“The Hidden Power of Everyday Influence” research report reframes how leaders, organizations, and communities think about impact.
While 65% say social media hinders influence, research reveals true impact stems from proximity and consistency in everyday connections, inspiring profound change in lives and workplaces.
*Download the full report HERE.*
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Entertainer-turned-keynote speaker and philanthropist Jeff Civillico today announced the release of The Hidden Power of Everyday Influence, a national research report based on findings from his first-of-its-kind study, The State of Everyday Influence in America Today. The report uncovers who truly shapes our lives, and why most Americans drastically underestimate the influence they already have.
At a time when follower counts and visibility often overshadow authenticity and human connection, Civillico’s research reveals a striking disconnect between what society celebrates and what actually creates meaningful change.
While digital platforms dominate cultural attention, 65% of Americans say social media has made it harder to be a positive everyday influencer. The study finds that real influence most often shows up through proximity, consistency, and presence within families, workplaces, and local communities.
This study examines perceptions, behaviors, and real-world impact across generations and industries, combining national data with real-world stories and practical frameworks. Together, these insights offer individuals, leaders, and organizations a roadmap for activating everyday influence with greater intention and purpose.
The study shows that people overwhelmingly credit the greatest influences in their lives not to celebrities or executives, but to those closest to them. Family and upbringing ranked as the highest source of influence among respondents, while social media personalities ranked near the bottom, even among Gen Z. Yet many people still struggle to see themselves as influential.
- 80% of Americans say someone has positively influenced them in a way that has forever changed their life.
- 63% say there is someone in their life who has been a great positive everyday influence, and they’ve never let them know.
According to Civillico, this gap serves as both a cultural omission and a significant opportunity. “We’ve glamorized influence as a stage, a spotlight, or a platform,” said Civillico. “But influence is often a conversation, a gesture, a choice… a moment. When people realize how often they create those moments, they show up differently in the world.”
The study also revealed significant workplace implications: nearly half (48%) of Americans have left jobs because their companies lacked positive everyday influencers in leadership roles. Employees overwhelmingly believe organizations perform better when leaders practice human-centered influence, including listening actively, modeling values, offering support, and building trust.
The data underscores the business impact of influence in action:
- 85% believe companies would benefit dramatically if more leaders used their influence positively.
- 77% believe leaders and executives should receive training to strengthen influence in their daily interactions, including 84% of executives themselves.
Civillico argues that this isn’t a “soft skill” conversation; it’s a performance conversation. “People don’t leave companies. They leave environments where no one is leading with influence and connection is missing,” he said. “Everyday influence is both a human advantage and a business advantage, and the two are inseparable.”
The study also reveals that influence expands when people choose to serve others through philanthropic action. Everyone has the ability to make an impact through small, meaningful acts of kindness, empathy, and generosity, but these moments are often overlooked because people feel too small to effect change.
- 80% think social media has affected younger generations so much that they struggle to be a positive everyday influencer.
- 90% feel better about themselves when they positively influence someone.
- 69% believe philanthropy is part of being an everyday influencer.
“Philanthropy isn’t just about finances,” Civillico explains. “It’s about presence, empathy, and showing up for someone when it matters. The research makes it clear: you don’t need a title, a budget, or a large audience to make a difference. You need awareness, intention, and the willingness to use what you already have.”
To download the full research report or learn more about Jeff’s work as a keynote speaker and host personality, visit: https://everydayinfluencer.com/research
Media Contact:
Lee Meltzer | Lee Meltzer Consulting
Lee@LeeMeltzerConsulting.com
About Jeff Civillico
Jeff Civillico is a 10-year Las Vegas headliner turned Hall of Fame keynote speaker who helps organizations unlock leadership, engagement, and culture from the inside out. A 3-time “Best of Las Vegas” winner and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Jeff is known for blending clean comedy, heartfelt service, and high-energy storytelling to inspire audiences around the world.
After his viral TEDx talk, How to Be an Everyday Influencer, resonated with millions, Jeff commissioned a first-of-its-kind national research study, The State of Everyday Influence in America Today, to better understand how real influence is created and experienced in everyday life. From that research came The Hidden Power of Everyday Influence , a comprehensive report translating the study’s findings into practical insights for individuals and organizations.
His newest leadership keynote, Everyday Influence: Untapped Power That Moves People, brings this research to life… equipping organizations to strengthen leadership at every level, increase engagement, and build cultures rooted in ownership, service, and accountability.
Learn more: jeffcivillico.com
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