Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast · John Maxwell

#341: Are You an Influencer or a Person of Influence?

·19 min·1 clip

Perry Holley asks: Are you an influencer seeking popularity or a person of influence driven by deeper motivation?

This episode of the Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast explores the distinction between being a social media "influencer" and becoming a genuine "person of influence." Hosts Perry Holley and Chris Goede, both Maxwell Leadership executives and coaches, examine the underlying motivations behind each label. The discussion originates from a question posed on LinkedIn by an individual named Casey Maxwell. Perry Holley explains that the core difference lies in motivation, where an influencer primarily seeks self-promotion and popularity. He contrasts this with a person of influence, who focuses on adding value to others and building authentic relationships. The hosts reference the work of John C. Maxwell, whose teachings form the foundation of their leadership philosophy. They argue that social media influence is often transactional and focused on metrics like follower counts. In contrast, they describe true influence as a relational process built on trust and consistent character. The episode suggests that leadership influence is earned over time through serving others, not through a curated online persona. A key insight is that anyone can become a person of influence by intentionally investing in the people around them. The conversation implies that chasing online popularity can be a hollow pursuit compared to creating lasting impact. The hosts claim that real influence increases a leader's effectiveness in engaging teams and delivering results. They propose that shifting focus from self to others fundamentally changes the nature and longevity of one's impact. This perspective reframes influence as a developmental skill central to leadership, not a social media status. The tone is conversational and instructional, blending personal reflection with established leadership principles. The style is advisory and motivational, aimed at practicing leaders and executives. Listeners interested in personal development and ethical leadership frameworks would find this episode valuable. Those seeking tactical social media growth strategies or skeptical of self-help content might choose to skip it.

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