Over dinnertime chat, Priscilla shared stories of how patients she interacted with that day were impacted by organ donations. Those who failed to find donors were dying. Those lucky enough to be on the receiving end of donations lived. Priscilla lit up like a firecracker when she shared stories about lives saved.

"Why don't more people donate?" she wondered, "If only people knew about the critical shortage of organs for people who are desperately in need." What's more, Priscilla also learned that opportunities for donations are often squandered because family members don't know about their loved ones' wishes to be organ donors when they pass.

That's where dinner talk turned to into action.

Zuckerberg runs the world's hottest tool to spread awareness. Why not add a tool for users to make their donation decision known publicly, they thought? After all, the social network has more than 500 million daily users.  As the boss, Zuckerberg had the clout to shortcut the life-saving measure and make it happen. This week, Facebook debuted the feature allowing users to share their organ donation preference with family and friends. It also added links to official organ donation registries.

"We think that people can help spread awareness of organ donation and that they want to participate in this to their friends," Zuckerberg told Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. "Facebook is really about communicating and telling stories."

Here's the biggest impact so far: Within three days, more than 100,000 Facebook users (yours truly included) have added their organ donation status and stories to their timelines.  According to Donate Life America which has partnered with Facebook on the project, thousands have also became new donors.

This is a example of the Facebook Factor making a "dent in the universe" as Zuckerberg's late friend Steve Jobs liked to say. The same friend who, not coincidentally, was a recipient of a life-extending organ donation.

The author of Fifty Shades of Grey is simultaneously revving the engines of women and upending the publishing world. Originally a self-published author – and a first-timer, at that – James is stunned that she's influencing the way books are bought and sold. In a statement to the BBC, James calls it "an extraordinary and wholly unexpected adventure."

Fifty Shades began as a free e-book, allowing for discrete buying for those who didn't want others to know they were reading erotica. After eager book club members started recommending it, the trilogy exploded and went viral. (Not to be confused with the naughty acts she writes about, of course.) Before long, Fifty Shades became a publishing phenomenon. Booksellers, Hollywood, sex therapists and mothers everywhere are thanking her for the boost.

A former TV executive and mother of two from West London, the author is trying to maintain a semblance of privacy by not releasing her real name. But of course, it's out there, on the very engine that thrust her racy tales into the spotlight. I choose not to include it here.

Yes, she has critics. Some call her writing "mommy porn" and say it degrades women. James responds by saying it's a love story and that's why women are responding enthusiastically. That being the case, husbands everywhere must be thrilled at the influence she's having on their wives. According to the Los Angeles Times, high-end sex shops are enjoying sales spikes as new customers pour in, requesting the bondage products described in the book.

Time Magazine has just named James as one of its 100 Most Influential People of 2012.  And where did the editors place her on the annual list? In a moment of comic irony, the new queen of erotica is featured on the same page as – wait for it – Tim Tebow.

That’s how shift happens.

Cook proved his inner boldness this week in a major shift with the late Jobs’ philosophy. He announced the company’s new dividend and buyback plan, essentially bringing sexy back to the musty old dividend.

The quarterly check, one seen as taboo for tech companies, is now cool again.

This is an extraordinary move for a company that is still in high growth mode. In the past, issuing regular payments to stockholders has signaled that growth mode is over and a company's best days may be behind. Other sleek tech companies like Google and Amazon don’t pay a dividend.

Cook begs to differ. And he does so with precision.

In Monday’s teleconference with New York analysts, he frontloaded his announcement with influential buzzwords, such as:

1. “We are innovating at an incredible pace.”
2. “We’re building a tremendous ecosystem with apps and content.”
3. “We’re expanding our footprint with new carrier partners and other third party resellers.”
4. “We continue to open stores, including 40 this fiscal year alone.”
5. "We are investing in our direct enterprise sales force."

The last comment is another telling departure from Steve Job’s approach. Jobs famously loathed corporate IT buyers. Cook emphasizes their importance.

Apple was hoarding a ridiculously large cash reserve – at last count,  $97.6 billion – the largest reserve of any non-financial organization in the U.S. To put that number in context, Apple's reserve was larger than the entire market value of 485 of the 500 companies in the Standard & Poor Index.

The measure of any communication is the listeners’ response. Wall street responded by pushing Apple shares to a record $601.10, its first-ever close above $600. And Cook’s message is also resonating with large fund families such as Vanguard and Fidelity, whose rules previously prevented them from including stocks that didn’t pay a dividend. They're now eager to include Apple in their funds.

Sure, there are grumblers. Some analysts are disappointed with the size of Apple’s 1.8 percent divided. In comparison, Hewlett-Packard pays 2 percent and Microsoft pays 2.5 percent.

But as Cook summed up his announcement, he noted, “Simply stated, we don’t see ceilings to our opportunities.” The same can be said about Cook. He appears to be fueled by an inner boldness to do what’s right; he delivered a compelling message that resonated with his target audience; and he gained their commitment. 

Like his predecessor, the late, great Steve Jobs who handpicked him, it appears that Tim Cook is a true influencer.

The Kony film shines a light on the plight of child warfare and atrocities committed by Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony.  Filmmaker Jason Russell created a narrative that juxtaposes video of his young son in California with the plight of the hopeless children of Uganda.

But what accounts for its influence over so many, so fast?

Here's how. Russell tapped into Twitter, Facebook, high schools, colleges and Hollywood to make it happen.  While there are no silly cat tricks, there are heroes and villains and a purposeful, heartfelt call to action.

The clip caught fire because Russell urges viewers to reach out to celebrities with popular Twitter accounts to help spread the video. And spread it, they have. Kim Kardashian alone reached 13 million. Oprah tweeted the link to 9.7 million followers.

Yes, Kony 2012 has stirred up controversy.  Russell's organization, Invisible Children, is facing questions about its governance and financial responsibilities. It's being criticized for simplifying the issue. Russell is quickly answering these concerns. On video – of course.

On the heels of this viral phenomenon, Invisible Children is now partnering with other nonprofits to launch a series of meetings between video supporters and their representatives in Congress to encourage action. And other charities are benefiting from the Kony halo. Groups such as Africare say they've seen donations spike since the video's release.

It remains to be seen what will become of this spotlight. But the Kony 2012 movement shows that you can activate the next generation in social engagement – in a purpose that's greater than themselves and silly cats.

Welcome to Chardon, Ohio. Population five thousand, give or take a few. Today there are three fewer, taken out by gunfire in the high school cafeteria. The shots rang out minutes after last Monday's opening bell, when a 17 year old approached his fellow students sitting at a cafeteria table and shot them in the head from behind. He killed three and injured two others.

What's remarkable about this city is its focus. Despite the sirens, SWAT teams, satellite trucks, and helicopters, they've concentrated on what matters: Relationships. Consoling. Healing.

One heartbeat is the city's new mantra. The night of the shooting, residents gathered together at picturesque Chardon Square to hold a touching vigil. Students, parents and supporters continued to come together all week. Not to talk about the shooter. But to help each other move forward with one heartbeat.

Three days after the shooting, hundreds of students marched from Chardon Square back into Chardon High School. "We got this," one student expressed, as people lined the streets and clapped for them.

One heartbeat.

Like the heart of assistant football coach Frank Hall, who chased the gunman out of the school and wiped away the tears of the dying students until first responders arrived.

One heartbeat.

Like that of teacher Joseph Ricci, who pulled one of the injured into his classroom while the shooter was still at large.

One heartbeat.

Like the parents of the dead who donated their children's organs so that others could live. And mother Phyllis Ferguson, who told ABC News that she forgives the student who killed her son.

One heartbeat.

Like the four busloads of fans who supported the school's basketball team at its Division I sectional game three nights later – and the opposing Madison High school team, who abandoned their uniforms and wore Chardon shirts to show  solidarity.

One heartbeat.

Now that's influence. A city that's living purposefully with inner boldness, sharing a compelling message, and displaying a collective presence that's true to who they really are. Even as they finish burying their young this week.

Yes, J.C. Penney. The boring one.

The 110-year-old retailer used Hollywood's hottest night to reveal its own facelift. The company, now led by former Apple Inc. executive Ron Johnson, unveiled five clever ads during the Oscar telecast, featuring spokeswoman Ellen DeGeneres. The time-traveling ads, part of an $80 million a month advertising campaign, are designed to influence the country that J.C. Penney has changed and that it's time for America to give it another look-see. The ads had impact during the telecast, standing out with Degeneres's likeability and the compelling "Fair and Square" messaging.

The retailer also showed its influence chops by refusing to back down to pressure from the conservative advocacy group One Million Moms. The group urged a boycott of stores, demanding that J.C. Penney fire DeGeneres because of her sexual orientation. Penney's stood its ground. President Michael Francis said, "We couldn't think of a better partner to help us put the fun back into the retail experience."

Penney lost ground to rivals Macy's and Kohl's in recent years and lags in sales per square foot, done in by its incessant price-cutting. That was the point of this round of ads, as the lighthearted Degeneres traveled back through a bevy of time periods, poking fun of coupons and shopping hassles. The new pricing plan replaces the chain's coupon-happy attitude with what the ads call "Fair and Square" pricing. More predictable. Fewer hassles.

Nearly three-quarters of Penney's $17.8 billion revenue last year came from steeply discounted items. In a news conference last week, Johnson said that in the past 10 years, sales by discount have risen to an average of 60 percent off.  Test markets showed customers like the new pricing, though Wall Street is waiting to see if the overhaul of margin-sapping discounts will help the company hit its goal to triple sales.

Penney's 1,100 U.S. stores are also bringing in influential brands including Martha Stewart (to the chagrin of Macy's, which also features Stewart) and fashion designer Nanette Lepore and plan to carve each store into neat boutiques, hoping to replicate the success of their current store-in-store boutique, Sephora Cosmetics.

Chief Executive Johnson, who built Apple's highly successful retail chain, says Penney's needed a new direction and is betting that America will respond positively, helping its sales soar – without the early bird specials.

Lin's sudden ascent from undrafted benchwarmer to global superstar is crushing records. He outdueled Kobe Bryant. He scored more points in his first five starts than anyone since 1976. His No.17 jersey quickly became the top seller in the NBA, even though the humble Lin didn't even know it was available.

The Tiawanese-American has taken a bottom-feeding team and singlehandedly transformed it into the league's must-see team. The NBA is thrilled. Linsanity has helped the league overcome the ugliness of the season-starting lockout and is making an impact in the coveted Chinese market. Most importantly, Lin's spirit has raised the psyche of Asians around the globe. Even Taiwan's President, Ma Ying-jeou, is asking his cabinet to emulate Lin and work together as a team. 

Lin's talents are inspiring his teammates and fans alike. He came from nowhere to become a top trender on Twitter. And his team's web traffic has grown an astounding 3,000% in a week.

But what explains how a guy who rode the bench is now carrying this off? I believe the answer comes from one of his former Harvard coaches, Bill Holden. Holden has said, "The bigger the stage, the more he brings it."

Now we're getting somewhere. Beyond his ball-handling skills, the secret sauce is Lin's ability to embrace his own influence. If you're a person whose talents have been unrecognized or under-appreciated, here are a few tips to help you "bring it" when you get your big break:

• Influence begins within. When faced with an opportunity, first convince yourself that you're worthy. You are.
• Inner boldness is key. When the stakes are high, rise up. Don't hold back. Be fueled by a sense of purpose, not a fear of failure.
• Tap into your higher purpose. Believe there's something greater in play than just you. There always is.
• Don't allow ethnicity, gender slights or lack of recognition to derail your efforts. Own your talents.

Jeremy Lin is proving that he can handle more than a basketball. He's handling the spotlight and all the pressure that accompanies it.  You can, too. Influence begins within – embrace it. You'll see success coming – even if no one else does.

Ever lost your voice? I've been silenced by a case of full blown laryngitis this week and am under doctor's orders to stay completely silent for 48 hours. No speaking. No whispering. Not so much as a gentle throat clearing.

You'd be surprised at how much you learn about your ability to influence when you're suddenly silent – and what others imply by your stillness.

My silence thrust a bank into high alert. Blame my upbringing, but while making a deposit at my local bank branch, I slipped the teller a note apologizing for my silence. When I looked up, I spotted the camera zooming in really tight on me. Hold-up note, anyone? Lesson learned - never overcompensate when a red panic button is on the line.

I learned that I deeply value and miss sharing exchanges with strangers like "thank you" and "you're welcome." I missed chatting with my college daughter on the phone. I missed the ability to call my dad. And to exchange quick pleasantries with the flyer in the next seat. My doctor-induced silence felt foreign and borderline rude, apology notes notwithstanding.

Of course, my friends and family had a different viewpoint. My son found my predicament ironically funny since I wrote a book entitled "Talk Less, Say More." Now he's playfully re-titled it "Talk Less, Write More."

How does my laryngitis relate to your influence? More than you'd think. As an executive coach, I witness a world full of people who aren't using their voices. They're withholding when they should be contributing. Sadly, they're being misunderstood and losing opportunities for advancement as a result. Not to mention that their organizations are missing important contributions. Some quick tips:

• Don't be invisible. Get in the game  – contribute with an assertive voice
• A habit of staying silent while decisions are being made damages your credibility
• Withholding well thought-out ideas sabotages your power
• Don't let perfection prevent you from contributing your ideas.
• Think excellence, not perfection.

Others make judgements about your leadership abilities from the way you contribute. People size you up to decide if you merit their support. Use your voice. The alternative is a real pain in the neck.

Then came cancer. 

Doctors hoped to redefine the 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year as Mark Herzlich, cancer survivor. Finished with football, yet alive and well. But Mark disagreed.

He had a goal.

Always ambitious, he was still determined to become Mark Herzlich, NFL linebacker. Cancer be damned. He's my Influencer of the Week because he inspires and models this mindset: A goal is a dream with a deadline.

After his devastating diagnosis of Ewing's Sarcoma, Herzlich set a deadline: September 4, 2010.  That's the date when he would beat his rare form of bone cancer. That's the date when he'd get back on the field at Boston College.

Not only did he accomplish that goal, but he set and reached another goal, and another. That's why he's now Mark Herzlich, New York Giants linebacker. Mark Herzlich, Super Bowl player. Turns out, the former face paint fanatic was not so crazy, after all.

A goal is a dream with a deadline.  Have you set a deadline to make your dreams come true?