You make the weather

Ever notice how some people walk into a room and it feels like hope has just left it, while others lift the mood, change the temperature, and radiate an infectious energy? That’s not accidental. That’s energy.

Whether we’re aware of it or not, we’re constantly creating the 'weather' around us. Our tone, presence, pace, attention (or lack of it ) ripples outward. Long before we speak, we’re already communicating.

You don’t need to be loud to be influential. You don’t need to be 'positive' all the time. But you do need to be conscious.

The best leaders I know are aware of how their energy affects others – and they radiate the energy they want to see. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see.” When you show up rushed, distracted, resentful or closed, people feel it. When you show up grounded, curious, calm or generous, they feel that too. Energy is contagious. Moods spread.

The question isn’t whether you affect others. The question is how intentionally you do it. What are you bringing into the room today  ... Pressure or presence? Judgment or openness? Chaos or calm?

You make the weather. And once you realise that you can choose to change it.

A perfect example comes from the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks. At K2 base camp, climbers are exhausted, morale is low, tension and fear hang in the air. Then the Nepali team arrives. They’re smiling, joking, moving with purpose. There’s music, laughter, warmth – even a bit of celebration. There’s no denial of the danger – but they radiate confidence, unity, and belief. Within hours, the emotional climate of the camp shifts.

Nothing about the mountain changes. The conditions don’t suddenly improve. But the weather between people does. That shift matters. Their energy restores hope, reconnects people to possibility, and reminds everyone why they’re there – the climb is still alive. That’s what it looks like to create the weather. Not by ignoring reality, but by choosing how you meet it.

Sports give us the same lesson. This year’s Six Nations is about to kick off, and England’s Henry Pollock is a master at creating the weather. At just 20, Pollock isn’t just scoring tries – he’s shifting atmospheres. Teammates like Ellis Genge say his enthusiasm gives the squad a new lease of life. Coach Steve Borthwick calls him a “ball of energy” whose presence fires up and focuses others. Pollock himself admits he tries to be fully engaged and infectious, even if it riles fans, because he knows energy spreads.

Before you walk into your next meeting, the office, or even a casual conversation, pause. Take a breath. Become conscious. Check in with your energy.

Recognize that it’s contagious. Decide how you want people to feel and go there first.

You make the weather.

Jim Lusty
Partner, Upping Your Elvis