EP 25: How to Influence Without Authority – Communication Skills for Administrative Professionals

This episode is sponsored by C&C Search – London’s leading recruitment partner for business support and HR professionals in finance and professional services. Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or want to elevate your team, follow C&C Search. Because brilliant people deserve brilliant support.

In this episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears explore one of the most requested  and misunderstood topics in the admin profession:

How do you influence outcomes and shape decisions when you don’t have formal authority?

From communication skills to confidence, from planting seeds of change to building trust, they share actionable ways to increase your influence without waiting for a title, promotion, or permission.

Listener Question:

"I find it really hard to push back on senior leaders without sounding negative or difficult. How can I challenge or influence when I don’t feel like I have the authority to say no?"

Together, they unpack what it really takes to lead without authority and why influence is a skill you can practice, no matter your personality or level.

Episode Highlights:

• The paradox of influence in the admin profession and why it’s more important than ever
• Why influence starts with clarity, confidence, and communication
• Persuasion vs. influence: which mindset works better?
• How to use internal networks to amplify your voice and impact
• The power of the “Friday Wins Tracker” to showcase your value
• Practical sentence starters to help you influence outcomes respectfully
• How to push back on senior leaders without damaging relationships

Value Bombs:

Craig Bryson: “You don’t need a title to lead  but you do need to build credibility through connection and collaboration.” (00:05:00)

Jodie Mears: “Influence isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about planting the seed of change in a way that others can’t ignore.” (00:04:00)

Craig Bryson: “Sometimes, ‘no’ is a full sentence. But if that feels too hard, try reframing it into a question that puts the ball back in their court.” (00:14:00)