The Global HR Community (GHRC) hosted a highly engaging and insightful webinar on April 12, 2025, titled “The Art and Science of Influencing Without Authority,” led by Varsha Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Lenostan and Vice President at WICCI Machine Learning Council. Drawing on over 25 years of leadership experience, Varsha shared powerful techniques and real-world insights on how professionals can lead and inspire change without relying on formal authority. The session explored psychological principles such as the contrast effect, gain vs. loss framing, and the foot-in-the-door technique, while also emphasizing the value of authenticity, storytelling, and rapport-building. Varsha introduced the concept of “Shoshin” or the beginner’s mindset as a way to build credibility through humility and openness. Interactive breakout sessions allowed participants to apply these influence strategies to realistic workplace scenarios. The webinar was praised for its relatable storytelling, practical tools, and actionable guidance, offering attendees a fresh perspective on leadership in decentralized and collaborative work environments. This session is a valuable resource for anyone looking to strengthen their influence and impact, regardless of their title or role. GHRC continues to uphold its mission to Connect, Learn, and Grow by facilitating such meaningful conversations and learning experiences for the global HR community.
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