From United Way of Treasure Valley CEO & President, Nora Carpenter...
I have been thinking a lot about the idea of influence. Social influence. Political influence. Personal influence. I have become very aware of how often the word ‘influence’ is used, and how casually we use it. The idea of influence is on my mind because I have the very recent honor to be named one of Idaho Business Review's 2019 CEOs of Influence. It is humbling recognition and one which caused me to ponder just what it means to “influence” something or someone. So here are some thoughts on influence and an invitation to become an influencer in our community.
Influence is seeing and inspiring connections. Our work at United Way is all about connecting the many talents and resources hidden in plain sight in our community and motivating them to connect in new and different ways. Motivation turned to action means children and families can move from instability to stability more quickly and efficiently.
Influence is using your noodle. Each day in our work at United Way we use data, facts, and human insight combined to see new ways of helping children become more successful, and workers advance their careers. We know that none of us is as capable as many of us. So we dedicate a part of every day to thinking and imagining new solutions to old problems.
Influence is an action. Your United Way team is successful in advancing social equity and human success for families and individuals across the Treasure Valley because we use the art and power of influence to do well and do good every day.
You are an influencer too. In your world, you see and you can act on connections that create change. You have knowledge that is powerful and a voice to plant seeds of change. You can act in big and small ways to ensure that our community members have the resources and equitable opportunities to succeed.
Join me. Be an influencer.