Amanda explore the difference between influence and authority and why mastering influence is essential for most people at work. While authority comes with titles and structure, influence is often how real change happens: through relationships, trust, and timing. They share personal stories of leading without formal power, the subtle art of planting seeds and letting ideas take root, and strategies for shifting mindsets and behavior over time. Whether you’re driving change from the middle or navigating a complex org, this episode offers practical tips for using influence to get things done—without steamrolling anyone in the process. Useful Links: The Messy Middle Matters Merch: shop.themessymiddlematters.com  The Messy Middle Matters Glossary: messymiddlematters.com/glossary   Feedback for The Messy Middle Matters: messymiddlematters.com/feedback