In business and social settings it is pretty easy to identify who the most powerful or influential person in the room is. They have the fanciest title, everyone around them is seeking their approval, and when they make a statement the group falls into agreement.
It’s very easy to identify the most powerful person in the room, but the most powerful person is very rarely the smartest person in the room.When I’m in a meeting or at a conference, I always watch who the most senior person in the room looks to for approval after answering a question.