Lessons from the Middle: How Mid-Level Leaders Can Influence Without the Title

After a few glorious weeks of birthday naps (yes, plural) and some intentional downtime, I kicked off my “new year” in the best way I know how—teaching, connecting, and pouring into leaders.

Last Thursday, I had the honor of leading a custom-designed symposium for Chicago United’s Mid-Level Manager Series, a program dedicated to helping managers build strong, collaborative teams while charting their own path forward.

The Heart Behind “Leading from the Middle”

I’ve been where many mid-level leaders are today; expected to deliver results, manage up, support a team, and somehow influence change without all the decision-making power. It can feel like standing in the crossfire of pressure and possibility..

That’s why I designed this session. I wanted to create a space where leaders could pause, reflect, and walk away with practical tools to help them:

• Build credibility and impact without waiting for a title to grant them permission.

• Navigate conflict and ambiguity as moments to grow resilience and trust (with a custom conflict resolution model I developed just for this group).

• Define their personal leadership philosophy, because leadership is an inside job, and leaders go first.

The Energy in the Room

From the first minute, the room was alive. People shared their stories, their challenges, their wins. We wrestled with real-world scenarios, role-played difficult conversations, and unpacked what it truly means to lead from the middle.

And, as anyone who has seen me present knows, I was my usual animated self, arms flying, energy high, passion fully on display. (There’s really no other way I know how to do this, my hands and my words go together!)

Why This Matters

Mid-level leaders are the glue that holds organizations together. They translate strategy into action, bridge gaps between execs and teams, and quietly shape culture every single day. Giving them the tools, language, and confidence to lead with clarity isn’t just good for their careers, it’s fantastic for business.

I’m deeply grateful to Chicago United for their continued trust to create this experience, and to every leader who showed up ready to learn, grow, and step into their influence. It was a reminder that authentic and long-lasting leadership it starts with connection, courage, and a willingness to lead even when no one hands you the title.

Here’s to more spaces where we can redefine leadership together!