This Week's Strategy

The influence problem nobody talks about

Hint: it's not your communication skills.

Y'all,

First, thank you.

Monday's email brought a wave of responses I wasn't expecting. Many of you reached out with messages of support, solidarity, and your own reflections. I read every single one. It meant more than I can say.

About 40 folks unsubscribed. I respect that too. We don't all have to agree on everything. I'd rather be honest about who I am than perform neutrality I don't feel.

Now let's talk about work.

A Note on the Headlines

I know the news is alarming right now. Big names announcing cuts. It's easy to look at that and freeze.

But here's what I need you to understand: some of these same companies are hiring in high volume in other units. When these decisions are made, they scale back based on projections and trends in one area while ramping up in another.

Take Amazon. Yes, there are layoffs. But right now they're also hiring over 400 roles in AI. And they're offering free AI training to the general public.

Remember a few months back when I shared my notes from the AI Summit at Webster Hall? Most of the execs said the same thing: they will still hire people who know how to use AI.

I'm not saying Amazon is the best company out there. I'm not saying you need to work for them. But this is how the cycle works. Don't shy away from applying to roles at companies that are growing in other areas of their business.

This Week's Strategy

Last week I talked about how decisions are comparisons, not ideas. I want to build on that.

There's something I've watched happen to smart people over and over again. They put together a solid proposal. They know their stuff. They walk into the room ready. And then... nothing moves.

It's not the idea. It's who they pitched it to.

Here's the question that changed everything for my team:

That person is your real decision-maker. Not whoever has the fancy title. Not whoever scheduled the meeting. The one who has to answer for it if things go sideways.

When you pitch to someone who can't actually say yes, you're spinning your wheels. Sure, they might nod along. They might tell you "sounds good, let me run it up." But now your idea is traveling through the building without you. Getting translated by someone who doesn't fully get it. Losing steam with every handoff.

The Tool

Before your next pitch, map this out:

Ask yourself:

Talk soon,

Jacqueline

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