WorkLife series - What's your claim to fame?

I am overwhelmed every day with the experts I meet. Am I that lucky that I'm surrounded by experts and thought leaders? Or is it merely as a matter of fact, that the person in front of me is more experienced than I am in that subject matter. That's for sure. During my years in my capacity as a Deals Advisor, but also through my close friends' work stories, this has been a recurring theme. Some people trying to piggy-back on the asymmetry of information within a company and towards their clients, to serve their own ego and gain short-lived visibility.

When sometimes you feel that you are far more or at least as knowledgeable as that person on stage. Does it itch you? Is the game worth to play? And when do you decide to step it up and claim yourself as the Subject Matter Expert? I gave it a try, sometimes at my own expense, yet it was an edifying experience.

I took the time and pleasure to reflect about this, and I'll be sharing my thoughts with you, and also some anecdotes (judging from the views I had of my previous article, I think we all like anecdotes).

On a side note, I had my doubts (once again) about publishing as I wasn't sure how you could relate to it. While I was polishing it in the evening, I overheard my husband's heated phone conversation about the exact same situation taking place at his workplace. So in the end, it seems we are all facing it. So here we go.

Psychologist Anders Ericsson first emitted the idea that spending 10,000 hours on a certain topic, practicing and reading makes you an expert. This means that if you have worked 40 hrs a week, 42 weeks a year, you would become an expert after 5,5 years of experience. This idea is discussed at large by Malcom Gladwell in his book 'Outliers'.

My point is not to have a book review here. There's also the more conservative view that defines it in more secular ways. You can take the time to browse the book on ideas and definitions.

One of my ex-colleagues 'gently' reminded me of the definition of Thought Leadership when I went forward discussing with our marketing team about publishing an article about a topic where we collaborated at a client. He was certainly more knowledgeable about the legal and political aspects of it. I was more into the business valuation and financial structuring. For once that I took my courage and pushed myself out of my comfort zone, I faced this huge wall of incomprehension. My coach used to tell me, show your assets, don't be too humble about it. So I've done, in the beginning with very limited conviction, but when I got the push back I decided that I will not drop the ball. Especially that my original intention was never to go behind his back (by now you know it's a man!). Needless to say, I never got the chance to explain this, and when I did, it was too late.

So coming back to the definition of Thought Leadership which reads as an individual or firm that is recognized as an authority in a specialized field and whose expertise is sought and often rewarded. With all modesty, I didn't see why this did not apply to me in that particular situation. I also knew, from my bosses, that in terms of specific valuation topics, I was considered to be one of the most senior (if not the most) in this area within our group. On a Saturday morning, I had a 1,000 words email listing arguments why I wasn't that. Not only, the email was using inappropriate language and threats to convince me to stop working on the article. Ill-mannered expressions flourished the email. I was in shock and then very angry it. I clearly saw that it hit a nerve. I felt like an activist for 2 seconds and then like s*** for the rest of the day. I could choose to play the politics of it or not, but this wasn't me? Luckily, my boss at the time showed great support. I really valued his input and 'tactical' wisdom. The compromise was to publish a co-written article. This was not the first time I had ego resistance regarding names in publications and where most of the work, if not all, was done by me.

At first, I was mainly upset about a colleague not valuing my input, then I wondered, would it be the same reaction if I were a man? As I don't want to steer this post into a feminist one, I let you answer this question from your standpoint.

Another time, we were approached by a conference organiser to present at a conference about a specific valuations topic. For whatever reason (and luckily), I found myself included in this mailing list. And it was a hot potato. Based on my assessment, the recipients of the email saw two problems to be dealt with; first speaking publicly and second speaking about valuations. I don't have to hide that I was very excited to have one of them designate me as the right person. I sat tight and waited for it. After one week of back and forth, no one saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

So I took my courage again and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I asked my boss then, "whose going to present?". He went "Well, I don't have time for this. And X is not really into this topic. Z could do it but is not interested". So I jumped on it: "And what about me? I would like to do it. Plus all other competitors will be represented. If we don't show up, what does it say about us" It worked, to some extent... as I had to prepare for it in my 'free time'.

Needless to say that I poured all my time and energy on evenings and early mornings preparing my speech. It wasn't a global conference with thousands of people, but it was with a select number of people who really mattered to me as they are part of my professional community. So it had to make sense to them, and also be impactful. I was excited. I think I had my issues speaking publicly; but most of all, I had so much fun being there. The messages I received afterwards from the attendees were beyond overwhelming. I went there like a nobody, I didn't know anyone, not even the chair of the event. He actually turned out to be my best supporter, together with his executive assistant. I thought I was on my own, but I actually had friends in the room, so I didn't need to bring anyone with me.

Sometimes it's a lonely walk. The walk to the stage or the email you receive during the weekend. Thinking back about it, it was stressful and uncomfortable, but I would't have done it any differently. Now that water is under the bridge, I have my piece of mind about it. One thing for sure, it would not happen if you don't push your boundaries and other have to adjust for you. That's your claim for fame. That is to say, be a 'wise expert' yourself and critical in assessing the 'expertise' of your surroundings.

Sincerely yours,

Hind