It was 9 am on 23 September 2015, in Dearborn, Michigan, world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company. I was presenting at the Ford Global Leadership Program. As I was introduced, a powerful wave of emotion surged through me.

The MC called out my name and I was on.

I stepped out to face a room full of leaders … and stood there, speechless. This doesn't happen often — I speak for a living. I didn't utter a word for a full minute (or that's how long it felt) as I composed myself.

What I'd just experienced was a tidal wave of gratitude for the privilege of addressing one of the most prestigious gatherings of business leaders on the planet.

I frequently have the opportunity, pleasure and privilege of travelling around the world to run workshops and master classes and give keynote addresses to audiences large and small, usually made up of business leaders. Leaders who have a mandate to change not only their world but the world.

Every day these individuals face two challenges: how to engage people and how to deliver results, generally in tough commercial environments. Above all they have to meet these challenges with authenticity and integrity rather than vanity and arrogance.

I base this book about influence on their learnings and experiences, and am grateful for the generosity with which they have shared their challenges and successes.

This book is a co-creation built on the honesty of the leaders, too many to name, with whom I have worked. It would also not have happened without the talented team at John Wiley & Sons, particularly Acquisitions Editor Lucy Raymond, who suggested the genius title Power Play (which magically summed up the book). Deepest thanks to my brilliant editors, Jem Bates and Roger McDonald, for their tough love.

Isaac Newton said, ‘If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants'. I have this privilege every day. I wish to thank Dr Roger Pearman for his belief in me and for backing me in the global arena. I am also grateful for the wisdom of my mentors who continually inspire and challenge me: Matt Church and Peter Cook. My deepest thanks to Simon Waller whose mentoring in digital productivity is what made this book a reality. Simon, your work changes lives. Carolyn Tate, the founder of the Slow School of Business Melbourne, shared her salubrious home (Slow School HQ), where much of this book was written. Thank you, Carolyn, for your encouragement and generosity.

The love and support of my family, my husband, Vish, my daughter Tara, my brother Prathap, my sister Girija, my niece Poornima, the warmth of my extended family, and the laughter and joy of my friends, especially the ‘awesome foursome', all make my life rich.

Above all, thank you, dear reader, for choosing this book and for taking on the opportunity to Power Play.

Yamini