The Influence Economy

Influence has become one of the most valuable currencies in business. More than expertise or experience, it determines who shapes decisions, earns trust, and drives change. As organizations evolve, influence connects ideas to impact, shaping careers, cultures, and strategies along the way.

We’re working in a time when visibility, credibility, and connection matter as much as technical skill. The people who can communicate clearly, build networks, and move others to act are advancing faster than those who rely on traditional markers of success. The influence economy is changing how professionals grow and how organizations thrive.

Influence as a Driver of Career Growth

Technical skill and experience still matter, but they are no longer enough to guarantee advancement. LinkedIn research from 2024 shows that professionals who actively engage with their networks, share insights, and participate in industry discussions are significantly more likely to be recognized and promoted than peers who remain quiet. Visibility and credibility signal relevance and value, both inside and outside the organization.

For organizations, this suggests that the leaders of tomorrow are likely internal spokespeople. They are the people who synthesize ideas, advocate for projects, and proactively build the trust that overcomes internal silos.

Influence as a Strategic Advantage for Organizations

Influence is a force multiplier: It helps organizations move faster, align teams, and achieve cultural momentum. A 2025 Gartner study on employee communications found that employees who share company updates and thought leadership content have up to five times the reach of corporate channels. Leaders who build followership and mobilize networks often drive cultural and strategic change more effectively than those who rely solely on formal authority.

More organizations are beginning to build influence into how they evaluate performance and develop talent. The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer reinforces this shift, noting that employees increasingly expect transparency, visibility, and open communication from leadership. Influence has become a marker of credibility and a leading indicator of long-term organizational impact.

The New Currency of Success

The core problem for talent leaders is simple: How do you accurately assess and hire for influence when it doesn't appear on a resume?

Influence is the quiet ability to align others around a meaningful goal. Progress in this era will belong less to those who command attention and more to those who can give it meaning. Organizations that adapt their talent acquisition strategies to look for evidence of cross-functional advocacy and established credibility will be the ones positioned to drive sustained cultural and strategic change.

Sources

Edelman. (2024). 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer special report: Trust at work. Edelman. https://www.edelman.com/trust/2024-trust-barometer 

LinkedIn. (2024). B2B creators: The future of thought leadership on LinkedIn. LinkedIn. https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/blog/b2b-marketing/2024/b2b-creators-future-of-thought-leadership 

Gartner. (2025). Employee communications applications reviews 2025. Gartner. https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/employee-communications-applications-reviews-2025