The Art of Thought Leadership!

Welcome to the first 2024 edition of The BoldType Spotlight. The Art of Thought Leadership: Debunking the myths that surround the title.

After a hiatus of almost 12 months from publishing this newsletter, where I felt stifled and my voice muzzled; I'm sure glad to be back in the editor's seat. Let's just say corporate life doesn't look good on me!

On the upside, in next few months, I look forward to sharing with you some new insights (I learned from my white collar job) and much more. I'll discuss the pros and cons to thought leadership in general, share tips and productivity hacks to help you navigate the uncharted waters if you're an emerging thought leader; or to help you learn how to amplify your voice with authentic authority if you're already one - but are transitioning from your 9-5 job into entrepreneurship.

For now, enjoy this Thought Leadership 101 edition, let's debunk the myths of the trade; to help you lead with your heart, and let your thoughts lead you into greatness!

Most professional experts tend to shy away from the idea of thought leadership:

(a) and rightfully so; because the 'Thought Leader' title is not what you put in on your LinkedIn profile as a title - it's what others call you.

(b) not rightly so; because they don't consider themselves as a 'Thought Leader' because the word leader' in the title is misleading or off putting for them - or at least their 'perceived status'.

In this newsletter, it is my hope to set the record straight, help those of you that are rising stars who are on the journey of embracing it, and support those of you that are established thought leaders to 'walk-the-talk' intentionally.

Myth 1:

Do you have over 10,000 hours experience in your area of expertise with credible authority?

If the answer is YES, then you are a Thought Leader. But let me unpack that. If you have consistently worked in the same field and niched into a specific skill set, clocking over 10,000 hours of expertise in a specific area in your industry - then you are one.

The caveat is that - you must also carry credible authority in this area. Meaning, your experience must be backed up with credentials. By credentials, I don't mean higher education degrees or industry earned Career Development CPD certificates (which are all great and an integral part of your evidence to prove your qualifications) - but remember - you?can be?an expert from hands-on experience only.

Expert credentials also include, verbal / written references or testimonials from peers, third-party endorsements, proof of work like case studies of the work you've done, white papers you've written, and interviews you have taken (if you're an established thought leader), but don't worry about the latter if you're a rising star - your turn will come. In addition to traditional media coverage e.g. press and broadcast; you could also be an 'influencer online' who has written or shared content, for example LinkedIn, that provides value to your network.

Ultimately, having some stackable credentials is the proof that showcases you as the to-go-to expert in your field and backs up your position as an expert who leads the school of thought or 'conversation' in your field. But - hang on - before we go off self-certifying, let's set some boundaries!

In the next few months, I'll unpack what that credibility looks like and how you can apply it to by sharing value adding content on and off line.

Myth 2:

Do you have a visionary mindset that innovates, bucks-the-trend and challenges the status quo in your industry?

Before you go guns blazing wearing the blue hat of thought leadership credentials, let's examine the traits that makes one a Thought Leader.

Having a visionary mindset is one of those traits, but vision alone without action is nothing but a dream! A Visionary on the other hand, acts on their vision by innovating or bucking trends in their industry or space where they have agency. They challenge the status quo, hypothesise on topics to find the best possible solution to problems they face. As a example, when I discovered that there were no award the recognised female change makers who are transforming lives within the gig economy; I stepped up, along with other Female Expert Collaborators to form the Global Ignite Vision & Action awards . GIVA Celebrates Soul Centred and Purpose Driven Women Who Exhibit Care and Concern for Others With Social Responsibility, Leadership and Impact. So That They Can Be Seen. Heard. Empowered S.H.E'Os

As you can see from above example; Thought Leaders are not passive participants who just wish for and expect acknowledgement of their skills to fall into their laps. They have the innate ability of being an authentic expert; who when things go wrong, they step up into their genius zones to trouble shoot and or own up to their mistakes. And when things go right; they step up to the stage and celebrate their wins.

Most importantly, thought leaders are knowledge sharers. They don't hoard knowledge or information; neither do they steal other people's ideas and claim it as their own. Thought leaders are authentic, empathetic and sincere human beings. They lead from the front, centre and the side-lines.

Thought Leaders are passionate about mentoring others and those around them, sharing information for the greater good and are legacy creators. The latter means they create / produce efficacy around their lived experiences and their work always outlives them - long after they're gone.

This is what I've termed as being Unforgettable. Not so you can be corky as the 'one' who did something - but so you can be?quoted?as the one who said something - that resonates with people and sets them into reaction motion to do something with your words. Jennifer Nash

In the next few months, I'll share the best practices of how to own that trait and honour the privilege of being a mentor.

Myth 3:

Are you a disruptor, headline chaser, maker or like to lead in conversations that effect change in you industry?

Ah the movers and shakers! Most people believe that inserting yourself into conversations is rude, showy or disruptive. Well, yes for the latter part - but not for the reason or meaning you derive from it. I mean the other type; i.e. a company or form of technology that causes radical change in an existing industry or market by means of innovation' as in the one discussed in Myth 2.

Thought Leaders are passionate about having conversations that move their industry forward. They chase the right headlines, lead or dissect them and engage in meaningful discourse that effect change for the greater good. They hold themselves accountable to the greater cause and do not shy away from being vulnerable or transparent.

Thought Leaders are not afraid of being alone, but they also inspire confidence in others to follow. However, just because they're leaders doesn't mean they don't listen. If anything - thought leaders are keen learners, great listeners and sponges of information. They soak up a lot of information that they then use to solve?'The What If'?problems that most people are too afraid to ask or interrogate.

Thought Leaders in simple terms are?Masterminds ?that lead others in a thought process;?while embracing harmony with other minds. ?Jennifer Nash

In the next few months, I'll discuss the pros and cons to thought leadership tips and productivity hacks to:

• help you navigate the uncharted waters if you're an emerging thought leader.
• help you learn how to amplify your voice with authentic authority if you're already one.

Until then, lead with your heart, and let your thoughts lead you into greatness! Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. If you found it helpful, do?engage,?comment?and?share for awareness.

Missed my other newsletter edition? Read The Ignite Newsletter here!

Dare-To-Be Unforgettable!

As always, I’m looking for social impact authentic stories! If you are one or you know someone who is a BOLD TYPE re-imagining or challenging the status quo as a thought leader in any industry – please do feel free to introduce us via DM.

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I bid you light and abundance! Stay Bold and beautiful.

Warm Hugs, Jennifer xoxo ??

P.s. #sharingiscaring #thoutleadership #pr >>> LIKE, COMMENT AND SHARE ?? Thank you!