How to Build Influence and Become a Better Leader with Kristina Katsanevas

In this episode, Anton explores the concept of influence with Kristina Katsanevas, a transformation leader and podcaster who interviews high-profile guests and top performers. Kristina shares how her podcast journey has connected her with A-list celebrities and visionary entrepreneurs, revealing the human stories behind their success. She reflects on key mentors who shaped her career, including a trailblazing female CEO in sport and a director she met through a simple “yes” to a late event entry request. Kristina defines influence as a learnable skill—about energy, confidence, and helping people say yes more often in relationships, conflict, and decision-making. Throughout the episode, Anton and Kristina connect the dots between influence and leadership, showing that truly great leaders are, by definition, deeply influential.   Takeaways   Influence is about walking into a room with the kind of energy that makes people say, Who is that person, I want to meet them. If you are not influential, you might be a manager, but you are not a leader. Babies can’t run, and neither can brands—you have to respect the life cycle and stay patient. Sometimes the most powerful career move you can make is simply saying yes when it would be easier to say no. The mentors who change your life are the ones who trust you to run the national awards when you are still an intern. Quotes:   Influence is about walking into a room with the kind of energy that makes people say, Who is that person, I want to meet them. If you are not influential, you might be a manager, but you are not a leader. Babies can’t run, and neither can brands—you have to respect the life cycle and stay patient. Sometimes the most powerful career move you can make is simply saying yes when it would be easier to say no. The mentors who change your life are the ones who trust you to run the national awards when you are still an intern.   Timestamp: [0:00:00] Pre-Show Banter and Audience Setup [0:02:00] Introducing Khristina: Transformation Leader and Podcaster [0:04:41] Transforming the Game: Launching a Podcast to the Stars [0:05:52] Celebrity Insights: Charlie Sheen and UGG Founder Brian Smith [0:08:36] The Art of Influence and Why It’s a Learnable Skill [0:10:12] Mentors, Sliding Doors, and the Power of Saying Yes [0:17:44] Paying It Forward: Teen Mentoring and the Raise Program [0:22:31] Rocking-Chair Moments, Time, and Smart Business Systems [0:27:35] How AI Is Really Changing Work, Data, and Productivity [0:33:32] AI Adoption Curves, Leadership Fears, and New KPIs [0:37:45] What Great Leadership Looks Like When You’re Not in the Room [0:40:01] Gladstone Roots, Future Plans, and Closing the Conversation   Conclusion: This episode shows that influence is not reserved for a chosen few; it is a practical skill that anyone willing to learn and practice can develop. Through Kristina’s stories—from A-list podcast guests to early mentors and serendipitous networking moments—we see how saying yes, staying patient, and showing up with intention can completely reshape a career. Anton and Kristina remind us that real leadership is simply influence in action, expressed through the way we make decisions, handle conflict, and inspire others. Whether you are building a billion-dollar brand, leading a small team, or just starting out, the principles shared here can help you become more trusted, more visible, and more impactful. Take these lessons, apply them in your own world, and start transforming the game of how you lead and influence today.