Reclaiming Your Authority: Building Impact Beyond Algorithms

Hello readers! I took some time to disconnect, but today I'm diving right in because the TikTok news over the weekend created some shake-up on and off these internet streets. By now, it's not a secret that social media dominates how we connect, share, and grow today.

But as leaders (and if you're reading this, you ARE a leader), I think it’s time to ask yourself a bigger question: Are you chasing influence at the expense of your impact? Social media platforms have their place—but they’re tools, not strategies—and they should never overshadow the meaningful, people-centered connections that create lasting change.

TikTok’s very temporary ban and the highly emotional reactions it triggered should remind you how fragile your digital presence can be. Look, this is not only a wake-up call, but also an opportunity to refocus, realign, and rebuild in ways that keep you connected to who you are. I hope you take the opportunity to turn this tech disruption into inspiration and use it as fuel to create a better, more connected future for yourself and others.

Social Media: It's a Marketing Tool, Not Your Business Strategy

• Algorithms, not authenticity: Social media platforms operate on algorithms, profitability, and engagement-first policies. They amplify voices but don’t define the value you bring to your life, business, or community.
• A fragile foundation: TikTok’s recent disruption left millions—including over 7 million small businesses—powerless over forces beyond their control. A sustainable business isn't built on a platform; it's built on a solid, grown-ass business strategy (shout out to my coach, Celi Arias ).
• Reclaim your focus: These platforms are tools—a means to an end, not the end itself. It’s time to refocus on what we can control: the connections we build, the values we embody, and the impact we create...in life and business.

Influence vs. Impact: Where Are You Focusing Your Energy?

• Influence: Surface-level metrics like likes, shares, and follower counts that fluctuate with trends.
• Impact: The deeper, tangible difference you make in lives, businesses, and communities.

Ask yourself: Are you building something that fades with the next update, or creating value that stands the test of time?

Make sure you're investing in what will matter a year, five years, or even a decade from now.

3 Lessons for Thought Leaders to Think About

1. Don’t Rely on One Platform. Relying on a single platform may work temporarily, but it leaves you vulnerable to changes beyond your control. Be omnipresent and diversify your connections across email, collaborations, and direct engagement with your network.
2. Be More Intentional About Your Ethics. Social media companies wield immense power over what content is seen or silenced. Make sure your business strategies align with your core values, not just the social algorithms.
3. Prioritize People-Centered Networks. The strongest and most sustainable networks are built on trust and collaboration, not likes and comments. You're going to benefit both online and offline if you build resilient, adaptable networks rooted in shared purpose.

The Power of Connection and Disconnection

• Real connection happens beyond the scroll. I repeat: connection is rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. It's really that simple. It’s really that simple—and it’s what sustains relationships through disruption.
• Intentional disconnection creates space to reflect and realign. Disconnecting from devices also has a way of reminding you of what's important, not just in business, but in life.

Remember: Relationships anchored in shared values, not platforms, are sustainable during disruption. It’s not social media platforms that build strong communities—it’s the people within them.

Your Impact, Your Legacy

As a super connector, I understand the power of authentic relationships firsthand. My connections center on amplifying the value, voice, and visibility of leaders by helping them build networks that last.

Here’s how you can focus on impact over influence:

1. Go Deep, Not Wide. A few meaningful relationships are more valuable than thousands of surface-level connections.
2. Build Resilient Systems. Don’t rely on a single platform. Create diverse channels for connection to reach your audience no matter what happens.
3. Lead With Purpose: Purpose is magnetic. Actions aligned with your mission attract others who share your vision.

Moving Toward a Better, More Connected Future

This moment is significant. The TikTok disruption serves as a powerful reminder to reflect on where we invest our time and energy. Are we focused on things that can vanish overnight, or are we building something meaningful and enduring?

As leaders, we have a responsibility to turn these disruptions into opportunities. Impact isn’t about how many people are watching—it’s about how deeply you can inspire, influence, and create change. Let’s commit to building authority and agency that go beyond the algorithm—and genuinely make a difference.

What steps are you taking to focus on impact over influence? Let’s build a better future—together. Your leadership is about the lives you touch, not the likes you gather. Move forward, own your authority, and create the kind of change that starts with you and inspires everyone around you.

If my energy and article resonate with you, let’s connect! Book a connection call with me, and let’s start a conversation about how we can create impact together. Click here to schedule.

Acknowledgment: I'd like to highlight my fellow women in business. These incredible ladies are micro business thought leaders you should follow, pictured above (L to R): Blessing Richardson , Jen Liddy , Michelle Whyte , Mikki L. Wilson (me), Carissa Begonia , Chelsea Wallace The Launch Copy Coach , Melanie Gonzalez , and Jamilla Phillip, LMSW .