Most women leaders know how to build credibility. You work hard. You follow through. You get results.
But influence - real, lasting influence - isn’t just about competence. It’s about Political Capital and how you spend it.
What Is Political Capital?
Political capital isn’t just for politicians. It’s the trust, credibility, and influence you build over time that allows you to move ideas forward, shift conversations, and create change—not just for yourself, but for your team, your company, or your community.
Before we dive into calculating it, let’s talk about something most leadership books won’t touch: not all political capital is earned.
Some of it is granted by the system we live in, often in ways we don’t see until we start looking. Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste makes this clear:
Political Capital and the Caste System
- Whiteness holds more capital than Blackness. A white woman will have an easier time getting her voice heard, even when she’s not the most qualified person in the room.
- Wealth buys credibility. The ability to access education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities isn’t evenly distributed.
- Heteronormativity & gender identity shape access. A straight, cisgender woman typically moves through professional and social spaces with fewer barriers than a queer or trans woman.
- Physical ability and neurotypicality grant access. Those who don’t need accommodations often move through workplaces, leadership structures, and networking spaces without even noticing the obstacles others face.
Here’s why this matters: When you recognize the capital you have, you can use it intentionally. To advocate, to challenge systems, and to make real change.
Where Are You Holding Untapped Political Capital?
Most women don’t realize where they already hold influence. And even fewer recognize how they’re not using it to its fullest potential.
I’ve developed a coaching tool that helps you calculate and apply your political capital, so you can start using the power you already have to lead with unapologetic confidence.
Here’s a taste of what we uncover:
- Where do you have unspoken credibility that others don’t?
- Are you in rooms where decisions are made?
- Do you influence hiring, strategy, or policy - formally or informally?
- Are you connected to people who open doors for you (and for others)?
Most women score higher than they expect in some areas, and shockingly low in others. The gaps tell a powerful story about where you could be leading bigger.
Want to start using your influence right now?
Try this simple reflection exercise:
- Write down three places where you have the most influence.
This could be at work, in your industry, in your personal network, or in your community.
- Write down one area where you’re not yet using your influence - even though you could be.
Example: You’re a hiring manager but haven’t actively worked to create more inclusive hiring practices.
- Ask yourself: If I used my political capital here, what’s possible?
- What could change if I leveraged my influence?
- Who could benefit from me speaking up?
- What conversations need to happen that I’ve been avoiding?
This is the first step in identifying where you can step into leadership with greater confidence and impact.
And if you’re ready to go deeper?
Your Next Step
If you’re done waiting for permission to step into your full leadership power, let’s talk.
Book a consult call with me, and let’s get you leading in a way that gets real results - without the stress of overthinking every move.
On this call, we’ll:
- Get clear on where you hold political capital - and where you’re leaving power on the table.
- Pinpoint how you can use it to create real wins for yourself and those you care about.
- Map out your next steps so you can start making an impact in every space you step into - without second-guessing yourself.
This work changes how you lead forever. Not just in your career, but in every high-stakes conversation, every difficult decision, and every moment where you know you should speak up.
Email me at [email protected] to book your call.
Let’s make sure you’re using the influence you already have - to get what you want and to create the kind of leadership that lifts others with you.
With you,
Amy
