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Power Play: Soft Power Unpacked

Power Play: Soft Power Unpacked

Written by: Penny Abeywardena
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Power Play: Soft Power Unpacked dives into the subtle yet powerful ways individuals and institutions use influence—not through titles, policies, or mandates; but through culture, storytelling, relationships, and transparency—to shift perspectives and drive change. From diplomacy and grassroots organizing to the power of pop culture, we unpack how soft power shapes hearts, minds, and movements.© 2026 Penny Abeywardena Economics Management Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • United Nations' Amina J Mohammed On Power And Presence

    United Nations' Amina J Mohammed On Power And Presence
    Feb 19 2026

    Holding a coalition together when 193 countries want different things requires a specific kind of leadership. In this episode of "Power Play: Soft Power Unpacked," Penny Abeywardena sits down with Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, for a masterclass in leading without coercion. From the childhood lesson that taught her "we before I" to the moment she gave up her seat to a young activist in a room full of presidents, Mohammed shares how she builds trust, keeps people from walking away, and wields hope as an operational strategy—not sentiment. This is soft power in action: influence that compounds because people believe you, follow you, and feel safer because you're there.
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    51 mins
  • Diane von Furstenberg Unwraps Soft Power

    Diane von Furstenberg Unwraps Soft Power
    Nov 21 2025

    In the debut episode of Power Play: Soft Power Unpacked, Diane von Furstenberg breaks down the wealth of influence she has built; not through authority, but through self-awareness, kindness, and intention. She shares how her mother’s survival, her iconic wrap dress, and decades of mentoring shaped her belief that real power comes from honesty and knowing oneself. DVF reminds us that in a world obsessed with such visibility, the most radical power move is being entirely—and unapologetically—yourself.
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    27 mins
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