40: Mastering the Art of Influence: How to Get Executive Buy-In for Your Big Ideas

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In this episode, you'll learn how to win support for a tough proposal, avoid getting blindsided in meetings, use informal conversations to map your allies and blockers, and turn neutral teammates into advocates.

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Introduction

[01:04] A failed pitch story and key lesson

[02:18] The importance of having a playbook

[02:55] Why great ideas get shot down

[03:12] Stage 1: Test the waters

[04:40] How early insights shape your pitch

[05:30] Stage 2: Understand the numbers

[06:00] Identify veto players and the majority needed

[06:45] Plan around timing and meetings

[07:30] The power of loud voices in group settings

[08:10] Stage 3: Strengthen your supporters

[08:50] Ask for feedback, not support

[09:30] Involve people by including their suggestions

[09:50] Win over key skeptics

[10:20] Turning opponents into advocates

[10:50] Leverage respected voices in the group

[11:15] Why being heard matters more than being right

[11:35] Coaching for executive communication

[12:10] Why logic often loses to emotion

[12:50] How storytelling wins the room

[13:20] Stage 4: Engage the neutrals

[13:50] Connect your idea to their priorities

[14:15] Use win-win framing for middle-ground people

[14:40] Avoid turning neutrals into opponents

[15:00] Use social proof to tip the balance

[15:30] Stage 5: Presentation and decision

[16:20] Call out contributors by name

[16:45] Make it feel like the next logical step

[17:00] Keep the decision meeting short and smooth

[17:45] How to avoid meeting debates and delays

[18:00] Creating watercooler moments in remote work

[18:30] How to test ideas before remote meetings

[19:25] Follow-up strategy after remote conversations

Find more from Adam on LinkedIn and YouTube, and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech.