LD Masterclass: The Art of Visible Influence in Modern Workplaces

The Neuroscience of Influence: The Art of Visible Influence in the Workplace

At our recent YWLC masterclass organised by the Leadership Development Subcommittee, The Art of Visible Influence in the Workplace, Parul Sharma, Neuroscience Coach and founder of Rewired by Parul, led an insightful session. We explored what it truly takes to show up with presence, clarity, and confidence in fast-moving environments. Through a blend of neuroscience and practical tools, members reflected on how influence today is less about being the loudest voice in the room and more about understanding how our brains respond to pressure, connection, and visibility.

Parul Sharma leading the LD Masterclass

Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Influence

Two core neuroscience concepts framed our session.

The first was the Evidence Accumulating Theory: the idea that our brains rely on data to decide how confidently to act. Every achievement we acknowledge, every moment of clarity we gather, and every strength we consciously name becomes evidence our brain uses to reinforce self-belief. The more we accumulate, the more grounded we feel.

The second was Neuroplasticity, which reminds us that our brains are always capable of learning, rewiring, and strengthening new pathways. Through consistent repetition, especially in moments that matter, we can train our brains to access clarity instead of slipping into instinctive stress responses. Influence, in this sense, becomes a skill we intentionally build.

Training Your Brain With a Flex Rule

A key takeaway from the masterclass was the introduction of the Flex Rule. This is a simple, repeatable sentence that guides your brain back to clarity during stress. It links the amygdala, which triggers alarm, to the prefrontal cortex, which supports logic and decision-making. Each time you repeat your Flex Rule, you reinforce a pathway that helps your mind stay steady under pressure.

Some examples included: 

“When I notice I’m lost in a meeting, I will summarise what was shared and write down the next steps to regain clarity.” 

“When I feel myself scrambling through the day, I will return to my importance–urgency matrix to realign my priorities.”

Over time, these simple sentences become anchors your brain automatically turns to when things feel overwhelming.

Practical Tools for Everyday Influence

We also explored everyday practices that help us show up with influence at work and the neuroscience behind why they matter.

1. Preparing before meetings, even briefly reviewing slides or context, reduces the likelihood of the brain slipping into survival mode.

2. Making eye contact with someone familiar activates mirror neurons, helping the entire group feel more synchronised and at ease.

3. Using a calm tone signals safety, lowering the threat responses of the people around us.

4. Offering clear framing during discussions increases decision confidence and helps teams align more quickly.

   
   

These aren’t grand gestures. They are small, intentional habits that quietly build presence, trust, and credibility.

Other ways to build influence: Culture Audit & Influence Map

We explored how influence is shaped by the culture we participate in and the relationships we intentionally nurture. Through a culture audit, participants examined the subtle, unspoken norms that guide behaviour in their teams, what feels safe, what is encouraged, and what might be limiting visibility. Complementing this, the influence map exercise invited members to identify key stakeholders, understand what matters most to them, and recognise that influence grows from cognitive authority: the ability to communicate with clarity that aligns with others’ priorities. Together, these tools encouraged participants to take one thoughtful action this week to deepen trust and strengthen their presence at work.

A Closing Reflection

This masterclass directly reinforces YWLC’s Leadership Competency Framework across both Leading Yourself and Leading Others. The neuroscience practices explored: building self-evidence, using the Flex Rule, and rewiring stress responses strengthen core competencies such as Self-Management & Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, and Resilience & Courage. At the same time, tools like the Culture Audit and Influence Map deepen Empathy, Communication, and Building Relationships, helping members lead with greater clarity and connection. Together, these techniques translate influence into everyday, intentional actions, embodying what it means to grow as a YWLC leader.

As you head into the week, take a moment to pause and ask yourself: If I practise my Flex Rule and my Influence Action this week, what changes? Writing down this intention activates the brain’s goal network, making you up to 40% more likely to follow through, turning small commitments into meaningful shifts in how you show up and lead.

Author: Maxine Mak

Organising Committee: Maxine Mak, Samantha Lim, Krithika Bala-subramaniam, Yona Lu, Rui Xian Lee, Yubo, Yangting