181. Curious Influence: How MBS Builds Trust Without Titles or Control [Michael Bungay Stanier]

Trusted Authority - The Podcast

Resources and upcoming events: 🔗 [L&D Summit 17th June 2025 - How to position yourself as an expert through personal brand building]: 🔗 [Build Your Influence Ecosystem Summit 18th June 2025]: 🔗 [Trusted Authority On Demand – Petra’s flagship executive brand strategy program]: 🔗 [Book Petra for executive coaching, internal brand strategy, or cultural assessments]: ________________ Episode Summary: What happens when you make curiosity your leadership strategy? In this candid, fast-moving episode, I sit down with Michael Bungay Stanier - better known as MBS, bestselling author of The Coaching Habit - to unpack what it really means to lead without needing a title, a hierarchy, or even a room full of people. From being sued for defamation as a university student [yes, really] to writing the most successful coaching book in the world, MBS shares the messy truth about navigating authority, influence, and impact in a world that’s rapidly shifting under our feet. We talk about: Why influence is no longer granted by title, but earned by behaviour How to simplify complex ideas until they’re napkin-drawable - and scalable What’s at risk when you try, fail, and still don’t give up Why 'momentum beats motivation' and how to fire bullets before cannonballs How to stay curious, especially when you don’t know what comes next If you’ve ever felt like you’re reinventing as fast as you’re delivering—or wondering if your ideas are solid enough to scale - this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, frameworks, and trusting your own voice. Connect with MBS on LinkedIn: Find out more about his work: Check out his book: The Coaching Habit: ___________ Want to turn your expertise into a Trusted Industry Authority to attract high-caliber engagements, drive business growth, and create lasting impact? Here are a few ways you can get started with my resources: 1.) Get your copy of my - Trusted Authority - From Technical Expert To Trusted Authority 2.) Check out the *brand new* 3.) Get your 4.) Book your complimentary 5.) Connect with Check out all show notes and further resources over at