When most people think of leadership, they imagine someone at the top holding a title, sitting at the head of the table, or giving instructions. But true leadership goes beyond titles. It’s not about the position you hold, but the influence you carry and the positive change you create. At FOCN, we believe leadership is about who you are, not just where you sit.
The question is: Will you wait for a title before you lead, or will you step into your influence today?
Leadership Beyond Titles
Many women and young leaders hesitate to embrace their leadership potential because they think, “I don’t have the authority yet.” But history shows us that influence often speaks louder than authority.
Consider Malala Yousafzai. She started her advocacy for education as a teenager without any formal title or position. Today, her voice shapes global conversations, and her story continues to inspire millions.
Closer to home, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is celebrated today as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. But her influence was built long before she assumed that position through years of resilience, transparency, and a track record of impact.
True leadership, therefore, is not about waiting to be appointed. It is about showing up with courage and vision, long before others recognize you as a leader.
Why Influence Outlasts Position
A leadership position can be temporary. Influence, however, has no expiry date. Long after someone leaves an office, people remember their impact, not their title.
Think about the leaders you admire most. Chances are, you remember how they made you feel, how they inspired you, or how they helped you see possibilities you never considered. That is influence.
A powerful example is Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She didn’t wait for a political appointment to begin her journey. Her Green Belt Movement began as a small community initiative, yet it grew into a global environmental campaign that changed the world’s perception of climate activism. Today, her name continues to inspire long after her passing.
The truth is simple: positions fade, but influence leaves a legacy.
Building Influence as a Young Leader
If you are a young leader or a woman stepping into leadership, your greatest strength is not waiting for permission. You can begin to build your influence right where you are. Here are practical ways to start:
- Authenticity– Stay true to your values. People trust leaders who are real, not perfect. Authenticity helps others see themselves in your story.
- Service– Influence begins with service. Solve problems, add value, and support others before seeking recognition. When you serve, people listen.
- Consistency– Every small action builds credibility. Leadership is not about one grand gesture; it is about showing up again and again, even when no one applauds.
- Courage– Influence grows when you challenge injustice and speak up for what’s right. Even when your voice shakes, use it.
- Relationship Building– Leadership thrives on connections. Build networks, mentor others, and collaborate. Influence spreads faster when it is shared.
- Communication– Learn to articulate your ideas clearly. Great leaders are often remembered for their words, which ignite action and inspire movements.
- Vision– Influence is magnified when you can paint a picture of the future that others want to be part of. A leader without vision is like a traveler without a destination.
Why Women’s Influence Matters More Than Ever
In many societies, including Nigeria, women remain underrepresented in politics, business, and leadership spaces. Yet, women lead powerfully in families, communities, and grassroots movements. Their influence shapes culture, policy, and even national progress, sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly.
Take Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, often referred to as the “Lioness of Lisabi.” She was one of the first women to drive political activism in Nigeria, leading thousands of women in protests against unfair taxation. She held no grand title at the time, but her influence redefined women’s participation in politics.
When women embrace their leadership voice, they open doors for generations after them. Their influence is not only personal but generational.
This is why FOCN continues to champion women who lead not only with vision but also with compassion, resilience, and courage.
The Trap of Chasing Titles
One of the greatest pitfalls for emerging leaders is chasing positions for recognition rather than focusing on influence. A title may open doors, but without influence, it cannot sustain respect.
Imagine being given the title of “manager” but lacking the ability to motivate your team. Your title may carry authority, but without influence, your leadership impact will be weak.
On the other hand, a person with no official title but with strong influence can move people to action, inspire loyalty, and drive results. Influence makes titles meaningful, not the other way around.
Practical Steps to Start Leading Today
If you’ve been waiting for permission to lead, here’s your reminder: you don’t need to wait. Start with these steps:
- Volunteer for causes that matter to you. Influence grows through service.
- Mentor or support others in small ways. Even helping one person succeed is leadership.
- Speak up in your school, workplace, or community. Your ideas could spark change.
- Show excellence in your work. Consistency builds credibility faster than a title ever will.
- Stay visible by sharing your insights online, at events, or within networks. Visibility is influence in action.
Leadership is not about waiting until you are called “Madam,” “Director,” or “CEO.” It begins now. Influence is built daily in classrooms, boardrooms, neighborhoods, and even online.
The silent strength of leadership is not in titles, but in the lives transformed by your presence. Step up, speak out, and lead from wherever you are. The world is waiting for your influence.
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