What do you do if you're seeking career transitions in Thought Leadership and need mentorship?

"Thought leadership" isn't a job, career, or profession. It's an earned title from others. I doubt, for example, that anyone decides to "study to become an icon" or majors in it at school! Focus on delivering outstanding results, extending your expertise into the "public square," and creating new, pragmatic intellectual property continually. People may then call you a "thought leader." But, frankly, you're far better off being called a "results leader." I'm not all that interested in your thinking, I'm interested in how I improve as a result of applying it.

Before switching within do a thorough assessment of the transition you intend to make. Once done understand the target audience & your connect. Participate in workshops ,seminars and try to establish a connect with experts. Look for individuals who have achieved success in the field of thought leadership and whose expertise aligns with your goals. This could include authors, speakers, industry experts, or professionals with a strong online presence. Follow leading linkedin post authors , establish connect & seek guidance. Join industry forums or focused groups in linkedin. Once you've established a mentorship relationship, be sure to show appreciation for your mentor's time, guidance, and support

Imagine you're setting sail on a journey to become a thought leader. Before you cast off, it's crucial to map your destination. What are the specific waters you want to navigate? Are you aiming to be the lighthouse, guiding others through industry challenges? Or perhaps you envision yourself as a skilled captain, sharing valuable insights and inspiring innovation? Knowing your goals is like having a clear chart. It helps you find the perfect mentor, someone who can provide the specific guidance you need. It also allows you to communicate your aspirations effectively, ensuring a smooth and productive mentorship voyage.

Before identifying your goals you need to clarify your WHY. A mentor will assess your willingness to go through the challenging journey of becoming a thought leader by the strenth of your WHY.

Seeking mentorship in transitioning to Thought Leadership involves defining your goals, identifying potential mentors, and networking to build relationships. Reach out strategically to professionals in your field, expressing admiration for their work and requesting guidance. Be open to feedback, set clear expectations, and continuously learn through resources and personal branding efforts. Remember that mentorship is a reciprocal relationship requiring commitment and proactive engagement to succeed.

"Start with the end in mind" Stephen Covey's insightful direction from his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", provides a perfect starting place when considering transition of any kind. Two important questions to ask yourself before beginning to seek out a mentor are: 1. Why am I considering a transition? 2. In a perfect world what does it look like when I get there? These questions will help you narrow down your search for a mentor, because you're only going to be looking for a mentor who either has what you want, or who is already where you want to be. Then the question is, who among those potential mentors is going to be the best fit to help you do what you need to do, and get where you want to go?

Cultivate your pool of mentors to illuminate the path ahead in your leadership journey. Have you actively sought out those whose journeys inspire you? How extensively are you leveraging your networks, both online and offline, to discover mentors who align with your aspirations? Are you engaging in industry events and forums not just as a participant, but as a seeker of wisdom? Think about the last time you reached out for guidance—did it open a new avenue for growth or a deeper understanding of your potential?

Find the right mentor for YOU. Look for leaders who have a track record of results. Read their work and see if you connect with their way of seeing the world. A mentor-mentee relationship is not all about taking but also giving. How can you enhance and contribute to a mentor's journey?

Open your heart to establish an engaging mentorship relationship that bridges knowledge with genuine connection. How carefully are you crafting your outreach? Are your messages reflecting a true appreciation for potential mentors’ contributions and a clear reason for your interest? Have you considered the balance between expressing admiration and proposing a collaborative path forward? When was the last time your approach to seeking guidance mirrored the respect and value you hope to receive?

This step is essential. I would also suggest providing some form of value upfront. For instance, if your prospective mentor is active on LinkedIn, engage meaningfully with their posts. Comment thoughtfully and contribute to the discussions they initiate. Show that you appreciate their insights and are eager to learn from them. This can establish your presence and interest beyond a simple connection request, making them more likely to appreciate your outreach for mentorship.

While setting your expectations for the mentorship, it's of equal importance to understand your mentor's expectations too. Engage them in conversation about their prospective fulfillment from this relationship. Ask what results they hope to see and their timeline for these outcomes. This not only demonstrates your commitment to the process, but also ensures mutual satisfaction. Also, inquire about potential pitfalls that could jeopardize the mentorship. Understanding their past experiences with mentees can help you avoid common mistakes, promoting a more effective and rewarding mentorship for both parties.

A mentorship relationship is an opportunity for continuous learning and growth. Be open to feedback and new perspectives from your mentor, even when they challenge your views or comfort zone. Embrace these instances as opportunities to broaden your mindset and develop a more well-rounded perspective. You can also learn from your mentor's experiences and mistakes. Ask them about the challenges they've faced throughout their career, the lessons they've learned, and how they handled failures or setbacks. Their wisdom and insights can help you navigate similar situations in your own journey, and avoid potential pitfalls.

Also reflect on how these cookie cutter AI-generated questions provide little to no value and will do nothing to improve your status as a thought leader (like that's even a thing to become). Thought leadership is not an evolving field, and flexibility only matters insomuch as it matters to achieving ANY career goal, which makes this point meaningless. If you want people to value what you think, show them how your ideas result in greater revenue (and more importantly, profit) through improved customer experiences.

I have been advocating affordable, sustainable, and reliable electricity for India for almost a decade. Infrastructure growth & power have positive correlation with GDP. As the country is growing towards $7 trillion economy by 2030, affordable energy will be crucial for the sustained economic success. To change my passion, purpose and adopt a new thought leadership would need me to reinvent my purpose. Look for another passion that I personally believe in I use my purpose to ignite the full potential of people, and typically that happens via a purpose driven conversation. Hence if I chose my next thought leadership, I will ask myself what is in it for me, for the business and for the society, and start building upon it. Unlearn and learn

Define your niche: Identify a specific industry issue you're passionate about and can offer fresh insights on. Build a platform: Start a blog, podcast, or contribute to industry publications. Share your unique perspective! Network with established thought leaders: Attend conferences, join online communities, and connect via social media. Seek a mentor: Look for someone who's made a successful thought leadership transition in your field. Industry associations or leadership programs can be good starting points. Showcase your expertise: Pitch article ideas, speak at events, and actively engage in online discussions. Remember, building thought leadership takes time and consistent effort.

When I think of "thought leadership," it is specific to the role of public relations in elevating executive voices. In this case, "thought leadership" seems to be more around becoming a creator or influencer, which would be the clearer terms. If the latter, then as my partners at Later are fond of saying, "Anyone with a smart phone can be a creator." There are a bevy of resources available - from podcasts to scheduling tools to classes hosted by other well known creators. My sole advice for that path is consistency and volume. Just get started and begin posting.