CUTV News Radio spotlights leadership expert Mary Jane Mapes

Portage, MI – When asked for an opinion, personal perception or suggestion most of us say what’s expected of us rather than having the courage to speak up and speak out.

But is that enough to create the kinds of relationships that make a difference for both parties? What does it really take to be truly influential?

The answer is simpler than you might expect: We need to lead with our best self, the self who is courageous, passionate, respectful, honest, trustworthy, and committed to excellence and empowering others.

Mary Jane Mapes is a professional keynote speaker, coach and author dedicated to helping individuals improve their business relationships through inspired leadership. Mapes propels leaders, entrepreneurs, and sales and service professionals to take their relationships and business results higher through deeper connections.

“My work is all about helping leaders get their voices heard above the din,” says Mapes. “I enlighten people on ways to organically earn respect. Colleagues and coworkers trust them because they live up to their word and care passionately about what others have to say.”

So how do you inspire yourself to bring out your best? That's where influence really begins. Mapes is the author of the acclaimed You CAN Teach a Pig to Sing: Create Great Relationships...with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere, which offers strategies to create (or transform) troublesome transactions into mutually rewarding relationships.

“Most people don't think about the impact they're having on other people. If they were fixed on bringing positive intentions to every interaction, more people would discover their power to be heard and be influential."

For more information on Mary Jane Mapes, visit www.maryjanemapes.com