"Influence and power are often seen as connected, but there is a distinction between the two. While some individuals may have influence, they may not hold actual power to enact change or make decisions. Influence can sway opinions and affect behavior, but without the authority that comes with power, it remains limited in scope.
In contrast, the idea that 'influence is power' suggests that the ability to inspire or affect others can equate to having power in practice. This notion, expressed in Orson Scott Card's 'Ender's Game,' reinforces the importance of influence in leadership and decision-making, highlighting how someone's ability to persuade can sometimes carry more weight than formal authority.