Leadership is About Influence

Lisa Marie Platske • June 26, 2017

 

Leadership is about influence. Great leaders have the capacity to influence by being. May you have the courage to take this journey.


Leadership is about influence.


Great leaders have the capacity to influence by being.


Their very presence makes someone want to follow because of how they show up – with courage, challenging the status quo, and positioning their expertise with confidence and conviction.


I’ve had the distinct honor of being in conversation with a myriad of incredible world-class leaders who have shared their story about being called to do what they’re doing.


With a clear mission and purpose, they step out into the world with an inner understanding that they were designed to make a difference in the world. Leadership is About Influence - Upside Thinking Inc.


Yet, what they all have in common is not being a trailblazer.


It is that every single one acknowledged their insecurities of not feeling good enough to be up for the task.


And, they still stepped out anyway.


Whenever I’ve stepped out to do something I felt called to do, the voices of criticism and condemnation have been there to greet me.


When I first opened my business, the voices were loud and unkind – like those from the grade school bully.


  • “Who do you think you are? You’ll never figure out how to get this (business) off the ground.”
  • “No one wants to hear from you.”
  • “You may be able to fool them for a short period of time but when they find out who you really are, it’ll all be over.”

And, if I wasn’t working to drown out the mean and nasty voices in my head, I was comparing myself to other business people I’d met in the community.


  • She’s got the right degree and background.
  • She’s incredibly connected.
  • She’s got an amazing sense of style and poise.

Who do I think I am to open a business?!?


So, I did my best to fit in.


I built a white picket fence around my deck of cards and didn’t let anyone in.


I shopped for the best clothes and carefully crafted my sentences.


I read business books and attended business conferences and seminars, smiling as I gave my business card with a perfectly polished 30-second intro to everyone I met.


Yep. I was all shined up on the outside and a hot mess on the inside.


I complained to my husband that I felt like a fraud, sobbing that I would never be good enough and why didn’t I just get a job.


Yet, I was clear that I was called to do this work – to speak about leadership in a way that was different and served as the catalyst for new conversations and perspectives.


Tired of listening to my whining, Jim and I had a come-to-Jesus moment at the dining room table where he told me this was the last time he would listen to my crappy story. (Well, not in those words exactly…)


He challenged me to do whatever I needed to do to make it work – or to get a job.


I quietly began reading books like “You Can Heal Your Life,” “The Soul of Money,” and re-reading my favorites including “The Greatest Miracle In the World” and “Way of The Peaceful Warrior.”


Tears would stream through my eyes as I was presented with greater lessons – and the biggest was that people didn’t need me to be perfect, they needed me to be real.


Over time, I got the courage to step out behind the curtain of what seemed safe, and tidy and acceptable and began being unapologetically me.


My insecurities of not feeling good enough were the same challenges other leaders spoke about – and yet, they had the courage to speak about their insecurities and trials.


I wondered where my need for approval came from and decided to boldly move into an arena that terrified me.


The voices of doubt were still loud, yet, my big why and purpose was louder and drowned out the punishing and merciless voices.


As I’ve gotten more and more vulnerable about my own leadership journey and what my personal struggles are, I expected shame and rejection.


And, while there are people who have unsubscribed from my Upside Thought or told me that my brand of leadership doesn’t resonate for them, I’m amazed at how much love and acceptance you have shown to me.


There have been many misdeeds on my journey that I’ve shared openly and honestly over the past 7 years.


I’ve repented and asked for forgiveness – and some I will never share with anyone other than God.


What I have learned is that miracles have happened on this journey of vulnerability, unconditional love, and mercy.


Deeper and more authentic connections have been formed – and I’m being invited to speak in more places than ever before and leadership/executive coaching clients are showing up unexpectedly.


A door closes – and a ginormous window opens. ❤️


In the beginning of the article, I shared how I have had the privilege of being in conversation with amazing leaders.


In one particular conversation with Nobel Prize Nominee and the founder of Project Forgive, Dr. Shawne Duperon invited me to stop telling an old story – and show myself the same love and forgiveness I show others.


Several weeks ago, I found out that my father (biological) passed away 5 years ago.


I was devastated and have been grieving as we had not spoken for 30 years – and I no longer have the opportunity to repair what was broken.


I am most saddened that my father never overcame his fear to step out and be seen – and found it necessary to hide behind ego, fear, and bravado as a way to exert control.


In the end, I recognize that my father was a good man who had many demons that ultimately consumed him.


It’s always easier to give in or hide out than to design your own destiny.


As I’ve been walking this journey, I’ve gone back to the memories that I want to keep close – and am choosing to let go of those that won’t serve me as these can be stories that prevent me from doing what Shawne spoke about so eloquently.


Leadership is About Influence

Yes, leadership is about influence.


Stepping into being a catalyst for positive influence requires vulnerability, a willingness to let go of what isn’t serving you, and self-love and forgiveness.


May you have the courage to take this journey as the people you are called to serve need you.


Comfort doesn’t change the world.


Action Item: Leadership is About Influence - Lisa Marie Platske

The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify where you are — and to take action on one thing to be seen, heard, and recognized for who you are. What is one thing you will let go of to move forward as a leader worth following?


The world needs you and your brilliance!

Where Focus Goes, Expansion Flows

By Lisa Marie Platske • January 19, 2026

Holding It All Together Isn’t the Goal

By Lisa Marie Platske • January 12, 2026
No matter how happy someone may seem, they have moments when they question if they can go on. And no matter how strong someone may appear, they have days when they feel like they're falling apart. That's one of the most confusing aspects of leadership. See, most leaders feel that because they're the one at the helm steering the ship, they should have it together and be "on" 24x7. And that's unrealistic. Yet that belief has caused many leaders to sink their ship because of the inability to reach out and ask for help. No one can go it alone. Every leader needs someone to lean on. Phrases like "Only the strong survive." and "You gotta just 'man' up." do more damage than good. I learned this when I was working in Federal law enforcement and 9/11 hit. The superhuman requests to work hours that pushed the body to the limits were a recipe for certain disaster. Men and women who may have needed someone to talk to themselves to process their grief were thrust into the grim reality that they were needed more than ever—and needed to be stronger than they knew how to do. One of the NYPD beat cops that I had befriended was in the middle of a shift when he had a full-blown meltdown on 5th Avenue in New York City six months after 9/11. The walk of leadership never has been—and never will be—a solo affair. You need other folks around you that you can trust and rely on in good times and not-so-good times. And I'm not talking about a friend, spouse, or family member. I'm talking about a trusted advisor with whom you can turn matter what is working or on fire. Because every leader deserves a space to be real, to be guided, and to be reminded of the truth of who they are . The kind of space I’ve devoted my life to creating for those called to lead from purpose. And when leaders have that kind of support, the moments that once felt too heavy begin to make sense. They find the strength to keep going because they’re no longer doing it on their own. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to think and name one person who you can turn to when leadership feels heavy. Reach out to one of them this week. Tell the truth about where you are. Because even leaders need a place to lean.

Start the Year With a Clean Board

By Lisa Marie Platske • January 5, 2026
As I look at how to move forward with a new year...I’m tasked with identifying what to do to take action in the here and now. It sometimes feels hard... which is why I’m grateful for friends who lend a listening ear. It feels as if no matter how much I wipe the surface of my white board, my old writing shows through. Leaders face this challenge all the time. ~ How to erase what’s holding them back... ... and how to embrace what will propel them forward without old stories seeping through. I believe that’s why this time of year is confronting for people. They’re faced with the dilemma of honestly facing whether they’ve taken action on what they said they wanted last year ... and looking at how much energy and effort they put into their commitments... while assessing what's still flippin' gettin' in the way. Some people run and hide – and then lie to themselves. Others play the blame game. Only the courageous take personal responsibility for their shortcomings... with renewed energy to do better moving forward. To do this, you’ve got to get curious. Looking at where you’re at in this moment will determine how successful you will be tomorrow. And, you can’t get to self-regulation without self-awareness so that’s also critical. You’re born with a certain success set point and tolerance for risk... ... as well as a boatload of behavioral characteristics... ... some which serve you and others that get in the way of your success. Over time, you can make adjustments or choose to step into old habits. Blind spots are places we just can’t see on our own. Upside Leaders was born out of my desire to walk alongside leaders in this very space... where the unseen becomes visible, and small, intentional shifts create lasting transformation. When I spoke with a friend, he said perhaps it's just allowing for a small shift to the left or right, rather than an uncovering. For me that 1% tilt has made all the difference... ... especially when I look through that lens with humility... ... which precedes personal and professional growth. You cannot improve where you’re headed unless you improve yourself. See this as a time to erase what is no longer relevant... put some effort into making sure the old writing on your "white board" doesn't seep through. You are writing a new story. ... look in the mirror... ... and commit to doing better. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to look at your current goals and circle the one that feels the most familiar. Challenge yourself to reimagine it and to stretch it by 1%. Ask, “ What would this look like if I led with full conviction instead of comfort? ” Then pause and listen for what you’re being asked to release so greater vision can unfold through you.

Where You Sit Determines How You Lead

By Lisa Marie Platske • December 29, 2025
Most folks are introverts at heart. They prefer to hole up and live inside their cave vs. venturing out to try something new. And most folks have a lot of excuses when you invite them to experience something that will require them to stretch their growth edges. ~ "I don't like to travel." ~ "Traveling is hard." ~ "I can't be away from my family." ~ "My business can't run without me." ~ "It's too much money." The thing is ... you've got to escape your cave—and be with other people. This isn't optional. It's how your ideas and path gets challenged in ways that are easier than finding out you're one decision from going out of business because you didn't see that train coming. When you do choose to connect with other folks, it's important that you're choosy with who you give your precious time to and where. That means if you go someplace that's free or cheap, that's likely the depth of the conversations you'll have. I get invited to lots of seminars, mastermind groups, and peer networking circles. Most of the invites are for me to come for free because having me in the room is valuable. I turn most of them down and go to the events that cost money. Why? Because there are TONS of free or cheap places to go to hang out with others in business ... and if that's where you spend your time and energy, you'll be stuck in the same place 5 years from now. When you come to an Upside Thinking event, you notice the folks around you are a little different. So if you're not showing up at least once a year at an Upside Thinking event, you're missing out on something important. Personally, I go to about 5 meetings a year where I seek to NOT be the smartest person in the room, actively inviting folks to challenge everything I'm saying. You should do the same. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to commit to attending at least one high-caliber event in the next twelve months where the investment of time, travel, and money feels like a stretch. Choose a room where you expect to be challenged, not affirmed, and where the conversations push you to see blind spots you didn’t know you had. Put it on your calendar now so it’s a non-negotiable.
More Posts

Where Focus Goes, Expansion Flows

By Lisa Marie Platske • January 19, 2026

Holding It All Together Isn’t the Goal

By Lisa Marie Platske • January 12, 2026
No matter how happy someone may seem, they have moments when they question if they can go on. And no matter how strong someone may appear, they have days when they feel like they're falling apart. That's one of the most confusing aspects of leadership. See, most leaders feel that because they're the one at the helm steering the ship, they should have it together and be "on" 24x7. And that's unrealistic. Yet that belief has caused many leaders to sink their ship because of the inability to reach out and ask for help. No one can go it alone. Every leader needs someone to lean on. Phrases like "Only the strong survive." and "You gotta just 'man' up." do more damage than good. I learned this when I was working in Federal law enforcement and 9/11 hit. The superhuman requests to work hours that pushed the body to the limits were a recipe for certain disaster. Men and women who may have needed someone to talk to themselves to process their grief were thrust into the grim reality that they were needed more than ever—and needed to be stronger than they knew how to do. One of the NYPD beat cops that I had befriended was in the middle of a shift when he had a full-blown meltdown on 5th Avenue in New York City six months after 9/11. The walk of leadership never has been—and never will be—a solo affair. You need other folks around you that you can trust and rely on in good times and not-so-good times. And I'm not talking about a friend, spouse, or family member. I'm talking about a trusted advisor with whom you can turn matter what is working or on fire. Because every leader deserves a space to be real, to be guided, and to be reminded of the truth of who they are . The kind of space I’ve devoted my life to creating for those called to lead from purpose. And when leaders have that kind of support, the moments that once felt too heavy begin to make sense. They find the strength to keep going because they’re no longer doing it on their own. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to think and name one person who you can turn to when leadership feels heavy. Reach out to one of them this week. Tell the truth about where you are. Because even leaders need a place to lean.

Start the Year With a Clean Board

By Lisa Marie Platske • January 5, 2026
As I look at how to move forward with a new year...I’m tasked with identifying what to do to take action in the here and now. It sometimes feels hard... which is why I’m grateful for friends who lend a listening ear. It feels as if no matter how much I wipe the surface of my white board, my old writing shows through. Leaders face this challenge all the time. ~ How to erase what’s holding them back... ... and how to embrace what will propel them forward without old stories seeping through. I believe that’s why this time of year is confronting for people. They’re faced with the dilemma of honestly facing whether they’ve taken action on what they said they wanted last year ... and looking at how much energy and effort they put into their commitments... while assessing what's still flippin' gettin' in the way. Some people run and hide – and then lie to themselves. Others play the blame game. Only the courageous take personal responsibility for their shortcomings... with renewed energy to do better moving forward. To do this, you’ve got to get curious. Looking at where you’re at in this moment will determine how successful you will be tomorrow. And, you can’t get to self-regulation without self-awareness so that’s also critical. You’re born with a certain success set point and tolerance for risk... ... as well as a boatload of behavioral characteristics... ... some which serve you and others that get in the way of your success. Over time, you can make adjustments or choose to step into old habits. Blind spots are places we just can’t see on our own. Upside Leaders was born out of my desire to walk alongside leaders in this very space... where the unseen becomes visible, and small, intentional shifts create lasting transformation. When I spoke with a friend, he said perhaps it's just allowing for a small shift to the left or right, rather than an uncovering. For me that 1% tilt has made all the difference... ... especially when I look through that lens with humility... ... which precedes personal and professional growth. You cannot improve where you’re headed unless you improve yourself. See this as a time to erase what is no longer relevant... put some effort into making sure the old writing on your "white board" doesn't seep through. You are writing a new story. ... look in the mirror... ... and commit to doing better. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to look at your current goals and circle the one that feels the most familiar. Challenge yourself to reimagine it and to stretch it by 1%. Ask, “ What would this look like if I led with full conviction instead of comfort? ” Then pause and listen for what you’re being asked to release so greater vision can unfold through you.

Where You Sit Determines How You Lead

By Lisa Marie Platske • December 29, 2025
Most folks are introverts at heart. They prefer to hole up and live inside their cave vs. venturing out to try something new. And most folks have a lot of excuses when you invite them to experience something that will require them to stretch their growth edges. ~ "I don't like to travel." ~ "Traveling is hard." ~ "I can't be away from my family." ~ "My business can't run without me." ~ "It's too much money." The thing is ... you've got to escape your cave—and be with other people. This isn't optional. It's how your ideas and path gets challenged in ways that are easier than finding out you're one decision from going out of business because you didn't see that train coming. When you do choose to connect with other folks, it's important that you're choosy with who you give your precious time to and where. That means if you go someplace that's free or cheap, that's likely the depth of the conversations you'll have. I get invited to lots of seminars, mastermind groups, and peer networking circles. Most of the invites are for me to come for free because having me in the room is valuable. I turn most of them down and go to the events that cost money. Why? Because there are TONS of free or cheap places to go to hang out with others in business ... and if that's where you spend your time and energy, you'll be stuck in the same place 5 years from now. When you come to an Upside Thinking event, you notice the folks around you are a little different. So if you're not showing up at least once a year at an Upside Thinking event, you're missing out on something important. Personally, I go to about 5 meetings a year where I seek to NOT be the smartest person in the room, actively inviting folks to challenge everything I'm saying. You should do the same. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to commit to attending at least one high-caliber event in the next twelve months where the investment of time, travel, and money feels like a stretch. Choose a room where you expect to be challenged, not affirmed, and where the conversations push you to see blind spots you didn’t know you had. Put it on your calendar now so it’s a non-negotiable.
More Posts