Harnessing Soft Power: Using Connection and Strategy to Advance the World

On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” you’ll receive a master class in soft power strategies with Forbes Columnist and leadership expert, Penny Abeywardena. Penny introduces us to her new company, Soft Power Strategies, and tells host Brenda Darden Wilkerson why the use of soft power is beneficial on a variety of issues. As the former Commissioner for International Affairs of the city of New York, Penny talks about her experiences leading the agency and what it was like to serve the largest diplomatic corps in the world. Penny’s successful career spans across philanthropy, non-profit, government, and more. She and Brenda talk about their personal journeys facing up against certain power dynamics and Penny offers advice on how to strategize and combat those situations. In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify strategies of influence and persuasion when there is little or no perceived power. Plus, Brenda and Penny discuss the importance of registering to vote and how you can prepare to vote meaningfully in this election year. 

“These are conversations we need to have with our friends, with our religious community, with whoever you feel you can talk to. But do not think that there’s nothing you can do. There is a way to activate and it’s up to us to help you get there. And I hope you keep these channels of information open so that you can see and align yourself with how you want to be the change you want to see.”

For more, check out Penny and her work on…

X – @PAbeywardena

Instagram – @pabeywardena

LinkedIn – /pennyabeywardena

On the Web – pennyabeywardena.com | softpowerstrategies.com

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Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

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B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond 

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski 

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine 

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org