The day I left my last executive role, something hit me.
For years, my influence was measured in revenue targets, shareholder updates, and the culture within my company. I had built a reputation, yes – but it lived within four walls.
When you leave the corner office, those walls disappear. And for many leaders, so does their influence.
Unless… you choose to build it differently.
Influence Is Not a Job Title
I used to believe my position gave me influence.
The truth? It only amplified the influence I already had. Your leadership, your vision, your ability to shape outcomes – those are portable.
When you step out of corporate life, you have two choices:
- Let your influence fade quietly.
- Expand it so it outlives your business card.
How I Expanded Mine
When I moved into coaching, my reach exploded – not because I was chasing scale, but because I was now impacting multiple businesses, not just one.
Every skill I’d developed as a director – strategic thinking, people leadership, resilience under pressure – became tools I could use in a completely new way. I was no longer just driving results for one company; I was shaping the success of many.
It’s the difference between being a captain of one ship… and teaching a fleet how to sail.
The 4-Tier Pathway to Influence at Archer Inspirations
I built Archer Inspirations to be a platform for executives who want to keep making an impact – without going back into the corporate grind. Our 4-tier coaching pathway is designed for that:
- Starter Coach – Build influence through mentorship, shadowing, and learning our proven framework.
- Growth Coach – Lead your own clients, influencing their strategies and growth.
- Impact Coach – Shape other coaches’ journeys and lead advanced programs.
- Brand Partner – Co-create the future of Archer Inspirations while building your own legacy brand.
This is influence without limits.
Lessons from the Books
In The 4 Pillars of Business, I talk about building Foundation, Niche, Levers, and Team. Your influence multiplies when you help others strengthen all four.
In Alignment Over Hustle, I challenge leaders to create impact without sacrificing themselves. Influence built on alignment doesn’t just last – it grows.
Why This Matters Now
We’re in an era where trust is currency and leadership is needed more than ever – especially in small and medium businesses that can’t always access top-tier executive insight.
Your influence is too valuable to retire. If you’ve built it inside a company, you can build it beyond one.
Final thought:
The walls of your old office don’t define you.
Your ability to lead, inspire, and transform – that’s the influence you carry into every room you choose to enter next.
