Leveraging Thought Leadership | Jen Cohen | 283

In this episode, Kate Bravery, the Global Leader of Advisory, Knowledge, and Insights at Mercer, discusses the importance of thought leadership in today's workforce. Kate, also a co-author of the book "Work Different: 10 Truths for Winning in the People Age," shares insights into her roles at Mercer, including leading the Talent Advisory practice globally. She emphasizes the significance of thought leadership in bringing new perspectives to clients, particularly in the areas of health, wealth, and career.

Kate highlights the integration of thought leadership into both 
internal and external practices, stressing the importance of aligning language and ideas to foster genuine conversations and feedback with clients. She emphasizes the need for compelling thought leadership that resonates with both internal teams and external audiences.

Furthermore, Kate provides valuable insights into the setup of thought leadership functions within organizations, emphasizing the need to consider placement, ownership, and measurement of success. Unlike traditional functions, thought leadership can sit in various areas depending on the organization's structure, in Mercer's case, within global business solutions with a reporting line to strategy.

This episode offers practical advice for organizations seeking to
enhance their thought leadership capabilities and drive innovation in the ever-evolving workforce landscape.

Three Key Takeaways:
* Thought leadership can serve as a vehicle for challenging traditional perspectives and bringing new insights to clients, ultimately enabling organizations to tackle persistent challenges in innovative ways.

* It is important to align language and ideas internally and externally to foster genuine conversations with clients and drive meaningful feedback loops.

*  When setting up thought leadership functions, consider placement, ownership, and metrics for success.

In this episode of the podcast series on bridging the researcher/practitioner public divide, Dr. Priya Nalkur, president of
the Round Table Institute and author of "Stumbling Towards Inclusion: Finding Grace in Imperfect," shares insights on bridging theory and practice. Dr. Nalkur emphasizes the importance of language in communication, advocating for accessibility and authenticity by embracing diverse vocabulary and genres. She encourages individuals to find their unique voice, navigating the discomfort of being different and the fear of not being accepted. Moreover, she discusses the significance of audience engagement and dialogue, highlighting the value of listening to diverse perspectives even amidst resistance.

The conversation delves into Dr. Nalkur's upcoming book, which
champions the idea that imperfection is inherent to humanity. She
likens relationships to icebergs, with much depth hidden beneath the surface, and advocates for vulnerability and courage in acknowledging mistakes and repairing relationships. Furthermore, the framework of adaptive challenge in coaching and organizational work is explored, distinguishing between technical and adaptive challenges. Dr. Nalkur emphasizes the necessity of adapting to change, learning from experiments, and embracing life's lessons to navigate complex challenges effectively.

Originally conceived as a companion to workshops, the book expanded in scope due to her publisher's interest in personal details like the origin of her workshop. Dr. Nalkur shares the excitement surrounding ongoing dialogues sparked by the book, even in the pre-order phase. Continuing research has led to the identification of eight common stumbling blocks for leaders, with an accompanying assessment on her website to aid readers in overcoming these obstacles. Through the podcast, Dr. Nalkur provides valuable insights into fostering inclusive communication, embracing imperfection, and navigating adaptive challenges in both personal and professional contexts.

Three Key Takeaways:

* To bridge the gap between researchers and practitioners we need to be aware of the language we use and how to use inclusive language.

* Vulnerability and courage are the keys to owning mistakes, learning from them, and allowing others to do the same.

* By listening and understanding diverse perspectives even in the face of resistance you can gain a powerful and new understanding of a situation or problem.

In this podcast episode, we venture into the intricate world of
ghostwriting with AJ Harper, a seasoned editor, and publishing
strategist who helps authors write transformational books that enable them to build relationships, grow their brands, and make a significant impact on the world.

Ghostwriting, a term often shrouded in misconceptions, is dissected to reveal its multifaceted nature, shedding light on the diverse roles a ghostwriter can assume. AJ underscores the importance of understanding that ghostwriting is an umbrella term with no standardized regulations, urging aspiring authors to exercise caution and discernment in their collaborations.

Central to the conversation is the collaborative essence of
ghostwriting. AJ shares how a skilled ghostwriter can serve as a guiding force, refining the author's concepts and intellectual
property while remaining attuned to their vision for the book.
Contrary to the misconception that ghostwriters simply pen entire
books in isolation, AJ emphasizes that most engagements involve a symbiotic relationship aimed at honing the author's message,
understanding their audience, and ensuring the book fulfills its
promise.

As the conversation unfolds, AJ offers invaluable insights into
optimizing outcomes with a ghostwriter. From clarifying book
fundamentals to incorporating contractual safeguards such as exit
clauses and rewrite provisions, authors are equipped with practical strategies to navigate the ghostwriting process effectively.

Furthermore, AJ underscores the paramount importance of long-term book marketing—a facet often overlooked by aspiring authors. By emphasizing the need for sustained promotional efforts spanning several years, AJ empowers authors to harness the full potential of their literary endeavors.

In essence, this podcast episode serves as a beacon of guidance for aspiring authors navigating the labyrinth of ghostwriting. Through AJ Harper's illuminating insights and practical wisdom, listeners are empowered to embark on their literary journeys with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Highlights:

* Ghostwriting involves collaboration to refine concepts, understand readers, and meet the author's goals, emphasizing clarity in book fundamentals.

* Authors must be prepared for long-term marketing efforts, nurturing their books for several years beyond publication to maximize benefits.

*  It's crucial to ask the right questions and seek referrals when
choosing a ghostwriter, ensuring they have relevant experience in the author's genre.

In this podcast episode, Thought Leadership Leverage Founder and CEO Peter Winick and COO Bill Sherman engage in an extensive exploration of the realm of enterprise thought leadership, drawing from their wealth of experience in the field. They dissect the crucial frameworks and models required to seamlessly integrate thought leadership into large organizations. Highlighting the evolving demand for meticulously researched and validated content over mere opinion-based insights, they stress the importance of aligning thought leadership endeavors
with the strategic objectives of the enterprise.

Moving beyond theoretical discussions, Winick and Sherman explore the practicalities of scaling thought leadership within corporate landscapes. They underscore the fundamental distinction between catering to end-users and economic buyers, emphasizing the imperative of delivering actionable and measurable ideas tailored to meet the diverse needs of large organizations. Their insights shed light on the necessity of adapting thought leadership strategies to accommodate
high-volume, low-ticket sales approaches, are crucial for penetrating vast enterprises and ensuring widespread adoption of transformative ideas.

The conversation culminates in an exploration of emerging trends
reshaping enterprise buying behaviors and presenting new opportunities for thought leaders. From the advent of "train-the-trainer" models to the integration of additional needs into core programs, Winick and Sherman dissect the complexities of these trends and offer strategic insights into navigating integration deals effectively. They underscore the critical importance of aligning thought leadership initiatives with tangible business outcomes, highlighting the need to demonstrate how intellectual property can directly contribute to revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and overall organizational success.

Three Key Takeaways:

* Thought Leadership has to be validated when taking it to large
organizations. More and more companies are seeing the importance of consistency and credibility that are found in validated models.

* When scaling our thought leadership for the enterprise level don't get fixated with the end-user.  Remember the needs of the economic buyer can be very different and when dealing with the organization the pains of the economic buyer have to be your focus.

* Trends in frameworks and models don't change as fast as fashion but you still need to be aware of where the industry is going and move with it.

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Robin Daniels, the Chief Business and Product Officer at LMS365, to embark on a profound exploration of thought leadership in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and software companies. With a career adorned with pivotal roles in various tech enterprises, Robin brings forth a wealth of experience and insights.

Throughout the discussion, Robin unveils the pivotal role that thought leadership plays in the trajectory of tech firms. He emphasizes the transcendence of competition beyond mere product features, underscoring the imperative for companies to anchor themselves in a higher purpose. It's this alignment with a broader mission, Robin suggests, that fosters enduring connections with customers and stakeholders.

A particularly enlightening segment of the discussion revolves around the role of internal champions in driving organizational success.  Robin shares how cultivating a culture of empowerment and trust can transform employees into passionate advocates for the company's vision. These internal evangelists, he argues, are instrumental in securing high-stakes deals and fostering organic growth.

Three Key Takeaways:
* Companies often compete at the feature or product level, but if you want to stand the test of time you have to stand for something bigger.

* Moving from evangelizing to evangelizing through is a massive step, that takes time and trust but can have huge rewards.

* People are social media are not looking to be sold to.  If you want your thought leadership to catch on find the things you are passionate and knowledgable about and speak to those.

In this episode, we sit down with Russell Kern, a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, author, and speaker renowned for his expertise in organizational development and the transformative potential of effective coaching. As the founder of Kern and Partners, Russell has dedicated himself to optimizing human capital and empowering high-performance teams.

Russell shares his insights on leveraging thought leadership to drive business growth through education, embracing the philosophy of "Give to get." Rather than focusing solely on brand recognition, Russell emphasizes the importance of addressing the immediate problems and
challenges faced by his audience.

He likens his thought leadership to "pain magnets," aiming to provide relief and solutions to pressing issues. Russell emphasizes the need for practical, actionable content that facilitates skill mastery and drives behavior change.

Distinguishing thought leadership and content marketing, Russell highlights the importance of credibility and relevance in thought leadership. He underscores the need for visually engaging,
quick-hitting content that captivates and excites the audience, whether it's through traditional mediums or emerging platforms like TikTok.

Join us as we explore the strategies behind effective thought leadership and learn how to craft compelling content that resonates with your audience in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

Three Key Takeaways:
* You can draw in your target audience by creating thought leadership that not only speaks to their problems at the moment but also provides the promise of a solution.

* Smaller firms can benefit immensely from investing in thought leadership, allowing them to punch above their weight class.

* Effective thought leadership needs to grab the audience's attention. Make sure it is visually compelling and quick-hitting.

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Harding, the Founder & CEO of HSP Group, Inc., a renowned provider of solutions for companies venturing into the global expansion market. Larry sheds light on the complexities and surprises that often accompany international expansion efforts.

Larry explains that many clients underestimate the challenges of global expansion, emphasizing the mantra "you don't know what you don't know." HSP Group assists companies in managing various aspects of their global footprint, from finance and accounting to legal compliance and human resources. Despite clients' initial interest in expanding overseas, they often come to realize the intricacies involved and the need for expert guidance.

Drawing from his own experiences, Larry discusses the genesis of HSP Group. Frustrated by the inefficiencies and challenges faced during his tenure as a finance professional overseeing international expansions, Larry recognized the necessity for a dedicated company to
address these issues comprehensively.

Targeting fast-growing companies lacking infrastructure or experience, HSP Group aims to be a trusted resource for CFOs and venture capitalists navigating global expansion. Larry emphasizes the importance of thought leadership and establishing credibility within the industry. Through strategic partnerships with legal and financial professionals and by utilizing their own services internally, HSP Group builds trust and demonstrates its expertise in managing global operations.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of global expansion and the crucial role of education and expertise in ensuring success.

Eric Siegel is a seasoned consultant with more than twenty years of experience with machine learning. In today's podcast, Eric shares insights from his best-selling book, "Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die," and his second book, "The AI Playbook."

Having taught AI and machine learning at Columbia, he expresses frustration at the underutilization of machine learning. His mission with "The AI Playbook" is to bridge the gap between data scientists and business professionals, emphasizing the need for a customized process, discipline, and playbook for successful machine learning projects.

The conversation delves into the misconception surrounding AI and machine learning, emphasizing the importance of planning for business outcomes and operational changes from the project's inception. The guest stresses that the value of AI lies not in its cool factor but in successful deployment.

Discussing his second book, he reflects a focus on preorders and an emphasis on podcasts, he shares his strategy for getting the book into the hands of Fortune 500 stakeholders vested in machine learning success.

Tune in for an insightful journey into the world of predictive analytics, AI deployment, and the passion that fuels success in the realm of thought leadership.

Three Key Takeaways:

·         Business professionals must gain some technical knowledge to establish a standardized practice for machine learning.

·         Understand the use case – what is predicted and how it’s acted upon are the cornerstone of driving value in machine learning projects.

·         AI and machine learning are powerful tools but don’t get lost in the wonder of them.  Stay focused on what you need them to do for you.

Organizations often talk about having a culture of innovation.

But what does that look like?

To explore innovation and how to achieve transformative breakthroughs I’ve invited Kim Christfort to join me.  Kim is the Chief Innovation Leader and National Managing Director of Deloitte Greenhouse Experience, where they work to spark new thinking, accelerate decision-making, and build long-term business development.

Kim shares how her background in theatre and science gave her a love for problem-solving and interacting with people, but it wasn’t until she created her position at Deloitte for herself that she could fully incorporate her creative side.

The Deloitte Greenhouse Experience is not just a space, it is an experience, a stage where Kim can set the environment to diagnose what is holding the group back and activate the brain through immersion to create momentum and opportunity to break through the barriers that are holding you back.

For ten years Kim and her team have been working with people, teams, and leaders to achieve breakthroughs but have never codified or packaged the research and data they have been doing.  This was the catalyst for Kim’s book The Breakthrough Manifesto which acts as a field guide for leaders and organizations to act, join the movement, and achieve breakthroughs that can fundamentally shift the way an organization thinks and operates.

Three Key Takeaways:

·         A good metric for thought leadership is repeat usage.  If people continue to come back time and again, investing their time and money they must be seeing value from it.

·         Moments are all around us.  They are opportunities.  Thought leadership can have a huge role in making those opportunities visible to clients.

·         Thought leadership that can become a movement is powerful. Those who believe in your ideas will become your biggest and loudest champions.

When complex topics come up, thought leaders typically have a list of usual suspects we can turn to for information.

However, by continually going to these same sources you might become repetitive and miss out on new and important perspectives.

To explore why these old habits can be detrimental and how we can overcome our presets I’ve invited Watchen Nyanue Hampton to join me.  Watchen is the Founder and CEO of I Choose the Ladder, a boutique consulting firm in Chicago that does work at the intersection of talent culture and strategy.

Watchen starts us off by discussing how our defaults could be drowning out other voices and perspectives that could potentially be advantageous to your business.  Further, she shares how breaking that cycle can only happen with conscious and thoughtful effort.

Finding new voices that want to step into the spotlight can be difficult.  Watchen explains how finding them can only happen by getting to know people as people, by humanizing the way we interact with others in our personal and professional spaces.  Asking questions and being genuinely interested in others can help them feel seen and heard, which will have a massive impact on how they work and the pride they feel.

Watchen shows how elevating others in thought leadership and using your own power to share the spotlight can be good for retention, succession planning, and reaching wider audiences through wider conversations that you otherwise might never have been aware of.

Three Key Takeaways:

·         If you are in a leadership role it is your job to know the people who you are leading.

·         Be intentional about the way you craft your life and your career.  Always know that you have a choice.

·         If you are not part of the community and are aware of the conversations that are going on, you are never going to think about engaging them.