Beau Leadership Group Podcast – Episode 20: “Power, Influence, and Lasting Leadership”

📍 Welcome, leaders. Today we’re diving deep into power and influence, what separates them, how to wield both wisely, and why the ultimate measure of leadership is impact—and yes, even happiness.

Stanford’s Jeffrey Pfeffer reminds us: power is fundamental to life. John Maxwell says leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less. Jim Rowan adds that success is attracted by the person you become. Joseph Nye of Harvard defines power as the ability to affect others, through force, persuasion, or attraction.

Let’s make it tangible. Few leaders embody this better than Henry Ford. He turned industrial and financial power into influence that reshaped society. Unlike competitors who relied on bailouts, Ford survived and thrived because he built on value, innovation, and influence—not just raw power.

At the Hood River Aviation Museum, a plane is powered by a Ford Flathead V8 which reminds us: Ford didn’t just build cars; he built trust, freedom, and opportunity.

Part 1: Power vs. Influence

• Power: Compel. “Do it because I said so.”
• Influence: Inspire. “Do it because you believe in it.”

Ford had both. His power as an industrial titan was clear. His influence came from giving the average person freedom—the freedom to travel, to dream bigger, to live life on their terms.

Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.” True leadership is spirit-led influence, not just authority.

Part 2: The 14 Rules of Power and Influence

Here’s how Ford applied timeless principles you can use today:

1. Get out of your own way. Ford failed multiple times before the Model T. Don’t let failure define you. (Proverbs 23:7)
2. Define your identity. Ford branded himself as the man who would put America on wheels. (Matthew 5:14-16)
3. Break rules wisely. Focus on what creates value for the masses. Ford ignored luxury trends and built one car for everyone.
4. Obey God, not humans. (Acts 5:29) Avoid the dark side of power. Focus on building, not destroying.
5. Protect the vulnerable. Don’t exploit the poor; create opportunity. (Proverbs 22:22-23)
6. Carry presence. Be confident, decisive, results-focused. (Proverbs 28:1)
7. Build a reputation. Ford became synonymous with quality, affordability, and reliability. (Proverbs 22:1)
8. Network relentlessly. Collaborate with peers and investors who sharpen you. (Proverbs 27:17)
9. Control the narrative. Ford’s message: cars for you, not just the wealthy. (Proverbs 18:21)
10. Give credit, take responsibility. Ford paid well, credited workers, invested in their growth.
11. Use power; don’t hoard it. Constantly improve processes, invest in production. (James 2:17)
12. Model behavior. Lead by example in conduct, work ethic, and values. (1 Timothy 4:12)
13. Serve firs

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