Episodes
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What happens when a philosopher, a pyrotechnics entrepreneur, and a tech ethicist walk into a boardroom? You get Reid Blackmanâauthor of "Ethical Machines", host of a podcast by the same name, and founder of Virtue, a consultancy helping Fortune 500 companies navigate the ethical risks of AI. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, we explore the collision of ethics, emerging tech, and organizational complexity.
Reid shares his unorthodox journey from selling fireworks out of a Honda to advising top executives on responsible AI. He discusses how AI creeps into organizations like a Trojan horseâthrough HR, marketing, and internal developmentâbringing serious ethical challenges with it. Reid explains why frameworks are often oversimplified tools, why every client engagement must be bespoke, and why most companies still donât know who should own AI risk.
We dive into the business realities of AI risk management, the importance of moving fast in low-risk sectors like CPG, and the surprising reluctance of high-risk industries like healthcare to embrace AI. Reid also outlines how startups and tech-native firms often underestimate the need for ethical oversight, and why thatâs a gamble few can afford.
If you want to understand how to future-proof your brandâs reputation in an AI-driven worldâor just love a good story about risk-taking, philosophy, and Led Zeppelin-fueled entrepreneurshipâthis is the episode for you.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠AI Risk Is Organizational, Not Just Technical
Ethical AI risk isnât the sole responsibility of the CIO or tech teamâit's a company-wide issue. AI often enters through non-technical departments like HR or marketing, creating reputational and legal risks that leadership must manage proactively.
⢠Frameworks Are OverratedâBespoke Solutions Win
Reid challenges the reliance on generic frameworks in thought leadership. Instead, he emphasizes the need for bespoke, agile solutions that are deeply informed by organizational structure, goals, and readiness.
⢠Reputation Drives Readiness for Ethical AI
Large brands in low-risk sectors (like CPG) are often quicker to adopt ethical AI practices because the reputational stakes are high. In contrast, high-risk sectors (like healthcare) are slower due to the complexity and fear surrounding AI implementation.
If the episode with Reid Blackman sparked your interest in the ethical implications of thought leadership in rapidly evolving fields like AI, then youâll find a compelling parallel in our conversation with Linda Fisher Thornton. Linda dives into the broader responsibilities of thought leaders to ensure their content is not just smart, but also ethical, inclusive, and meaningful. While Reid examines AI as a fast-moving ethical challenge that demands bespoke, responsible oversight, Linda zooms out to highlight how thought leadership, in any domain, must be built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and long-term value creation. Both episodes challenge leaders to do more than informâthey must lead with conscience and intention. Listen to Lindaâs episode to explore how ethics canâand mustâbe the throughline of every thought leadership strategy. -
How do you prepare a first-time leader to succeed when everyoneâs watching?
In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Bill speaks with Noel Massie, former VP of US Operations at UPS and author of the upcoming book "Congrats, You've Been Promoted "(June 2025). Noel spent his distinguished career at UPS mentoring new leaders and guiding them through the challenging transition from individual contributor to manager. Recognizing a critical gap in available resources specifically designed for newly promoted frontline leaders, he decided to write the book he wished he'd had earlier in his career.
Noel introduces powerful frameworks, including the "4 by 5 method" and the "BEST principle," designed to help young leaders navigate complex leadership moments confidently. Drawing on his experiencesâsuch as leading teams where individuals often had decades more experienceâhe highlights the essential role clear communication and defined expectations play in managing teams effectively.
Throughout our conversation, Noel underscores the responsibility of seasoned executives to engage directly with frontline staff, nurturing the next generation of leaders through active mentorship. He shares personal stories that reveal why mentorship and leadership development became not just his professional focus, but his enduring passion long after retirement.
This episode offers invaluable insights for leaders at any stage, emphasizing that great leadership is fundamentally about investing in others.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Leadership Development Requires Intentionality - Effective leadership doesn't happen by accident. Leaders must intentionally communicate their values, clearly define expectations, and invest in ongoing training, especially for newly promoted managers stepping into challenging roles for the first time.
⢠Mentorship is Central to Successful Leadership - Great leaders actively mentor their teams, engaging directly with individuals regardless of their position within the organization. Noel emphasizes that the greatest legacy a leader can leave is measured by the success of the leaders they help develop.
⢠Practical Frameworks Empower New Leaders - Noel's "4 by 5 method" and "BEST principle" offer structured, actionable guidance for handling difficult leadership moments. These frameworks help young leaders maintain control, build their confidence, and foster positive team dynamicsâcritical elements for successful frontline leadership.
If you enjoyed this conversation on how to successfully prepare new leaders and the importance of mentorship, I highly recommend going back to our very first episode featuring Chester Elton. Chester dives deep into how recognition, mentorship, and intentional leadership practices shape thriving organizational cultures. Together, these two episodes offer powerful insights and actionable strategies for building and supporting effective leaders at every level of your organization. -
Episodes manquant?
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How do you build genuine trust when AI-driven automation floods our lives?
In this engaging episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, I sit down with Ashley Faus, author of "Human Centred Marketing: How to Connect with Audiences in the Age of AI", to explore the irreplaceable role of authentic human connection in today's tech-heavy marketing landscape. Ashley argues that while AI can streamline content creation and amplify messaging, the core elements of trustâauthenticity, empathy, and credibilityâcan only be forged through real human interactions.
We discuss practical ways marketers can move beyond outdated funnel approaches, introducing Ashley's innovative "Content Playground" framework, designed to engage audiences dynamically rather than forcing them down a rigid path. Ashley also shares insights on her "Four Pillars of Thought Leadership," providing a clear structure for developing credible, authentic voices that stand out even in a crowded digital space.
Highlighting real-world examples, Ashley demonstrates how AI often falls short in understanding nuanced human preferences and emotions, reinforcing the need for marketers to maintain strong, direct relationships with their audiences. Ultimately, she makes a compelling case for why embracing our human quirks and personal authenticity is essential for lasting audience connection in the AI era.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Human Connection is Irreplaceable: Despite the efficiencies AI can offer, true marketing success hinges on authentic human connection and trustâsomething automation simply cannot replicate.
⢠Shift from Funnels to Playgrounds: Marketers should move away from rigid funnel-based approaches and instead adopt dynamic, audience-centric strategies, like Ashleyâs "Content Playground," which encourages organic exploration and engagement.
⢠Authenticity Drives Thought Leadership: Building credibility in thought leadership requires authenticity and empathy, grounded firmly in genuine interactions and consistent personal voice, elements AI struggles to mimic convincingly.
If you enjoyed Ashley's insights on human-centered marketing and building authentic trust in the age of AI, I highly recommend checking out Peter Winick's conversation with Bill Bice in Episode 157. Bill offers valuable perspectives on how data-driven content marketing and analytics can illuminate the customer journey, reinforcing Ashley's points on authenticity and meaningful audience connection. Together, these episodes provide a comprehensive view of modern marketing, blending human empathy with smart, strategic insights.
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What if your next client already feels like they know youâbefore youâve ever spoken a word?
This week on Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter talks with Jim Schleckser, founder of The CEO Project, a peer advisory group for high-performing CEOs. Jim shares insights from advising over 125 CEOs across 40 states, leading organizations with revenues from $25 million to over $2 billion. His unique perspective offers a window into how top leaders are using thought leadership as both consumers and creators.
We dig into why CEOs crave curated content that helps them growâand why books and podcasts still dominate their learning habits. Jim explains how the right idea, delivered through the right channel, can build trust and drive decisions long before the first handshake. We explore how CEOs and their teams are becoming more intentional about content creationânot for vanity metrics, but to attract the right clients, partners, and talent.
Jim also unpacks the shifting role of AI in content development. As more companies turn to AI for marketing output, he challenges us to think deeper: Whatâs your human layer of insight that the algorithms canât replicate?
This episode is packed with practical takeaways for CEOs, content creators, and thought leaders who want to build meaningful influence, not just volume.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Quality Over Quantity in Thought Leadership
CEOs arenât looking for mass appealâthey want relevant insights from trusted sources. Thought leadership that resonates with a niche but high-value audience can drive business results far more effectively than chasing viral reach.
⢠Books and Podcasts Still Matter
Despite the flood of digital content, CEOs continue to prioritize books and podcasts as their go-to learning tools. These formats allow for deeper engagement and often serve as catalysts for future business relationships.
⢠AI Is a Tool, Not a Strategy
While AI can assist in generating content, it canât replace the value of human insight. Leaders must use AI thoughtfullyâadding expertise and perspectiveâto ensure their thought leadership remains authentic and impactful.
If you found Jim Schleckserâs insights on high-impact, CEO-focused thought leadership valuable, youâll want to check out Episode 498 with Will Milano. Will shares how organizations can turn their senior leaders and subject-matter experts into trusted voices of authorityâwithout relying solely on the CEO. Together, these episodes explore how to scale thought leadership, deepen trust, and focus on quality over quantity. Donât miss it! -
Have you ever wondered why some nonprofits make a huge impact while others struggle to grow? The difference isn't always their missionâitâs their ability to fundraise and scale effectively.
James Misner, founder of the Kipos Group, joins us today to reveal why bigger doesnât always mean better in the nonprofit sector. James spent 25 years witnessing smaller nonprofits achieve incredible resultsâonly to remain largely invisible due to weak fundraising skills.
We dive into the critical business skills most nonprofit founders lack, from building fundraising teams to understanding marketing ROI. James explains how he helps these leaders think differently, equipping them with essential tools to fundraise confidently and sustainably.
James also shares powerful insights on thought leadership strategy. Instead of chasing large, vague markets, he advocates for targeting highly specific audiences. He discusses why giving away your best insights freely creates a pipeline of opportunity, helping more people and generating growth simultaneously.
Finally, we explore the challenge of perfectionism in thought leadership content. James encourages leaders to overcome their fear of judgment and embrace sharing imperfect but impactful ideas. If your mission matters, James argues, itâs time to hit âpublish.â
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Smaller nonprofits can achieve massive impact if they master fundraising and marketing skills typically seen in larger organizations.
⢠Focusing your thought leadership on a narrowly defined audience can drive stronger engagement and better outcomes than chasing broad markets.
⢠Overcoming perfectionism and generously sharing valuable insights can create trust, generate opportunities, and significantly accelerate your organization's growth.
If you found value in James Misnerâs insights on equipping nonprofits with the tools to scale through thought leadership and targeted fundraising, you wonât want to miss our conversation with Stu Manewith in the episode "Thought Leadership Advocacy for Nonprofits". Stu dives into how nonprofit leaders can leverage their voices to advocate for their mission, build trust with donors, and create lasting impact. Together, these episodes offer a powerful playbook for nonprofit professionals looking to pair strategic thinking with storytelling to drive real change. Listen to both and discover how to amplify your organizationâs influence from the inside out. -
What if your greatest business challenge could become your launchpad into thought leadership?
Today, Bill Sherman sits down with Aaron Marcum, visionary behind Breakaway 365 and bestselling author of EntreThrive, to explore how a journey from entrepreneur to industry thought leader unfoldsâoften unintentionally. Aaron shares how his frustration with data gaps in the home care space led to the founding of a data analytics company and, unexpectedly, a national reputation as a thought leader. Along the way, he leveraged the insights of thinkers like Brian Tracy and Michael Gerber, and later deepened his impact through a Masterâs in Applied Positive Psychology under the guidance of Dr. Martin Seligman.
Aaron breaks down how storytelling with data shifted his role from CEO to an in-demand industry voice, fueling brand growth, product evolution, and ultimately, a lucrative exit. But he didnât stop there. With EntreThrive, heâs now equipping entrepreneurs to beat burnout, overcome inertia, and find lasting fulfillment. Whether he's on stage, coaching leaders, or writing his next big idea, Aaron exemplifies how thought leadership evolves with intention and legacy in mind.
He doesnât just teach frameworksâhe lives them. And his mission? To empower other coaches and entrepreneurs to do the same, with impact that extends beyond business and into family, travel, and values.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Thought Leadership Can Be AccidentalâBut It Shouldnât Stay That Way: Aaron began as a consumer of thought leadership, applying insights from Brian Tracy and Michael Gerber to his business. Over time, he evolved into a recognized voice in the home care industry by solving real problems with data, eventually becoming an intentional and strategic thought leader.
⢠Data + Storytelling = Impact: His ability to interpret data and turn it into actionable insights transformed his brand visibility, customer engagement, and exit valuation. By controlling the narrative through thought leadership, he elevated his companyâs reputation and market value.
⢠Purpose Drives the Next Chapter: After exiting two companies, Aaron continues to lead with purposeânot for profit, but for impact. Through EntreThrive and Breakaway 365, heâs focused on coaching entrepreneurs to overcome burnout and thrive, combining positive psychology, personal experience, and a calling to serve others.
If you're exploring how thought leadership can evolve from personal insight to organizational strategy, this episode offers complementary perspectives. In Discovering Thought Leadership, Mark Smith shares his journey from HR research to establishing a formal thought leadership role at SHRM, navigating internal structures to align research with actionable business goals. -
Can a 150-year-old New York City institution thrive in the digital age?
Seth Pinsky, CEO of the iconic 92nd Street Y, joins us to reveal how they turned crisis into innovation. Founded to support immigrant communities, the Y evolved into a world-renowned cultural hub. Seth shares how, despite the initial shock of COVID-19 closures, the organization quickly pivoted, transforming itself into a global digital platform overnight.
Discover how they scaled online to reach millionsâexpanding their audience far beyond Manhattan. Seth explains key lessons learned, including tapping into an international market hungry for quality cultural content. By offering online programming, they attracted world-class talent and students from around the globe, dramatically increasing their impact and revenue streams.
We explore the Y's innovative "Dialogue Project," a fresh approach to civic discourse. In a polarized era, Seth discusses the project's success in fostering respectful, mind-changing conversations. Audiences come away not just entertained, but transformed, underscoring the enduring power of meaningful dialogue.
Finally, Seth highlights the dual identity of the Y as both a prestigious cultural center and a vibrant community hub. He details strategic initiatives that integrate these aspects, creating unique experiences that foster deeper audience engagement. The 92nd Street Y's reinvention shows that even historic institutions can harness change and become stronger than ever.
Join us and learn how flexibility, digital transformation, and courageous programming decisions can turn disruption into lasting opportunity.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Rapid digital transformation can dramatically expand audience reach and create new, sustainable revenue streams for traditionally location-based institutions.
⢠Structured civic dialogue offers a powerful way to engage polarized audiences, encouraging openness and the potential to shift deeply held perspectives.
⢠Organizations with dual identitiesâsuch as cultural and community centersâcan leverage this unique positioning to create highly impactful and engaging experiences for diverse audiences.
If you found value in our discussion on the 92nd Street Y's digital evolution and commitment to community engagement, you'll appreciate episode 305, "Performance of Thought Leadership." with Karen Leland. Discover how embracing a digital-first mindset can amplify your organization's reach and impact in today's rapidly changing landscape. Tune in to gain actionable insights that can help you navigate and lead in the digital era. -
What happens when leadership, military service, and motherhood collide with a mission for change?
Dr. Ellen Joan Ford didnât set out to become a thought leaderâshe became one by accident, driven by action. A former army officer, academic, and founder of Belonging, Autonomy and Purpose Leadership, Ellen first spoke about the challenges of working parents as a small part of a leadership talk. But that minor moment struck a nerveâand sparked a tidal wave. Strangers reached out. Stories poured in. And suddenly, Ellen was leading a movement.
That movement became #WorkSchoolHours, a principles-based approach to workplace redesign. Through a TEDx talk, a book, and ongoing advocacy, Ellen challenges leaders to reconsider the structure of workânot just for productivity, but for humanity. Her research began informally, collecting real stories from overwhelmed parents, but it soon evolved into a mission grounded in compassion and backed by data.
Ellenâs leadership philosophy is shaped by three defining moments: serving in the military, becoming a parent, and helping evacuate Afghans to safety. Each began with getting "pissed off" enough to actâand that same passion drives her thought leadership today. But sheâs not just collecting stories anymore. Sheâs implementing solutions.
In this episode, we explore how passion becomes platform, how impact is scaled through persistence, and how thought leadership can evolve from lived experience. If youâve ever wondered how to turn a personal challenge into systemic change, this conversation will show you whatâs possible.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Big impact often starts small. Ellen didnât set out to lead a movementâshe simply mentioned the challenges of working parents in a leadership talk. That small moment resonated deeply, leading to thousands of unsolicited stories and the creation of the #WorkSchoolHours platform.
⢠Thought leadership is fueled by personal experience and action. Ellenâs credibility and influence stem from her lived experiences: leading in the military, becoming a parent, and coordinating a massive humanitarian effort. Her thought leadership emerged not from theory alone, but from taking action when she saw problems that needed solving.
⢠Change begins when someone gets âpissed off enough to act.â Whether improving military leadership, reshaping workplace norms, or saving lives, Ellen demonstrates that passion, combined with persistence and a clear purpose, can spark real-world impactâeven on systems as entrenched as the modern workplace.
If this conversation sparked your interest in how empathy and personal experience can fuel workplace transformation, donât miss our earlier episode with Scott Shute, former Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs at LinkedIn. Like Ellen Joan Ford, Scott turned personal conviction into a platform for changeâadvocating for compassion as a strategic business imperative. Together, these episodes offer a powerful look at how thought leadership can humanize work and reshape what leadership looks like in todayâs world.
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Whatâs the real reason you want to write a book?
If your answer doesnât connect directly to your business goals, you may be missing the mark. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter sits down with Cathy Fyock, a book strategist who helps authors write the right bookâthe one that aligns with their business, audience, and long-term strategy.
Cathy shares why writing a book should never be step one. Instead, authors must start with a solid strategy: What do you want the book to do for your business? Who exactly are you writing it for? How will you leverage it to create opportunity, revenue, or credibility?
We explore the importance of aligning your bookâs content and audience with your current business model. Cathy also explains why writing for âeveryoneâ is a mistake, and why serving a clearly defined niche can lead to powerful resultsâeven if it feels narrow.
If youâve ever wrestled with the choice between self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional publishing, Cathy breaks down the pros and cons of each. Her recommendation? Own your IP, own your margins, and stay in control.
Youâll also hear surprising insights about how some authors make more from not selling booksâusing them as a powerful sales tool to land clients, speaking gigs, and consulting contracts.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Start with strategy, not writing. A successful book begins with clear goals, a defined audience, and alignment with your business modelânot just a blank page and good intentions.
⢠Niche focus drives greater impact. Writing for a well-defined, specific audience builds credibility and creates stronger results than trying to appeal to everyone.
⢠Books are business tools, not just products. The real ROI often comes not from book sales, but from using the book to generate leads, secure speaking engagements, or land high-value clients.
If you found value in the strategic insights shared in this episode, you won't want to miss our conversation with Becky Robinson: "Writing a Book As an Extension of Your Business." Becky, the founder and CEO of Weaving Influence, delves into how authors can seamlessly integrate their books into their broader business strategies. She shares practical advice on launching a book, building a lasting platform, and ensuring your message reaches the right audience over time. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to amplify their thought leadership and make their book a cornerstone of their business growth. -
When the world stopped getting its stuff, why did supply chain suddenly matter?
In this episode, Peter Winick speaks with Kerim Kfuri, global entrepreneur, author of "Supply Chain Ups and Downs," and CEO of Atlas Network. Kerim reveals why he stepped into thought leadershipâespecially when his industry became the center of public attention overnight.
Kerim discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps and misunderstandings about supply chain processes. He shares insights into why investing in thought leadership provided not just visibility but also credibility, distinguishing his company from competitors who focused solely on price.
Learn how Kerim leveraged his expertise to educate and inform, turning a complicated topic into accessible knowledge. He explains how thought leadership helped him open doors, win larger clients, and attract top talent. Kerim also shares practical advice for businesses aiming to use thought leadership strategically, emphasizing patience, clear metrics, and the power of investing in yourself and your business.
Are you ready to turn your expertise into your greatest competitive advantage?
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Thought leadership is a powerful differentiator. It helps smaller companies compete against larger players by showcasing unique expertise and credibility.
⢠Education builds trust. By making complex topics like supply chain more understandable, you position yourself as a go-to authority in your field.
⢠ROI takes time. Thought leadership isn't a quick winâit's a long-term investment that pays off through visibility, client acquisition, and talent attraction.
If you found Kerim Kfuri's insights on leveraging thought leadership to elevate brand credibility and attract top clients compelling, you'll appreciate Episode 23 of the Leveraging Thought Leadership podcast, featuring Erica Dhawan. Erica, a leading authority on 21st-century collaboration and CEO of Cotential, discusses model building, content development, and business growth. She shares how she developed assessment tools with a data-driven mindset and translated that data into targeted sales strategies. Both episodes highlight the transformative power of thought leadership in distinguishing a brand and driving business success
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Are you spending your resources wisely to amplify your thought leadershipâor just making noise?
In today's fast-paced marketplace, standing out from the crowd is tougher than ever. Peter Winick is joined by Paige Velasquez Budde, CEO at Zilker Media, one of Austin's fastest-growing agencies specializing in building people-driven brands. Paige shares insights from her extensive experience working with top global thought leaders and brands.
Discover why your personal brand matters even more than your corporate identity. Paige explains how trust and connection are built person-to-person, especially in high-touch B2B environments. As the best-selling author of "Strategic Business Influencer: Building a Brand with a Small Budget" she emphasizes the importance of starting earlyâwell before your next book or major eventâto consistently showcase your expertise and build trust at scale.
We dive into actionable strategies like narrowing your social media presence to the most impactful platform and harnessing the true value of PR through intentional, targeted micro-media placements. Plus, Peter and Paige unpack why vanity metrics won't help your business, and why an interview on the right niche podcast can sometimes be worth far more than a big-name media hit.
Tune in to learn how to strategically build thought leadership that grows your revenue, enhances your credibility, and sustainably supports your long-term business objectives.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Start Early, Not Later: Building effective thought leadership isnât about a one-time launch event; it's a consistent, ongoing practice. Start cultivating your brand nowâwell ahead of your next big milestoneâto build trust, visibility, and credibility at scale.
⢠Micro-Media Outperforms Vanity Metrics: Donât chase big audiences for the sake of numbers. A targeted podcast or niche publication with the right listeners can deliver far greater business impact than generic exposure.
⢠Your Personal Brand Matters Most: Clients Google people, not logos. Invest in clearly showcasing your personal expertise online to accelerate trust, strengthen relationships, and differentiate yourself from competitors.
Looking to enhance your personal brand and build authentic relationships in the digital space? Our conversation with Paige Velasquez Budde emphasized the power of strategic PR and personal branding. To further explore building high-profile relationships through authenticity and trust, listen to our episode with Clemence SopâCultivating High-Profile Relationships in a Digital World. Together, these episodes offer valuable insights into creating a strong personal brand and fostering meaningful connections.
Ready to implement these strategies? Contact Thought Leadership Leverage today to develop a personalized plan that amplifies your impact and accelerates your success. -
Does thought leadership belong only to bold personalities and charismatic speakers?
Christina Wedgwood doesn't think so. In her book, "Better: A More Authentic Path for the Reluctant Thought Leader", Christina explores how deep thinkers, perfectionists, and even those uneasy about taking center stage can still powerfully shape ideas and conversations.
In this conversation, Christina explains that thought leadership isn't about how loudly you speakâit's about clarity, simplicity, and authenticity. She argues that true impact comes from quiet, deliberate thinkers whose insights might otherwise go unnoticed. Christina reveals why "better" does not mean "louder," encouraging thought leaders to embrace their unique strengths rather than fitting into preconceived molds.
Christina and Bill also delve into the emotional journey of creating thought leadership content. They discuss perfectionism and the common barrier of feeling "not ready yet," offering strategies to move past these hurdles and confidently share ideas. Christina emphasizes the importance of thinking partnersâtrusted individuals who challenge your thoughts and help refine your message.
Drawing from her extensive experience coaching authors and developing thought leadership content, Christina shares valuable lessons from writing her own book. She reflects on the vulnerability required to bring deep, authentic ideas to an audience and provides insights into sustaining impactful thought leadership over time.
Whether you're reluctant or ready to embrace your role, this episode offers practical advice for creating meaningful, enduring thought leadership.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Thought Leadership Isnât Only for Extroverts. Christina emphasizes that thought leadership isn't exclusive to big personalities who dominate stages. Her book, Better: A More Authentic Path for the Reluctant Thought Leader, opens doors for quieter, more introspective thinkers, perfectionists, and those hesitant to step into the spotlight, empowering them to share their meaningful ideas.
⢠Better Does Not Equal Louder. Authentic and powerful thought leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it's about clarity, simplicity, and genuine insight. Christina challenges the myth that louder equates to better, advocating instead for thoughtful reflection and deliberate expression as essential traits of true thought leadership.
⢠Embrace Imperfection and Take Action. Many aspiring thought leaders delay sharing their ideas because they're waiting for perfectionâone more book, another certification, or additional case studies. Christina advocates for getting your ideas out of your head and into the world, embracing vulnerability, and taking actionable steps even when conditions aren't "perfect."
If you found our discussion on authentic thought leadership engaging, you might also appreciate our episode featuring Simon Leslie, CEO and Founder of Ink Global. In "An Authentic Voice in Thought Leadership," Simon shares how publishing his book, There Is No F in Sales, transformed his business and personal growth. He delves into the importance of using one's authentic voice in thought leadership and the unexpected opportunities that arise from it. Tune in to explore how embracing authenticity can amplify your impact in the thought leadership arena. -
What if the secret to extraordinary sales success wasn't pressureâbut purpose?
Lisa McLeod believes the best salespeople aren't chasing quotas. They're chasing impact. Lisa is a bestselling author of "Selling with Noble Purpose", keynote speaker, and creator of the Noble Purpose business philosophy. Her work has reached over 2 million people on LinkedIn Learning and been featured in Harvard Business Review. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, we dive deep into the heart of what drives real, sustainable sales successâand how organizations can embrace the purpose to outperform the market by 350%.
We talk about the surprising results of Lisaâs research into top-performing sales teams. Spoiler alert: the best sellers arenât ruthless closersâtheyâre purpose-driven professionals who genuinely care about making a difference. Lisa shares how she fused two sides of her lifeâsales and soulâto build a thriving thought leadership business that helps global brands like Hilton and ThyssenKrupp transform their culture from the inside out.
Lisa also opens up about the business side of thought leadership. She discusses the challenges of scaling ideas across massive organizations and why turning insight into action requires more than just great contentâit requires packaging, structure, and a path for others to teach it.
If you're a thought leader wrestling with how to turn your big ideas into business resultsâor if youâre trying to bring more meaning into your workâthis conversation is for you.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Purpose-driven sales outperform â Salespeople who focus on improving customers' lives consistently outperform their peers, proving that noble purpose is a strategic advantage, not just a feel-good concept.
⢠Sales has an image problem â The profession is too often defined by its worst examples, but true sales success comes from empathy, trust, and a desire to serveâespecially in B2B environments.
⢠Thought leaders must sell their ideas â To create impact, you must connect your insights to the clientâs pain points and speak their language; selling isnât about being pushy, itâs about being relevant and solving real problems.
If todayâs conversation on purpose-driven sales sparked something for you, you wonât want to miss our episode with Mike Latch and Gregg Murphy, Scaling Sales, Not Sacrificing Quality â The AI-Driven Secret to Billion-Dollar Growth. While Lisa McLeod explores the human side of salesâleading with empathy and purposeâMike and Gregg dive into how organizations can scale that impact without losing what makes it effective. Together, these episodes paint a powerful picture of what modern sales success looks like: purpose at the core, with systems that support it at scale.
Listen next and discover how to align purpose with process to drive real, lasting growth. -
Can an introvert become an influential thought leader?
Today, Bill Sherman speaks with Sean Barnes, executive coach, speaker, and host of The Way of the Wolf Podcast. Sean didn't start out comfortable on stage. In fact, his first speaking experienceâpresenting technical details to executivesâwas uncomfortable enough to make many quit. Instead, it sparked his determination to transform discomfort into impactful communication.
Sean shares his journey from tech executive to thought leadership advocate, highlighting how he incrementally built confidence through intentional practice and feedback. He emphasizes the power of storytelling to make complex ideas relatable and memorable, explaining how shifting focus from himself to the narrative eased his speaking anxiety.
They explore Sean's venture into podcasting, where he initially struggled with mechanical scripts and low viewership. Sean describes how persistent commitment and iterative improvement turned his podcast into a thriving platform, dedicated to helping listeners grow as leaders.
Sean and Bill discuss the crucial mindset shift from personal achievement to enabling others' success. Sean reveals how adopting this philosophy transformed his professional trajectory, opened doors, and deepened his fulfillment beyond financial gain.
Listeners will find valuable insights on overcoming introversion, harnessing storytelling for greater influence, and why true leadership is about elevating others.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Public speaking is not an innate talent reserved for extroverts, but a learnable skill developed through intentional practice, consistent feedback, and stepping courageously into discomfort to incrementally build confidence and effectiveness.
⢠Storytelling is a powerful tool for making complex or technical information engaging, relatable, and memorable, helping audiences emotionally connect to your message and amplifying your thought leadership impact.
⢠Genuine leadership and thought leadership arise not from personal accomplishments alone, but from shifting focus toward empowering othersâenabling their growth, success, and influence, thereby expanding your own legacy and effectiveness.
For a deeper exploration of introverted leadership, listen to this episode with Marcel Wijermars' conversation on "Introverted Leadership." While Sean Barnes shares his transformation from public speaking anxiety into impactful storytelling, Marcel provides practical strategies for introverts to excel at networking and energy management. Together, these episodes reveal how introversion, when leveraged strategically, becomes a powerful advantage in authentic leadership and influential communication. -
Is college really the only path to career success?
In this compelling episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman speaks with Lawrese Brown, author of "I Don't Have to Go to College: Discover Well-Paying Jobs that Don't Require a Four-Year College Degree". Lawrese passionately challenges outdated ideas about success, advocating alternative pathways like apprenticeships, boot camps, and vocational training.
Originally, Lawrese targeted her message to parents, aiming to reshape perceptions about college as the only route to financial stability. However, she discovered parents often held strong, traditional beliefs about higher education. Shifting her focus directly to students opened powerful conversations. Today's youth, she found, are eager for practical guidance and alternative routes aligned with their true interests.
Lawrese reveals how crucial it is for students to trust their instincts, choose careers based on personal values, and recognize multiple forms of intelligence beyond academics. She argues that greater awareness and visibility of non-college paths will empower students, improve self-esteem, and encourage more fulfilling career choices.
Lawrese pushes listeners to rethink the "college-or-bust" narrative and advocates celebrating individual paths to success.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠College isn't the only pathway to career success. Alternative routes like apprenticeships, vocational training, and boot camps offer viable, fulfilling opportunities.
⢠Targeting the right audience matters. Shifting the message from parents, who often hold traditional views on education, directly to students can open doors to meaningful conversations and greater openness.
⢠Empowering young people with practical knowledge of alternative career paths encourages informed decisions, higher self-esteem, and more aligned, fulfilling careers.
Lawrese Brown emphasizes the importance of crafting your own unique career path, a message echoed by Tony Martignetti in his episode on personal leadership journeys. Check out Tonyâs insights for more on challenging conventional thinking. Together, these conversations inspire you to redefine success on your own terms, driven by passion, curiosity, and genuine fulfillment. -
Ever felt awkward in a meeting, on stage, or in a tough conversation? What if that discomfort wasnât a weaknessâbut an advantage?
In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter sits down with workplace performance expert Henna Pryor, author of Good Awkward, to explore the hidden power of social discomfort. Henna breaks down why avoiding awkward moments only makes them worseâand how embracing them can lead to stronger communication, better leadership, and a more resilient mindset.
They discuss why so many leaders fear saying the wrong thing (especially in todayâs hyper-visible world), how the "spotlight effect" distorts our self-perception, and why placing small bets is the key to building a thought leadership platform. Henna also shares her journey from finance to executive coaching to keynote speakingâproving that growth often comes from stepping into discomfort.
This conversation will change the way you think about awkwardnessâand might just help you unlock your next big leadership breakthrough.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Avoiding Awkwardness Makes It Worse â Awkward moments happen to everyone, but dodging them only amplifies the discomfort. Acknowledging and embracing these moments can make you appear more confident and authentic.
⢠Small Bets Lead to Big Wins â Instead of making massive, risky moves, successful thought leaders test ideas by placing small betsâthrough LinkedIn posts, speaking engagements, or content experimentsâto see what resonates before doubling down.
⢠Your Perceived Failures Matter Less Than You Think â The "spotlight effect" tricks us into believing people notice our mistakes more than they actually do. In reality, most people quickly move onâso stop overanalyzing and keep moving forward.
Awkward moments often come from misspeaking or making mistakes. Just as Henna Pryor suggests addressing the awkward head-on, Priya Nalkur encourages leaders to embrace imperfection. Both perspectives highlight the power of authenticity and resilience in leadership. If you want to learn how to turn your perceived flaws or failures into strengths, donât miss this episode 554 - Embracing Imperfection! -
How do you turn an idea into lasting thought leadership? Dr. Ruth Gotian has done just thatâtranslating academic research on high achievers into actionable insights that help individuals and organizations thrive.
In this episode, we explore the power of mentorship, the resilience of high achievers, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Ruth shares stories of Olympic champions, astronauts, and Nobel laureates who refused to settle for mediocrity. Like Dr. Peggy Whitson, who applied to NASA for a decade before becoming the agencyâs chief astronaut. Or the Olympian already planning his next win on the flight home.
Ruth knows success isnât a talentâit's a learned skill. She shares how to identify your superpowers, leverage them, and plant ambition like a seed that grows into unstoppable drive. She also reveals her own journey of thought leadershipâfrom struggling with the first chapter of The Success Factor to writing books, speaking globally, and democratizing knowledge in every format possible.
Her latest book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring (The FT Guides), co-authored with Andy Lopata, was named Runner-Up for Leadership Book of the Year (The Leadership Awards 2024). Whether you're looking to elevate your own success or help others rise, Ruthâs insights will change the way you think about achievement.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Success is a Learned Skill, Not Just Talent â High achievers arenât born extraordinary; they develop habits, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of growth. Whether it's Olympians, astronauts, or Nobel laureates, they all follow a process to success that anyone can adopt.
⢠Mentorship is a Game-Changer â The right mentors can push you further than you ever imagined. Surround yourself with people who believe in you more than you believe in yourself, ask the tough questions, and challenge you to think bigger. (The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring explores this in depth.)
⢠Persistence Separates the Good from the Great â Dr. Peggy Whitson applied to be an astronaut for 10 years before finally being acceptedâthen went on to become NASAâs Chief Astronaut. The difference between those who succeed and those who donât? They refuse to give up.
Want to know if you are a High Achiever? Take this 2 minute assessment to find out. -
Are you really a thought leaderâor just claiming the title?
Today's guest Mischa Zvegintzov, Chief Influence Officer at Influence Army, thought he was a Thought Leader. As a sales expert with decades of experience, he knew how to pitch. But when a podcast host bluntly told him, âYou donât look like a thought leader,â everything changed.
In this episode, Mischa shares how he pivoted from traditional sales tactics to leveraging podcast guesting as his primary vehicle for influence. He reveals how appearing on 100+ shows transformed his credibility, opened doors, and led to unexpected opportunities.
Peter and Mischa also dive into the hidden power of podcast guestingâwhy it's more than just getting on a mic, how to âhijackâ an audience the right way, and why most guests completely miss out on maximizing their impact. If youâve ever wondered whether youâre showing up as a true thought leader or just another name in the noise, this conversation is for you.
Expect candid insights, hard-hitting truths, and actionable takeaways on elevating your brand, proving your expertise, and turning podcasting into a game-changing growth strategy.
Listen now and learn how to amplify your thought leadership without breaking the bank.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Podcast guesting is a powerful thought leadership tool â Being a guest on the right podcasts allows you to tap into established audiences, build credibility, and position yourself as an expert without heavy marketing spend.
⢠Most guests fail to maximize their impact â Simply appearing on a podcast isnât enough; thought leaders must engage in strategic pre-show preparation, deliver value-driven conversations, and actively promote their episodes post-release.
⢠Thought leadership is about proof, not claims â Having a strong message isnât enough; you need visible credibility. Leveraging podcast guesting effectively can create the social proof necessary to establish real authority in your space.
If you've had trouble finding the distinction between Thought Leader and Influencer check out this video by Peter Winick to learn the difference. -
Can social media predict the stock market?
Vuk Vukovic, CIO and co-founder of Oraclum Capital, believes it can. His hedge fund leverages the wisdom of the crowd and a proprietary network analysis of social media bubbles to forecast weekly equity market movements. With a PhD in political economics and a track record of accurately predicting electionsâincluding Brexit and Trumpâhe's now applying his methodology to finance.
Vuk started by testing his theory transparently, using his own money and publishing every move in a newsletter. The results? Turning $1,000 into $54,000 in just two years. His audience didn't just watchâthey invested. Half of his initial hedge fund backers came from readers who followed his journey.
The secret isn't just crowd wisdom. Itâs about identifying and
weighting opinions correctly. Some peopleâespecially those stuck in echo chambersâmake terrible predictors. Vukâs method filters out the noise, finding the right voices to forecast market trends with over 60% accuracy.
Beyond trading, heâs expanding his thought leadership through
speaking, writing, and his new book, Elite Networks: The Political
Economy of Inequality. By connecting network theory to both financial markets and political influence, heâs building a broader platform for his ideas.
Listen in as we explore the intersection of thought leadership,
data-driven forecasting, and the power of social media.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠The Wisdom of Crowds WorksâIf You Filter the Right Voices
Crowd predictions are powerful, but only when analyzed correctly.
Vukâs methodology accounts for social media bubbles and bias,
identifying the most reliable predictors rather than just following
the loudest opinions.
⢠Transparency Builds Trustâand Attracts Investors
By publicly testing his trading model with his own money, Vuk proved its effectiveness. His thought leadership strategyâsharing real results in a newsletterâturned followers into hedge fund backers.
⢠Network Theory Applies Beyond Finance
Vukâs research on elite influence and inequality connects directly to his market prediction model. Whether in politics or finance,
understanding how people interact within networks provides a
competitive edge. -
How do you lead in a world where the future keeps shifting?
Dr. Nada Sanders, a distinguished professor at Northeastern University, an expert in supply chain management and AI-driven decision-making, believes the key is humility. In this episode, we dive into why thought leaders must stay agile, question assumptions, and embrace uncertainty. AI is reshaping business, but no one truly knows what the future holds. Leaders are under pressure to "do something" with AI, yet many don't fully understand its implications. Nada argues that real success lies in balancing human intelligence with machine capabilitiesâknowing when to trust AI and when to override it.
We explore how thought leadership is evolving in this era of rapid change. From the risk of AI-generated misinformation to the need for cross-disciplinary expertise, Nada reveals why rigid thinking is a liability. Thought leaders must develop skills in critical thinking, scenario planning, and resilience. The best leaders wonât be those who make bold, absolute claimsâtheyâll be the ones who stay curious, adapt quickly, and help others navigate the unknown.
As AI-generated content increases, the ability to discern truth from illusion becomes essential. Nada shares why experience matters more than ever and why businesses that sideline senior expertise in favor of digital skills alone are making a critical mistake. Success will come to those who combine deep domain knowledge with the agility to reframe their thinking.
We also discuss the future of human-machine collaboration, the power of philosophy in leadership, and why taking time to reflect is more important than ever. Thought leadership isn't just about sharing ideasâitâs about asking the right questions and challenging the status quo.
Three Key Takeaways:
⢠Humility is a Superpower in AI-Driven Leadership â Thought leaders must embrace uncertainty and continuously update their perspectives. Absolute certainty is a liability in a world where change is constant. The best leaders will ask, âWhat donât we know?â instead of making rigid predictions.
⢠AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement for Human Judgment â AI can generate insights, but it lacks context, experience, and the ability to distinguish truth from misinformation. The leaders who thrive will be those who know when to trust AI, when to challenge it, and how to integrate human expertise with machine intelligence.
⢠Success Requires Cross-Disciplinary Thinking and Adaptability â Siloed expertise is no longer enough. Leaders must develop broad knowledge, connect insights across disciplines, and stay agile. Organizations that combine senior experience with emerging digital skills will have a competitive advantage over those that rely solely on technology.
If you are interested in the way AI as a tool is being used in the Thought Leadership space listen to this episode with guest Stephanie Grayson about getting good ideas in front of the right audience and how AI can help. - Montre plus
