The New Currency in the C-Suite Isn't Capital, It's Connection: How 'Genuine Influence' Is Redefining Leadership
By Mark Taylor, Influence Strategist SAN DIEGO – In an economy increasingly dominated by automation and artificial intelligence, executives and ambitious professionals are discovering a hard truth: technical skills are no longer enough. The ultimate competitive advantage, from the sales floor to the boardroom, is now a deeply human one: genuine influence. "We spent decades optimizing for efficiency," says Mark Taylor, a leading influence coach for client-facing professionals. "Now, the most successful leaders are optimizing for connection. They understand that trust is built in moments of authentic human interaction, not just through spreadsheets." This shift marks a departure from the top-down, command-and-control leadership of the past. Today's professionals, particularly in fields like consulting, tech sales, and healthcare, find that their ability to persuade, inspire, and build consensus is directly tied to their career trajectory. The challenge, however, i...