Power: The Unspoken Key to Executive Success

Over the past five years, I’ve trained many executives on human skills like executive presence, thought leadership, and business storytelling. But Since founding Turwa By Fadwa , I've realized that one crucial aspect of success, often not deceased, is power.

To me, power for executives is like air conditioning—you don’t notice it when it’s on, but you feel it when it’s off. & People who say they don’t want to be political at work are, in effect, opting to relinquish their power, which can leave them powerless to effect change and drive their agenda. To be successful, an executive needs a certain level of power.

Here are the three starting kit tools to cultivating power:

1) It is all in your head ??:

Overcoming Self-Doubt: I've worked with top talent worldwide, and many describe themselves based on what's missing about them, such as being the only woman in the room. Instead of focusing on the glass half empty, fill your cup and focus on positive attributes like your competence or your unique perspectives.

For example, I initially felt like an imposter working in the software industry with a medical background. However, when I reframed my situation and recognized my ability to learn on the job, I overcame this doubt. Mentors and coaches were also crucial in helping me recognize and develop my power.

2) Building Relationships:

Power in the workplace is often synonymous with influence, and building a strong network is the cornerstone of wielding it effectively. By cultivating relationships with colleagues across departments, you not only enhance your ability to get things done but also position yourself as a key player in organizational decision-making.

A robust network provides early access to information, enabling you to anticipate changes and adapt accordingly. Moreover, strong connections foster trust and collaboration, making it easier to persuade others and build consensus around your ideas. Ultimately, a well-nurtured network is an invaluable asset, empowering you to achieve your professional goals and drive positive change within your organization.

Remember: Relationships don’t just appear overnight; they are built over time.

3. Embracing Optimism and Confidence:

The third aspect of power comes from an executive's confidence, optimism and aspirations. The most successful executives are those who aim to turn the impossible into reality and strive to build the next great thing. & This confidence often drives success.

As an angel investor, I am more enthusiastic about investing in entrepreneurs who truly believe in their vision. This belief leads me to support them more actively by opening my network, securing additional funding, and offering other forms of assistance. This confidence -in a way- creates a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When I founded Turwa By Fadwa , my optimism about building a premier business storytelling firm for executives in the region played a crucial role. Each time I pitched this vision to potential hires, it helped attract a top-notch team. Similarly, pitching ourselves as the leading storytelling firm to clients helped us secure top clients. This confidence and optimism become in a way self-fulfilling prophecies.

While technical competence is important, the contagious optimism and self-confidence of an executive are key factors in cultivating the power needed to achieve desired results.

In summary, power comes from overcoming self-doubt, building strong relationships, and maintaining optimism and confidence. Those who dream big and persistently pursue their goals are the ones who ultimately succeed.