Is Power a Dirty Word? Or Your Greatest Strength?

Power, Just saying the word out loud can make people uncomfortable. Some people chase it, others avoid it like it’s an awkward high school reunion. But here’s the thing, power isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s how we use it that matters.

I recently had the pleasure of joining the Sticky From The Inside podcast, hosted by Andy Goram, to talk all about power, influence, and why so many of us struggle with the idea of stepping into our own. If you’ve ever felt like power is a tricky thing to navigate (especially as a woman), trust me—you’re not alone.

As a trial lawyer, I spend a lot of time in courtrooms where power is on full display. But here’s what I’ve learned: the most powerful person in the room isn’t necessarily the one shouting the loudest or making the biggest demands. Real power is about influence, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.

The people who leave the biggest impact aren’t the ones who bulldoze their way through conversations. They’re the ones who know how to listen, connect, and lead with purpose.

Let’s be real, power doesn’t look the same for everyone. Men are often encouraged to own it, while women are told to tone it down. Assertiveness in men is called leadership. In women? Well, let’s just say the words used aren’t always flattering.

On the podcast, we tackled this head-on:

✔️ Why so many women feel like they have to “soften” their power

✔️ How emotional intelligence is actually a secret weapon in leadership

✔️ Why being authentic makes you more influential (not less)

One of the biggest misconceptions about power is that you have to fake it, act tougher, talk louder, be someone you’re not. But the truth? Power isn’t about pretending. It’s about owning who you are.

The best leaders, lawyers, and change-makers don’t try to fit into a mold. They figure out what makes them unique, and they own it unapologetically. When you’re clear on your values, confident in your abilities, and willing to use your voice, power stops being something to fear, it becomes something to embrace.

If power has ever felt like a double-edged sword to you, I get it. But it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we unpack what power really means and how you can use it in a way that feels natural, confident, and, dare I say, exciting.

So, if you’re ready to change the way you think about power, give this episode of Power: Harnessing Influence And Busting Biases a listen. I’d love to hear what resonates with you! A big thank you to Andy Goram for the fantastic conversation!