Make your mark as a thought leader 🎯
"Thought leadership."
You might read that and think, "Here we go, another buzzword," but it’s much more than that.
Thought leadership is a pathway to self-expression and independence; it also increases your visibility, influence, and confidence. Whether in a corporate role or striking out on your own, establishing yourself as a leading thinker—a shaper of your niche or industry—can dramatically transform your career.
It’s about assertively creating a unique space where your voice and ideas can flourish.🌸
My own initiation into thought leadership began unexpectedly when I was a young consultant at a new firm. Part of my role was to represent the company by applying to speak at least four times a year and submitting articles to business publications.
Wow! I had never faced such a task before. It stretched me beyond my comfort zone, but it was a challenge I will be forever grateful for. It was undoubtedly one of the biggest confidence boosters of my career and has significantly shaped my current path.
But you know what? That journey wasn’t always pretty. I can still remember when an older man pulled me aside after one of my first talks to tell me how I could get my information across better—or the time I lost my train of thought DURING a talk I was giving. And let's not forget the many article and manuscript rejections I’ve received over the years. But all of it (and I mean all of it) has been instrumental to my growth and success.
So what if your company doesn’t require—or support you—in becoming a thought leader?
Simple, do it anyway! Taking assertive action toward thought leadership will sharpen your expertise and build a name and following for yourself that no one can take away.
And your confidence? It may shock you how much it can leap forward! Even if you only have the time to submit two articles a year to your company’s blog or have the opportunity to serve on one conference panel, do it.
Here are some other ways to become a sought-after thought leader, regardless of your current role.
Quick Confidence Tips to Foster Your Thought Leadership:
Interpersonal: Connect with other thinkers and doers. Forging connections with others who are putting themselves out there, from beginners to established folks, is a great way to motivate yourself to keep going. And, of course, to learn and improve! In my own case, other thought leaders have generously made introductions for me, inspired me to tell better stories in speeches, and offered to share some of their processes with me. Now, I enjoy doing the same for others. So, what’s one way you can take a step forward today to connect with someone “who’s been there and done that”?
Embodied: Accept the spotlight. When you put your ideas out there, you become easier to see. This extra visibility means that many people won’t hold back in letting you know how they feel about it. Spoiler alert: it won’t always be good. The key here is to embrace the uncertainty and remember that, like you, others also have their opinions, so it’s best not to take it personally. Over-credentialing yourself to appear more credible on your topic may be tempting, but it’s unnecessary. If you have a perspective that you haven’t seen talked about enough—or a different way of looking at a common issue—that is enough! You are worthy of sharing your two cents, giving a talk, or organizing your insights into an article. You may feel overexposed at times, but having a voice is worth it. Embrace the limelight, knowing everyone else who's been through it has done a little improvising along the way, too!
Mindset: Thought leadership is career insurance. When you become a thought leader known outside the walls of your company, you amplify the volume of who hears about you, your thinking, and your work. And that right there builds powerful networks! That’s meaningful because if your day job goes bye-bye, your network provides a safety net of contacts who recognize you. It can also help you with a career pivot—like it helped me. When I went from corporate consultant to an independent speaker and author, my early thought leadership articles and presentations made it easier to apply for speaking gigs and to pitch book proposals on my own. Whatever your career path, the best return on investment you’ll ever get is the one you make in yourself.
Embarking on a thought leadership journey can transform your career in ways you might not have even imagined. It’s more than just building a reputation; it’s creating lasting impacts and opening doors to new possibilities. So, dive in and let your unique insights lead the way.
Now, I'm curious: What ideas would you like to be known for? What niche are you eager to claim? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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