Dipsticks Research: Media innovators

Aug 21 2009 By Alastair Gilmour, The Journal

Fiona Raglan on influence

What, in your opinion is influence?

Influence is to unconsciously sway another into thinking or acting in a way that is similar to yourself but at the same time, different to how this person would normally act. I would regard it as something positive rather than a negative, although naturally this must happen all the time. It could almost be described as an invisible power that even the person who has it doesn’t necessarily know they’ve got!

Is influence the same as power?

I realise I said previously that influence could almost be described as an invisible power, but I think I see influence and power as two different things. I feel that power is more controlling, a more obvious form of influence, it’s more dominant. Power is much more to do with a person’s authority and status rather than an unconscious form of influence through words and actions. I think power is something that the person who has it is definitely more aware that they have it.

Who or what have you been most influenced by?

It’s not a very original answer but my parents have been fundamental in moulding the person I am. I’m quite similar to my mum, she tends not to think about the negative and believes that things will happen (and things don’t go wrong). In this business, that is the mindset that you must have; you can’t go about everyday business with a really negative and ‘can’t do’ attitude. Latterly, I would say Angus Thirlwell from Hotel Chocolat, Bob Geldof and Michelle Mone from Ultimo.

Who or what has most benefited from your influence?

That’s a toughie. I’d like to think I’ve had a positive influence on my two sons. Like me, they’re not perfect but I think they’re learning how to use what they’re good at and maybe mix it up a bit. Tim, aged 15, is planning a charity ball at the moment (for teenagers who want to ‘party’ no less), so it’s nice for me to think that I’ve influenced him in some way – doing something charitable but mixing it in with something fun!

To be influential you must…

Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. As much of a cliché as that must sound, I believe it’s true. You’re much more likely to be influential if you know who you are. You’re then more likely to show people what you’re good at, what your successes or achievements are and therefore more likely to make an impact. I guess it’s about embracing your faults as well as your positives to an extent – kind of like saying to people ‘I’m not perfect, so what?’

Like I said before, you don’t always know if you’re an influence on someone so it’s a really difficult question to answer. It could be something really minor but you’ve caused someone to admire you along the way, or you’ve inspired someone along the way. That’s influence.