Stanford professor Jeffrey Pfeffer joins Joe Byerly for a candid and provocative discussion about power—what it is, how it works, and why more good people need to learn to use it. Drawing from his influential books Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don’t and The 7 Rules of Power, Pfeffer challenges listeners to see the world as it really operates—not as we wish it to be.
In this conversation, Joe and Dr. Pfeffer unpack why power isn’t inherently bad, how to build influence without losing integrity, and why refusing to “play the game” guarantees you’ll lose it. They explore lessons that apply equally to military leaders, executives, and anyone who wants to make change in complex organizations—from overcoming imposter syndrome and likability traps to mastering visibility, networking, and personal branding.
Listeners will come away with a sharper understanding of human nature, organizational dynamics, and what it really takes to lead with impact and authenticity in competitive environments.
In this episode, Joe and Dr. Pfeffer also explore:
- Why power is a skill—and how good people can learn to use it for good
- The critical difference between power and influence
- Why authenticity, likability, and imposter syndrome can quietly sabotage effectiveness
- The importance of appearing powerful—and how confidence often signals competence
- How building a personal brand and network expands your ability to lead and shape change
- The real costs of opting out of power—and how to navigate ambition without ego
- Why leaders need a “personal board of directors” to stay grounded once they gain power
Whether you’re leading soldiers, managing teams, or influencing from the middle, this episode offers a masterclass in understanding power—how to earn it, wield it wisely, and ensure that good people rise to positions where they can make a difference.
Meet Dr. Pfeffer
Jeffrey Pfeffer
Thomas D. Dee II Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Jeffrey Pfeffer is a leading scholar on leadership, power, and workplace dynamics at Stanford, where he has taught since 1979. He’s the author of 16 books—including Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don’t, Leadership B.S., Dying for a Paycheck, and 7 Rules of Power—and more than 160 articles and chapters. A member of the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, Pfeffer has lectured in over 40 countries and advised organizations worldwide. He also hosts the Pfeffer on Power podcast and serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards.
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