How do you coach thought leaders in your field?

Given my experience in the Tech sector, it's relatively easy to be a standout from the peer group. Most practitioners are not customer-centric, and so they lack the outside-in perspective. That said, I help senior executives focus more on the customer experience, which can enable them to find their niche in the marketplace. Plus, there is a much larger demand for business outcome orientation, rather than product-centricity. Be bold, be brave, dare to be different.

Without a focus and vision of what you want to create many would be thought leaders have been dashed against the rocks. A thought leader first must have a uniqueness. Usually it is a unique perspective, but to be honest most who aspire to this title have had one good idea that sets them apart. That isn’t a business. It could be a uniqueness of platform. They know their tribe, they have a tech stack to support magnifying their message. They have an advantage, others may share the same ‘unique’ idea. They have a unique voice. To truly be a leader you need to fully embrace your message. The true thought leader can overcome all barriers if they come from service to others not being self serving and just serving their egoic tendencies.

I suggest a fast and slow approach to identifying your niche and value proposition. If you think you have it right then act quickly to test it with your colleagues. Ask for specific feedback. If you're unsure, take the slow approach and reflect on what it might be. And don't expect to get it right the first time. It will evolve. There is also a vital step many people don't consider - you have to step into your niche and own your unique position. Again, this might be fast or slow. Remember, in becoming a thought leader you are shifting from expert to teacher. This will take some adjustment until you get your sea legs.

The most important part of the personal branding process is to get feedback from their network to understand how they are seen, how they are experienced, and what about them is memorable. This surveying is critical to forge a more solid, niche and relevant thought leadership brand for themselves. This has always been a huge part of my coaching process for thought leaders. Learn about yourself and you will learn more about others and where you can create impact.

The most important and best way to build trust as a thought leader and build awareness of your expertise is by putting content out there. You start conversations, demonstrate your knowledge, and create a brand consistency behind who you are, what you stand for in your industry. Get started right away.

I challenge thought leaders to unlearn their expertise! In a field where knowledge rules, true innovation stems from questioning foundational assumptions and exploring knowledge gaps. I guide them to foster a beginner's mindset, encourage exploration beyond their established domain & radical cross-fertilization. By disrupting their cognitive status quo, we unlock new perspectives and catalyze breakthrough ideas. My role is to provoke critical thinking, pushing thought leaders to step outside their intellectual comfort zones and confront the unknown. This approach not only differentiates their thought leadership but also ensures their insights remain at the cutting edge, continuously evolving with the complexity and dynamism of our world.

I use the celebration of "wins" as a best practice when coaching thought leaders. When a leader can see and celebrate the ways in which they're winning, it will help them meet challenges from a healthier perspective. Instead of seeing challenges as a negative, they see challenges as opportunities for the next win.

I coach my clients to apply Critical Thinking skills, and not be afraid to expose an "Inconvenient Truth" that others avoid because it may be a controversial point of view. Having leading thoughts sometimes means you dare to take risks, knowing that being Fearless tends to be a valued quality in a human being. Always "Playing it Safe" is commonplace and status quo. Therefore, I coach leaders to seek a different path and thereby become remarkable.