Overview    

In many professional environments, influence matters more than formal authority. Professionals are frequently required to shape decisions, gain buy-in, and protect sound judgement when working with clients, senior leaders, or cross-functional teams — often without having positional power. 

This webinar explores influence without authority as a critical professional capability grounded in behavioural psychology, emotional intelligence, communication strategy, and credibility. Rather than relying on hierarchy or politics, the session focuses on ethical, practical approaches to influence that build trust, reduce resistance, and improve decision-making outcomes. 

Participants will learn how decisions are made, why resistance arises, and how to communicate ideas persuasively and professionally, even in high-stakes or politically sensitive situations. 

Join Annelien Feldtmann CA(SA), Neuro Coach on 17 September 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am as she equips professionals with tools to influence effectively, ethically, and confidently — without being “the boss”. 

Learning objectives   

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  

• An understanding of why influence is a critical skill in modern, matrixed, and client-driven environments 

• Insight into the psychology behind decision-making and resistance to influence 

• Practical tools to influence peers, managers, clients, and stakeholders without formal authority 

• Techniques to communicate persuasively without being confrontational or political 

• Ethical influence strategies that preserve trust, credibility, and professional integrity 

Content   

The webinar will cover the following topics: 

• Why Influence Without Authority Matters 
  o The reality of decision-making in professional environments 
  o Risks of relying solely on positional power 

• The Psychology of Influence 
  o How decisions are formed and defended 
  o Cognitive biases and resistance to change 

• Credibility as the Foundation of Influence 
  o Trust, competence, and consistency 
  o Building professional credibility over time 

• Communicating for Influence 
  o Framing messages for impact 
  o Asking better questions and listening strategically 

• Influencing Upwards 
  o Managing power dynamics with senior stakeholders 
  o Protecting professional judgement with respect 

• Influencing Peers and Cross-Functional Teams 
  o Navigating competing priorities and interests 
  o Building alignment without authority 

• Influencing Clients and External Stakeholders 
  o Managing expectations and difficult conversations 
  o Influencing outcomes while preserving relationships 

• Emotional Intelligence and Influence 
  o Managing emotions in high-stakes interactions 
  o Reading the room and responding effectively 

• Ethical Influence vs Manipulation 
  o Maintaining integrity and transparency 
  o Long-term trust versus short-term wins 

Obtaining your CPD certificate  

This training is compliant with the International Education Standard (IES7) issued by the International Federation of Accountants and recognised for CPD by relevant professional bodies including ACCA, CIMA, IAC, IIA, SAICA and SAIPA.  

All attendees are issued with a CPD certificate available in an online profile.  

About the presenter  

Annelien Feldtmann CA(SA), MCom, ICR   

Annelien Feldtmann is a Chartered Accountant (SA) with 21 years of experience in the public and private sector. She is a qualified Executive, Business and Career Neuro-Coach with clients in the UK, USA and South Africa.    

Annelien has been involved with distance learning institutions and compiled the curriculum transformation competency framework for the College of Accounting Sciences at the University of South-Africa (UNISA). She was a SAICA reviewer and registered assessor with in-depth knowledge of the SAICA Competency Framework and learnership requirements. Annelien is currently the chairperson of the Assessment Committee, as well as assessor of the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT).  

Who should attend? 

The following persons will benefit from attending this webinar: 

• Practising accountants including: CA(SA), Professional Accountant (SA), AGA(SA), FCCA, BAP(SA), BA(SA) and ACCA. 

• Registered auditors. 

• Independent reviewers. 

• Trainee accountants. 

Price 

• R 265.00 - Online admission - Individual.  

  • Group Price 1 - From R184 per person (up to 5 users)  

  • Group Price 2 - From R121 per person (up to 10 users)  

  • Group Price 3 - From R109 per person (over 11 users)  

Steps to register for the event:  

If you already have a profile, login and register for the webinar. 

If you don’t have a profile, create a free profile then login and register for the webinar. 

Click here to create a free profile (There is no charge to create a profile and gain access to our free Monthly Practice Management Series). 

Click here to find out about the Technical Resource Centre & CPD Subscription options. 

Additional material

By attending this webinar you will be provided with: 

• A summarised slide presentation. 

• Reference documents and/or course material where available. 

• You can ask questions during the webinar and you will also have access to the presenter after the webinar. 

Corporate training solutions 

At SA Accounting Academy, we recognise the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in accounting and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.  

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritise hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.  

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at corporate@accountingacademy.co.za or call 010 593 0466. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organisational goals.  

Contact us   

Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!   

• Online chat through our website.   

• WhatsApp: Start chatting (+27635026114)   

• Phone: 010 593 0466   

• E-mail: ticket@accountingacademy.co.za