Are You Influencing Without Knowing It?
The Change Signal with Vanessa Bohns
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Vanessa Bohns, professor of organizational behavior at Cornell and author of You Have More Influence Than You Think, has spent two decades studying how influence actually works — not in theory, but in the everyday reality of teams, leaders, and organizations.
We talk about why influence isn’t instant or obvious — it’s delayed, cumulative, and often invisible — and why showing people what their peers are doing changes behaviour faster than any motivational speech.
She also reveals how the tiniest inconsistencies, like a side comment or an eye roll, can quietly undo even the most polished change message.
And the practical takeaway? Be present, ask directly (and in person), and make it easy for people to say no, so their yes really means yes.
If you’re leading transformation or culture change, this conversation will help you see your influence — and your everyday leadership moments — in a whole new way.
Here are three big questions that arise from this Change Signal conversation with Vanessa Bohns:
Are you overlooking the influence you already have?
What if social proof beats every logical argument?
Could your smallest comments be shaping culture the most?
ABOUT VANESSA:
Vanessa Bohns is a professor and chair of Organizational Behavior at Cornell University and author of You Have More Influence Than You Think. Her research explores how everyday social dynamics — requests, norms, presence — shape behaviour and drive change inside organizations.
Vanessa’s website: https://www.vanessabohns.com
Find Vanessa on Instagram: @profbohns
Music Credits: Rest in the Garden - SackJo22 ft Duckett & The Stubble Field Break (Mana Mixed) - Mana Junkie ft Apoxode
