06 Jul WHAT IS THOUGHT LEADERSHIP? A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND FUTURIST’S TAKE
What is thought leadership? Keynote speakers and futurists the world over continue to weigh in on the topic. While it’s been posited that there’s no single definition that fits every context and scenario, as professional thought leadership keynote speakers and providers, here’s a quick take on the definition.
According to our friends at Western Governors’ University, it’s defined as “the expression of ideas that demonstrate you have expertise in a particular field, area, or topic.” It’s a fine opening take on the subject, which effectively refers to the sharing of insights and ideas – especially in a public context in a way that challenges others to look at or consider topics from a different angle. Naturally, this makes sense, if you consider that the objective of thought leadership keynote speakers and futurists is often to prompt organizations to think in new and different ways.
However, some have also defined thought leadership as a type of content marketing where you tap into the talent, experience, and passion inside your business, or from your community, to consistently answer the biggest questions on the minds of your target audience, especially with regards to a particular topic. Under this definition, it’s basically the act of positioning oneself or a business as a voice of authority and a go-to resource within a specific field or industry.
To this extent, thought leadership can be established through a variety of methods, including but not limited to: Publishing research, writing insightful articles, speaking at conferences or engaging in discussions on social media. Many now pursue this path, given that thought leaders are often sought after for their opinions and insights, and generally tend to be seen as trailblazers and/or influencers within their field.
However, as any thought leadership keynote speaker can tell you, the objective is not only to increase awareness and visibility but also to build credibility and trust, drive conversation and innovation and ultimately, to influence decision-making among target audiences. Doing so can lead to business growth and opportunities as well as personal career advancement. Bearing this in mind, it’s also important to note that thought leadership isn’t about selling or self-promotion; rather, it’s about providing valuable insights and perspectives that help others understand and navigate complex issues.
And there you have it – some possible definitions in a nutshell, and a practice that continues to grow in popularity and prominence with each passing day.
