Influence Begins with Showing Up
How Preparation and Persistence Create Real Impact Before the Spotlight Arrives
Influence Begins with Showing Up
By Susan Lyn Sykes
When people think of influence, they often picture someone standing on a stage in front of a large audience. I've learned that influence usually begins much earlier—long before anyone is watching.
Over the past several weeks, I prepared for a Medicare education workshop because I believe people deserve clear, understandable information when making important healthcare decisions.
Preparation meant studying, practicing, and refining my presentation until I could explain Medicare in simple, everyday language. I practiced standing and presenting aloud through Zoom. I redesigned my slides to encourage conversation rather than simply display information. I created journal pages to help participants engage, ask questions, and take notes.
I also spent weeks personally inviting members of my community to attend. Each invitation represented an opportunity to connect with someone who might have questions about Medicare and simply needed a welcoming place to learn.
As a retired Pre-K special education teacher, I realized something during this process: my calling has never really changed. Whether I was teaching young children or educating adults about Medicare, my purpose has always been to help people understand something that once seemed difficult.
Influence isn't about having all the answers. It's about being willing to prepare, continue learning, and serve others with patience and compassion.
There are moments when events don't go exactly as planned. The weather changes. Attendance isn't what you hoped for. But those moments don't define success.
Success is found in the preparation.
Success is found in the courage to keep showing up.
Success is found in serving people with integrity, even when no one sees the hours of work behind the scenes.
To every woman building a business, starting a new career, or pursuing a dream later in life: don't underestimate the value of your life experiences. The skills you've developed over the years are not left behind—they become the foundation for what comes next.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue educating, encouraging, and serving my community. My classroom may look different today, but my passion for helping others learn remains the same.
Sometimes, the greatest influence we have isn't through a title or an award. It's through the lives we touch, one conversation at a time.
What life experience has become your greatest strength in your current career? I'd love to hear your story in the comments.
