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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 experience—presenting technical details to executives—was 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 others—enabling 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.
Sherman and Tingle have a story about a guy who has eaten 2 Big Macs a day for decades, and Bill Sherman enters the thread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sherman and Tingle have a story about a guy who has eaten 2 Big Macs a day for decades, and Bill Sherman enters the thread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 Tony's 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.
Bill Sherman is already at a St. Patrick's Day rager in Tomah and it's only 8AM! He might even be drunk enough to tell Sherman he loves him for the first time! Drink up!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bill Sherman is already at a St. Patrick's Day rager in Tomah and it's only 8AM! He might even be drunk enough to tell Sherman he loves him for the first time! Drink up!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's Sherman's Mom's birthday, so they give her a call in Tomah to pass along some love. Of course Bill Sherman gets in on the action with some love of his own, including a trip to Perkins? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's Sherman's Mom's birthday, so they give her a call in Tomah to pass along some love. Of course Bill Sherman gets in on the action with some love of his own, including a trip to Perkins? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented composer, arranger, and orchestrator, Bill Sherman. Bill's musical journey has taken him from the bright lights of Broadway to the streets of Sesame Street, and everywhere in between. He's a key collaborator with Lin-Manuel Miranda, having orchestrated and arranged In the Heights, co-produced the Hamilton soundtrack, served as executive music producer on the tick, tick... BOOM! film, and been part of the innovative group Freestyle Love Supreme. In television, he was a composer and music director for the reboot of The Electric Company and since 2008, has been a composer and music director for Sesame Street! He's also lent his talents to shows like Nature Cat and Donkey Hodie.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of severe accidents, injuries involving young individuals, and mentions of suicide and self-harm related to these events. While these topics are integral to the conversation, some listeners may find them distressing. If you wish to avoid these sections, please skip from 17:46 to 25:06. What happens when your life takes an unexpected, tragic turn? How do you find the strength to move forward? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Bill Sherman speaks with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former elite gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, and tech executive turned resilience expert. Nina shares her harrowing journey through public failures, personal tragedy, and how she turned pain into purpose. Nina's story is one of extraordinary highs and devastating lows. She opens up about missing her shot at the Olympics, a career-ending injury, and an unimaginable accident that left her questioning whether she could go on. Yet, through it all, she found resilience—a word she embraces as the ability to adapt positively, no matter what life throws your way. This episode isn't just about overcoming adversity. It's about building thought leadership from lived experience. Nina reveals how she transformed her hardships into a framework for resilience, tested through years of research and personal reflection. From being the person everyone turned to during crises to becoming a sought-after speaker on resilience, Nina's path is both inspiring and instructive. Listen as Nina discusses her evolution from telling others' stories as a journalist to sharing her own. She candidly explores the challenges of defining her thought leadership, navigating the pressures of public failure, and staying authentic in an industry often driven by spectacle. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone grappling with failure, burnout, or the relentless pursuit of excellence. Nina's insights on resilience offer a guiding light for thought leaders and high achievers alike. Three Key Takeaways: • Resilience is built through facing and learning from failure. Nina's journey shows that setbacks, whether public or personal, can become catalysts for growth when we confront them head-on and adapt positively. • Thought leadership often emerges from personal experience and rigorous reflection. Nina's hardships inspired her to develop a framework for resilience, demonstrating that impactful thought leadership is often rooted in lived experiences and deep introspection. • Authenticity and vulnerability are essential in thought leadership. By sharing her personal struggles, Nina highlights the importance of being genuine and open, which helps build trust and connection with audiences. Resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about adapting, growing, and finding strength in adversity. If you enjoyed the topics in this episode we recommend listening to Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier on Resilience Redefined. Both episodes highlight the intersection of mental health, professional reinvention, and the ability to thrive after setbacks.
What if curiosity could change the course of your career? Today on Leveraging Thought Leadership, Laurence Minsky shares how a simple question about advertising portfolios led to a book deal for his first book: How to Succeed in Advertising When All You Have is Talent, that transformed his professional path. From launching an advertising career to becoming an academic thought leader, Laurence demonstrates the power of asking the right questions, collaborating with experts, and turning curiosity into action. Laurence's story is a roadmap for anyone looking to break into a new industry or expand their influence. He explains how identifying gaps in knowledge and pursuing them relentlessly has driven his career, leading to the publication of ten books and a thriving consulting practice. Whether it's exploring emerging trends like conversational AI or mastering the nuances of audio branding, Laurence has built a reputation as a lifelong learner who stays ahead of the curve. In this conversation, Laurence and Bill Sherman explore how thought leadership creates unexpected opportunities. They discuss the importance of finding the right collaborators, the role of storytelling in creating impactful content, and how a well-timed idea can position you as a leader in your field. Laurence's insights on navigating career shifts, adapting to new challenges, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world will inspire listeners at any stage of their professional journey. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, creatives, and anyone eager to turn curiosity into success. Learn how to identify trends before they emerge, create meaningful content, and use thought leadership to open doors you never imagined. Three Key Takeaways: • Curiosity Sparks Opportunity: A simple question can lead to big opportunities. Laurence Minsky's curiosity about advertising portfolios led to a book deal that transformed his career trajectory. • Collaboration Amplifies Success: Partnering with experts and blending skill sets can create impactful content and open doors to new industries or roles. • Thought Leadership Requires Action: Identifying gaps in the market, pursuing emerging trends, and sharing insights are key to staying relevant and creating lasting impact. Laurence discussing how collaboration is key. If you're ready to elevate your platform or bring your ideas to life, book a Strategy Session with our team at Leveraging Thought Leadership. Let's explore how we can help you achieve greater success.
In this year-end highlight episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership with Bill Sherman, we revisit the journeys of six incredible thought leaders from diverse fields. They share insights into their evolving work, the hurdles they've faced, and the laser focus needed to connect deeply with their audiences. From startup leadership and immigrant entrepreneurship to innovation management and clarity in communication, this compilation reveals the powerful interplay of passion, precision, and perseverance. Martin Gonzalez explores the role of data in refining startup strategies, pushing past biases to uncover actionable truths. Neri Karra Sillaman underscores how personal experiences, such as her journey as an immigrant entrepreneur, shape impactful ideas and groundbreaking research. These leaders remind us that the questions we dare to ask often define the value we create. Clemence Sop takes us into the luxury industry, where understanding your audience at a granular level transforms social selling into a high-touch art form. Peter Boatwright and Jon Cagan, authors of Managing the Unmanageable, dive into managing chaos in innovation, using experiments to show how structured management enhances creative output without stifling originality. Finally, Ann Latham shares her journey to mastering clarity—an elusive yet essential skill in thought leadership. Her unique framework transforms abstract ideas into actionable insights, proving clarity is both an art and a discipline. Each story offers lessons for those aspiring to lead through ideas.
How do you take an academic idea and turn it into a global movement? On this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Bill Sherman dives deep with Karen and Aneil Mishra, exploring their journey of transforming the "Rock of Trust" framework into an impactful leadership tool. From the humble beginnings of self-publishing to securing high-profile consulting contracts, this episode showcases the art of bridging academic rigor with practical application. Aneil shares the origins of his trust framework, which emerged from research in crisis-ridden industries, and how Karen's marketing expertise rebranded it from a "crock" to a "rock"—making it memorable and actionable. Their collaborative effort highlights the importance of translating academic language into compelling, relatable messages. The Mishras' story is a testament to the power of resilience, boldness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The couple also reflects on overcoming challenges, including rejection from publishers who deemed them "not famous enough." Undeterred, they self-published, gained traction, and proved that meaningful ideas can transcend barriers. Karen's advice to her younger self? Be bolder and unapologetically share relevant academic insights with the world. Aneil adds, tackle big, important problems, as they keep you motivated and aligned with purpose. Their legacy, especially Aneil's enduring contributions to trust research, serves as a blueprint for turning intellectual passion into a movement that inspires executives, students, and practitioners alike. This episode is both a masterclass in thought leadership and a heartfelt tribute to Aneil's impact. Three Key Takeaways: • The Rock of Trust Framework: Aneil Mishra's research on trust identified four key pillars: reliability, openness, competence, and caring. Rebranded with Karen's marketing expertise, this framework became a memorable and impactful leadership tool applied across industries and organizations. • From Rejection to Resilience: Despite being told they weren't “famous enough” to publish their book, the Mishras self-published and gained traction. Their persistence turned rejection into opportunity, eventually leading to consulting contracts and increased credibility in the leadership space. • Bridging the Academic-Practitioner Divide: Karen and Aneil emphasized translating academic insights into practical tools. Their ability to speak the language of both executives and students showcased the importance of making complex ideas relatable and actionable.
It's time for the annual Tomah Tree Lighting and Bill Sherman is at Ground Zero. What's going on up North?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It's time for the annual Tomah Tree Lighting and Bill Sherman is at Ground Zero. What's going on up North?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if the key to saving the planet wasn't more regulations or money, but a new kind of leadership? Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre and author of "Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" and "Too Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders: The Three Essential Principles You Need to Become an Extraordinary Leader", joins Bill Sherman on Leveraging Thought Leadership to discuss how his career pivoted from financial services to championing climate responsibility and social sustainability. He shares how a career in HR and leadership development revealed the limits of conventional approaches and sparked his passion for Steward Leadership—a model built on purpose, values, and a long-term perspective. Rajeev's research into over 100 global companies found a surprising pattern. Organizations thriving while solving environmental and social challenges weren't driven by financial incentives or regulations. Instead, they were guided by a values-based approach rooted in independence, long-term thinking, ownership of today's challenges, and creative resilience. These principles formed the backbone of the Steward Leadership model, a framework that marries purpose with profitability and proves businesses can do well by doing good. Spreading this message has been both strategic and successful. Rajeev's team collaborates with governments, business schools, and agencies worldwide to promote Steward Leadership. By showcasing companies with decades-long track records of balancing profit with purpose, they've captured attention and inspired action. Leaders are drawn to the idea that societal impact and business success are not in conflict but can amplify each other. Rajeev's vision for the future is bold yet focused. By influencing just 20% of the leaders they reach, the Stewardship Asia Centre aims to create a ripple effect powerful enough to drive global change. With a clear-eyed embrace of the 80/20 rule, Rajeev is betting that a minority of committed leaders, armed with the right values, can shift the trajectory of businesses—and the world. Three Key Takeaways: • Leadership, Not Incentives, Drives Sustainability: Successful companies solving environmental and social challenges aren't motivated by regulations or financial incentives. Instead, they operate from a values-driven leadership model rooted in purpose, long-term thinking, and a commitment to societal impact. • The Four Pillars of Steward Leadership: The Steward Leadership model is built on four principles: independence (the belief that helping society benefits business), long-term thinking (beyond quarterly gains), ownership of challenges (profit while solving problems), and creative resilience (innovating to address global issues). • The 20% Ripple Effect: Rajeev's strategy focuses on influencing just 20% of leaders touched by his work. Leveraging the 80/20 rule, he believes this minority of purpose-driven leaders can create a powerful ripple effect, transforming businesses and society for the better. Rajeev not only understands what type of leaders we need, but he knows how to find them. As a thought leader can you clearly describe your ideal client? If you're not sure make sure to read this article by Thought Leadership Leverage CEO Peter Winick for tips on getting a clear picture.
John Krasinski was named People's Sexiest Man Alive, but maybe Bill Sherman is a close second? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John Krasinski was named People's Sexiest Man Alive, but maybe Bill Sherman is a close second? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How do you cut through the noise to get to what truly matters? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman dives into this question with Ann Latham, the mind behind The Power of Clarity and The Disconnect Principle. Ann's journey to clarity began when she asked former bosses and colleagues a surprising question: What do I do best? The answer was clear—she had an uncanny ability to sift through information, distill its essence, and align teams with actionable plans. So began her consulting journey and the creation of Uncommon Clarity. Ann quickly realized that “clarity” could be a hard sell—it's an abstract concept people often overlook. To bridge this gap, she started showing how clarity impacts concrete outcomes: higher productivity, greater confidence, fewer mistakes, and optimized potential. Through strategic planning, process improvement, and team alignment, she began weaving clarity into the DNA of organizations. As her consulting grew, so did her focus on teaching others to achieve clarity themselves. She moved beyond providing solutions, empowering her clients to own the process. Now, as a writer and speaker, Ann is on a mission to make clarity a universal skill, publishing books and giving TED Talks to illuminate this essential but elusive concept. Her insights aren't just techniques; they're catalysts for meaningful change in any organization. Three Key Takeaways: • Clarity Drives Results: Ann emphasizes that clarity isn't just a buzzword—it's a strategic asset that boosts productivity, confidence, and team effectiveness. • Clarity as a Teachable Skill: Beyond solving problems for clients, Ann has developed ways to teach organizations how to cultivate clarity themselves, making it a sustainable part of their culture. • Practical Clarity Spectrum: To tackle the vagueness around clarity, Ann developed a spectrum that defines specific elements needed to reach clear, actionable outcomes, making it easier for teams to get aligned and achieve their goals. Peter Winick, the CEO and Founder of Thought Leadership Leverage, like Ann, often helps his clients find clarity in their work. Check out this article by Peter on Clarity for Priorities.
Bill Sherman is 75 today and he's already partying!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bill Sherman is 75 today and he's already partying!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How do you balance being a practitioner and an academic? In this episode, Bill Sherman talks with Dr. Robert Gordon, interim department chair for analytics, economics, and finance at American Public University about his unique journey from the world of cruise ships and supply chain to academia, research, and thought leadership. Robert shares his experience moving from practitioner to academic, and now returning to bridge the gap between the two. His expertise in supply chain management, particularly in the maritime and cruise industries, provided the foundation for a shift into research and publishing that impacted both academia and industry. Robert's research on virtual teams and complexity theory was initially seen as niche, but when the pandemic hit, his work became highly relevant. The shift to remote work made his insights on virtual teams essential reading. He highlights the importance of staying connected to practitioners through conversations and continuous publishing to keep his research relevant. Robert's story is a reminder that thought leadership is not a static process. It's about continually evolving, reflecting, and bridging the gap between theory and practice. Three Key Takeaways: • Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry: Robert Gordon emphasizes the importance of staying connected to practitioners while conducting academic research, ensuring his work remains relevant and actionable in real-world settings. • The Power of Reflection in Thought Leadership: Robert highlights how reflecting on past work is crucial for growth, allowing him to evolve his ideas, improve his writing, and adapt to the changing needs of his audience. • Virtual Teams and Complexity Theory Gaining Relevance: What was once considered niche research became vital during the pandemic, as organizations around the world shifted to remote work, validating the importance of anticipating future trends in research. Robert knows the importance of academic research to practitioners. In this video Thought Leadership Leverage CEO Peter Winick explains how you can use academic research to build your thought leadership platform!
What does it take to grab your audience's attention in the first few seconds? Bill Sherman explores the art of pitching with Joanne Tombrakos, storyteller, marketing strategist, NYU professor, podcaster and writer. and expert in crafting powerful messages. Joanne breaks down the misconception that pitching is just about selling. Whether you're selling a product or an idea, the goal is the same: persuasion. It's about getting your audience to stop, listen, and invest time in your idea. Joanne shares the importance of setting the hook early and keeping people engaged by delivering value quickly and clearly. Joanne emphasizes that pitching is not just for salespeople—it's a skill everyone needs. In business, you're constantly pitching yourself, your ideas, or your projects. She compares pitching to a form of storytelling, where your narrative must not only catch attention but also build trust. Joanne also touches on the fine line between pitching and selling, explaining that while every pitch has an underlying goal of persuading, the real focus is on creating a connection. Through storytelling and strategic messaging, you can build a relationship that makes people want to listen longer. The conversation also delves into modern challenges, like competing with digital distractions. Joanne stresses that grabbing attention isn't enough—you need to hold it. Like a Netflix series that hooks viewers in the first few minutes, your pitch needs to pull the audience in right away and deliver substance, not just flash. For leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers, her advice is clear: simplify your message, make it relatable, and always lead with value. Three Key Takeaways: • Pitching is about persuasion, not just selling: Whether you're pitching a product, idea, or project, the goal is to persuade your audience and capture their attention. It's not just about making a sale—it's about getting them to care. • Hook your audience quickly: Joanne stresses the importance of grabbing attention within the first few seconds. Like a great story, your pitch needs to engage right away, offering value and building trust so your audience wants to stick around. • Simplicity wins: Don't overcomplicate your message. The most effective pitches are clear and concise. Distilling your idea into one sentence can help you stay focused and make a more powerful impact. Joanne helps us understand how the Pitch needs to move beyond persuasion and into a relationship. If you want to understand how those relationships can help ideas reach scale be sure to check out this video by Thought Leadership Leverage COO Bill Sherman.
What's the ROI of a business book? Peter Winick and Bill Sherman dive into this game-changing question in the latest episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership. Partnering with industry giants like Gotham Ghostwriters, Amplify Publishing Group, and Smith Publicity, they've launched the most comprehensive study on the ROI of business books to date. Over 350 authors participated, and the results are eye-opening. The data shows 64% of business books turn a profit, with a median of $11,350 for books that have been out for at least six months. But here's where it gets interesting—authors with a clear strategy saw a median profit of $96,000. The key takeaway? Profit is more about strategy than sales alone. Books with a robust launch plan, PR efforts, or even ghostwriting support outperform those without. For every dollar spent, the average book generates $1.24 in revenue—not just from book sales but from lucrative add-ons like speaking engagements, consulting, and workshops. Another intriguing finding? Authors with weak strategies ended up spending more than those with a focused approach. And when it comes to satisfaction with publishers, hybrid models shine. 70% of authors using traditional or hybrid publishing were satisfied, but hybrid authors were twice as likely to be enthusiastic about their experience. Catch the full episode and dive into the data at www.authorroi.com. Three Key Takeaways: • Strategic planning drives profits: Authors with a clear strategy around their book—like PR, launch plans, and ghostwriting—saw a median profit of $96,000, significantly higher than those without a plan. • Revenue extends beyond book sales: For every $1 spent on a business book, authors generated $1.24 in revenue, with most of the profit coming from related services like speaking, consulting, and workshops, not just book sales. • Hybrid publishing leads to higher satisfaction: Hybrid authors were twice as likely to express strong satisfaction with their publishing experience compared to traditional or self-published authors.
What happens when your toughest challenges become your biggest opportunities? On this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman dives deep with Neri Karra Sillaman—an Entrepreneurship Expert, TEDx Speaker, and Professor at ESCP Business School—about how her early life as a refugee set her on a path to becoming a thought leader and entrepreneur. Neri shares the story of her childhood, growing up as part of a Turkish minority in Bulgaria during the 1980s, facing forced assimilation, and eventually being expelled from the country. With only two suitcases, her family fled to Turkey. From those humble beginnings in refugee camps, Neri realized education was her key to changing her life. This powerful experience laid the foundation for her future work in entrepreneurship and academia. But how does a life of survival translate into thought leadership? Neri discusses how her research took her on a journey to understand why immigrants create businesses—and more importantly, why some of those businesses endure. Her "ah-ha" moment came when she found that many studies focused on the why of immigrant entrepreneurship but few explored how these businesses achieve longevity. This insight sparked her upcoming book, which distills the strategies of immigrant founders that any entrepreneur can apply. Her message is clear: business longevity isn't just for immigrant entrepreneurs. It's for anyone who wants to build something that lasts. Neri is working to bridge the gap between startup challenges and the principles that help businesses thrive over the long term. When asked how she moved beyond academia to practice thought leadership, Neri explains how she transitioned from writing academic papers to producing content for HBR, Fast Company, and other platforms that directly impact business leaders. She challenges thought leaders to think about how they can make their work accessible and actionable. Three Key Takeaways: • Adversity can shape success – Neri's experience as a refugee shaped her drive and resilience, which became the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey and thought leadership. • Immigrant entrepreneurship holds key lessons for all – The principles that help immigrant businesses endure are applicable to any entrepreneur looking to achieve long-term success. • Practical thought leadership matters – Moving beyond academic research, Neri emphasizes the importance of creating accessible, actionable content that resonates with business owners and drives real impact. Neri has spent her life seeking success in academia and entrepreneurship. If you want to find that same success in Thought Leadership take a moment to watch this short video from Thought Leadership Leverage COO Bill Sherman on successfully launching a thought leadership team.
How do you turn technical expertise into a story that captures everyone's attention? Today, host Bill Sherman sits down with Chantal Roberts, an insurance expert and professor at The Bureau of Manhattan Community College in New York., to discuss her unique journey as an author of two distinct books. One caters to insurance professionals, and the other takes a creative approach to educate the general public. Chantal's first book, The Art of Adjusting, targets mid-career insurance adjusters, offering them insights into the unwritten rules of claims handling. With remote work reducing informal knowledge-sharing, she aimed to bridge that gap. This book also strengthened her credentials as an expert witness in insurance litigation. Her second book, Once Upon a Claim: Fairytales to Protect Your Assets, was a complete pivot. Inspired by her experience teaching, Chantal decided to use fairy tales like Rapunzel and Goldilocks to explain complex insurance concepts to consumers. The goal? To help people understand the claims process better and avoid feeling blindsided. Chantal shares how her passion led her to write in ways that even surprised her. She also discusses her grassroots marketing efforts, sending postcards to agents as a way to spread the word about her second book—ensuring it doesn't get lost in the spam folder. If you're wondering how to write for different audiences without losing your authentic voice, Chantal's journey is full of insights. Three Key Takeaways: • Tailor your message to the audience: Chantal's books serve two very different audiences—insurance professionals and general consumers—requiring her to adjust both her tone and content to suit their needs. • Passion drives engagement: If you don't love what you're writing, neither will your readers. Chantal's pivot from a technical rewrite to storytelling with fairy tales made her second book more engaging and enjoyable for everyone. • Creative marketing matters: Chantal's approach to promoting Once Upon a Claim through physical postcards demonstrates the power of thinking outside the box to avoid digital clutter and create a personal touch. Chantal uses a different approach to finding her audience, but are you still using mass market techniques with your niche audience? If so, this article by Thought Leadership Leverage found and CEO Peter Winick might be helpful.
What happens when your publisher holds your book hostage? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Bill Sherman speaks with Michael Jenet, author of "Ask: The Questions to Empower Your Life" and founder of Journey Institute Press, about his grueling battle to reclaim the rights to his books after a new publisher took control. Michael's story isn't just one of frustration—it's about standing on principle and creating a new path for authors. After years of legal battles, Michael and his wife and fellow author Dafna managed to regain their rights, but the ordeal sparked a deeper question: How could they prevent this from happening to others? That's when they decided to start their own publishing company, Journey Institute Press, with a mission to put authors first and offer a more ethical, nonprofit-driven publishing model. They learned valuable lessons about the evolving book market, and now, they're helping first-time authors navigate the complex world of publishing with integrity and sustainability. Michael also shares key insights about long-term book marketing. Forget the one-time launch event at your local bookstore—today, it's about leveraging multiple formats, influencers, and long-term strategies to keep your book relevant. Whether you're launching a hardcover, paperback, ebook, or audiobook, the goal is the same: get your book into as many hands as possible and keep the conversation going for years. For aspiring authors, Michael offers this critical advice: start building your audience before the book is even written. Marketing falls on the author, so engage your readers early, find where they are, and get them excited long before launch day. Three Key Takeaways: • Own Your Rights: Michael Jenet's battle to reclaim his book rights highlights the importance of authors fully understanding and protecting their intellectual property in the publishing world. Don't assume your publisher will always have your best interests at heart. • Long-Term Book Strategy: Successful book launches go beyond a one-day event. Michael emphasizes the importance of thinking long-term, using multiple formats and engaging influencers to ensure your book stays relevant for years, not just during the initial release. • Build Your Audience Early: Authors can't rely solely on publishers for marketing. Start building a community around your book early on, even while you're still writing. This will drive excitement and help ensure a successful launch. These insights highlight the need for authors to take charge of both their rights and their marketing strategies to succeed in today's publishing landscape. If you have a book on the horizon and are seeking a solid thought leadership approach to marketing, reach out to Leveraging Thought Leadership to discuss how we can help.
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Sherman and Tingle are talking about the homecoming season and Bill Sherman calls to reminisce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Peter Winick sits down with Andrea Sampson, CEO and Executive Thought Leader Coach at Talk Boutique and creator of the Thought Leaders Academy. Andrea has a rich background with over 25 years in marketing and advertising. She shares how her journey from crafting TEDx talks to building a holistic platform for thought leadership shaped her unique approach to coaching and strategy. Andrea discusses the importance of understanding your core message as a thought leader. It's not just about having a big idea but knowing what you stand for and why. This clarity helps you decide what opportunities to pursue and which ones to decline. For thought leaders, aligning your actions with your core message is essential. Andrea emphasizes that strategy isn't a limitation but a necessary framework that guides creativity, much like a creative brief in advertising. Peter and Andrea also explore the distinct differences between being a great keynote speaker and running a successful thought leadership business. Motivational speakers may inspire, but true thought leaders drive deeper understanding and actionable insights. Andrea highlights the need to simplify complex ideas so that audiences not only grasp them but are compelled to act. The conversation shifts to current trends in thought leadership, particularly the effectiveness of giving away value—knowledge, experience, or content—as a strategy for engagement and growth. Andrea underscores the importance of thinking like a consumer and identifying your target audience's needs. Andrea also challenges the notion that thought leadership is a solo endeavor. Collaboration, not competition, is key. She urges thought leaders to work together, learn from one another, and focus on connection and engagement. It's not the smartest thought leaders who are remembered, but those who can connect with their audience and make an impact. Join Peter Winick and Andrea Sampson as they delve into these powerful insights that can elevate your thought leadership to the next level. Three Key Takeaways: • Align Your Actions with Your Core Message: As a thought leader, it's crucial to define what you stand for and ensure all your decisions and strategies align with that core message. This clarity will help you decide which opportunities to pursue and which to decline, keeping your brand and message consistent and impactful. • Strategy Enhances Creativity, Not Restricts It: Contrary to popular belief, having a well-defined strategy does not limit creativity. Instead, it provides a framework that guides your creative efforts, ensuring your ideas and messages are focused, relevant, and effective in solving your audience's problems. • Collaboration Over Competition: Thought leadership is not a solo endeavor. By collaborating with other thought leaders, you can expand your reach, enhance your message, and engage more deeply with your audience. Working together allows for shared learning and growth, creating a more impactful and memorable presence in the market. If you know your core message, do you have discipline around it? Bill Sherman, COO of Thought Leadership Leverage, discussed the need for Message Discipline and the risks you take by not having it.
In today's episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, our host Peter Winick is joined by Bill Sherman, co-host and COO of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Dr. AJ Marsden, an organizational psychologist and statistician, Josh Bernoff, author of Build a Better Business Book, Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, Inc., Alison Schwartz, COO of Gotham Ghostwriters, and Naren Aryal of Amplify Publishing Group. They discuss the findings of their recent research into the Return on Investment of publishing a business book. In today's presentation we will have a first look at the data that was gathered from hundreds of authors about their experiences getting published, the expenses incurred, and the results the book had on their business. These authors were reached through not only the friends and colleagues at Thought Leadership Leverage but those from many supporting sponsors such as Greenleaf Book Group, Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches, Page Two Books, and Zilker Media to name a few. Before the research could even begin we had to ask the questions "What is ROI? How can you measure it? How much does an author spend? What is the effect of different publishing models? And what type of returns do authors see? In answering these questions we explore what the data tells us about the three different publishing models (Traditional, Hybrid, and Self Publishing), the role RP and Ghostwriters can play in the success of each. We also investigate the hard and soft costs involved in writing a book and what the returns could look like. While many expect the sales of the book to account for much of their profit, we learn how using the book as a key part of a platform and gateway to other parts of the business is where real impact can be found. More questions will be asked and answered in the white paper that will be released in September as we continue to pour over the data. To get a copy of the paper when it's released e-mail info@authorroi.com
In this episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Bill Sherman sits down with Constance Scharff, PhD, a trailblazer in the field of mental health research. Constance is the founder of the Institute for Complementary and Indigenous Mental Health Research and author of an upcoming book on "Everyday Bravery." Everyday bravery isn't about heroic acts like running into burning buildings. Constance redefines it as the courage found in everyday life—like battling addiction, where survival alone is an act of immense bravery. Having been sober for 26 years herself, Constance knows this firsthand. Her research reveals the quiet yet powerful ways people confront challenges and carry themselves with dignity, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Constance aims to make her research accessible to everyone, choosing to write books instead of academic papers. She believes mental health research should be available to the public, especially in the U.S., where affordable care is scarce. By blending memoir with academic research, she offers a personal and relatable perspective on the complex issues she studies. Her journey into the field started 15 years ago at the intersection of addiction and trauma. A tragic loss drove her to explore the courage it takes to keep fighting against addiction. Her research took her across the globe—from New York's Stonewall Inn to the jungles of Ecuador—uncovering stories of resilience and bravery in unexpected places. Constance hopes her work will inspire others to see that recovery and resilience are possible, even against all odds. She challenges the over-pathologization of mental health in Western culture and advocates for a broader, more inclusive approach to mental well-being. Three Key Takeaways: • Redefining Everyday Bravery: Everyday bravery isn't about grand heroic acts but the quiet courage found in overcoming daily challenges, like battling addiction or navigating trauma with dignity. • Making Mental Health Research Accessible: Constance Scharff prioritizes writing books over academic papers to make complex mental health research accessible to the public, especially in a landscape where affordable care is limited. • Global Perspective on Mental Health: Her research highlights the resilience found in diverse cultures worldwide, challenging the Western focus on pharmaceuticals and advocating for a more inclusive approach to mental health treatment. Constance has an impactful blend of research and storytelling that she uses to spread her thought leadership. If you'd like to understand how Academic Research can be used to build your thought leadership platform be sure to watch this short video with Peter Winick.
In this episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Bill Sherman sits down with Yosi Amram, a political psychologist, CEO, leadership coach, and the award-winning author of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired. Yosi delves into the concept of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership, a fresh take on leadership that integrates spiritual qualities like passionate purpose, compassionate service, trust, gratitude, integrity, and humility into daily life and work. Yosi's journey began in Israel, where he was drafted into the military at 18, despite his pacifist leanings. The rigid military structure fueled his desire to create a leadership model built on humane values that support individual growth. This desire led him to the U.S., where he studied at MIT, launched companies, and ultimately burned out from trying to maintain control and inspire simultaneously. His burnout sparked a deep interest in psychology and leadership, which introduced him to the idea of spiritual intelligence through Dana Zohar's book "SQ: Connecting With Our Spiritual Intelligence" which was about rewiring the corporate brain. Determined to explore this concept, Yosi interviewed 71 spiritual leaders from various traditions to uncover universal themes of spiritual intelligence. He developed the first academically validated measure of spiritual intelligence and discovered that it accounts for 46% of leadership effectiveness. Now, Yosi's mission is to elevate Spiritual Intelligence to the same level of recognition and understanding as Emotional Intelligence. Looking forward, Yosi is exploring the intersection of spirituality and science, faith and reason, and the evolving role of historical religious traditions in our modern world. His quest is personal as much as it is professional, as he navigates his own Jewish heritage and its relevance in contemporary leadership. Three Key Takeaways: • Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: Yosi Amram introduces Spiritually Intelligent Leadership as a new leadership model that integrates spiritual qualities such as purpose, compassion, trust, and integrity into everyday decision-making and leadership practices. • Universal Spiritual Themes: Through extensive research with spiritual leaders across various traditions, Yosi found that spiritual intelligence is a universal concept, with common virtues that transcend individual beliefs and contribute significantly to effective leadership. • Validated Impact: Yosi's studies show that spiritual intelligence accounts for 46% of leadership effectiveness, highlighting its critical role in both leadership success and overall quality of life, much like the established concept of Emotional Intelligence. Yosi has found a section of thought leadership that is both interesting and impactful. Is your thought leadership hitting the same mark? If you are unsure this article by Peter Winick might help answer that question.
Sherman and Tingle talk about Tingle's Mom and her Hollywood adventures and Bill Sherman calls in with his celebrity stories... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sherman and Tingle talk about Tingle's Mom and her Hollywood adventures and Bill Sherman calls in with his celebrity stories... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Amy Shoenthal, USA Today bestselling author of "The Setback Cycle: How Defining Moments Can Move Us Forward," joins Bill Sherman on the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast. Amy is a seasoned journalist and marketing executive with 20 years of investigative reporting. Her passion for profiling founders, executives, and leaders who take risks and create something new began at the University of Maryland, where she reported on student entrepreneurs. Amy's book, "The Setback Cycle," explores how setbacks can lead to success. She discovered a pattern: significant achievements often follow major setbacks. In numerous interviews, she noticed that transformative ideas often arose after overcoming significant challenges. She researched extensively, consulting psychologists, neuroscientists, and executive coaches to develop a step-by-step framework for overcoming setbacks. One surprising finding? Many people fail to recognize when they're experiencing a setback, making it harder to recover. Amy's framework helps identify setbacks early and provides tools to rebuild. She emphasizes that acknowledging a setback is the first crucial step towards recovery. Ignoring or denying a setback can make it more difficult to move forward and find new opportunities. Amy was driven to create not just a narrative but a practical guide. She wanted to understand the common threads that enable individuals to rebuild and succeed after setbacks. Her book offers a playbook for anyone facing life's inevitable challenges, providing both inspiration and actionable steps. Her goal? To make the concept of the "Setback Cycle" part of our cultural lexicon. Amy hopes people will see setbacks through the lens of her framework, allowing them to emerge stronger and more resilient. She envisions a world where setbacks are viewed as opportunities for growth and innovation, and where everyone has the tools and resources to navigate adversity. Three Key Takeaways: • Setbacks as Catalysts for Success: Amy Shoenthal's research reveals that significant achievements often follow major setbacks. Her book, "The Setback Cycle," emphasizes how overcoming challenges can lead to transformative ideas and innovations. • Recognizing and Addressing Setbacks: One of the critical insights from Amy's work is the importance of recognizing when you're experiencing a setback. Identifying and acknowledging a setback is the first step in the recovery process, allowing for a proactive approach to rebuilding and finding new opportunities. • Framework for Resilience: Amy has developed a step-by-step framework, backed by extensive research and consultations with psychologists, neuroscientists, and executive coaches. This framework provides practical tools and strategies for individuals to navigate setbacks, emerge stronger, and turn adversity into opportunity. If you feel like your Thought Leadership is having a Setback, make sure to check out Amy's framework for overcoming it as well as this Four Part Framework for Thought Leadership.
Welcome to another dynamic episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast with your host, Bill Sherman. Today, we delve into the heart of innovation with two distinguished guests: Peter Boatwright, Professor of Marketing at the Tepper School of Business, and Jonathan Cagan, the Coulter Head and Lab Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. These experts have spent their careers studying and teaching the innovation process and now share their groundbreaking insights with us. Peter and Jon are the co-authors of "Managing the Unmanageable: 13 Tips for Building and Leading a Successful Innovation Team." Their book tackles the often chaotic realm of product and service innovation within organizations. They discuss the essential question: What does it mean to manage the unmanageable? Drawing from extensive research, they reveal how to embrace the chaos of innovation and transform it into productive progress. One captivating study highlighted in the episode involved replacing an engineer with a manager on a design team. The manager, focusing solely on communication and problem-solving processes, led to a fivefold increase in productivity compared to unmanaged teams. This experiment underscores the profound impact of managing the innovation process rather than directly engaging in it. The conversation explores the delicate balance between continuous exploration and decisive action. Peter and Jon stress that while endless discovery is tempting, knowing when to optimize and move forward is crucial. They draw from their classroom experiences and corporate collaborations to illustrate how theoretical principles can be effectively applied in real-world scenarios. As professors, Peter and Jon have the unique advantage of using their classrooms as innovation laboratories, blending academic rigor with practical challenges from corporate partners. This intersection of theory and application equips their students with robust, repeatable frameworks for tackling real-world problems. The discussion then turns to the future. Jon is deeply interested in the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing team dynamics. He envisions AI agents that can monitor team conversations in real-time, offering nudges and suggestions to keep teams aligned and productive. Early results suggest that AI could match or even surpass human managers in this role. Peter, on the other hand, is focused on the practical application of their principles. He's keen to see how organizations digest, use, and implement the insights from their book, continually exploring the next big questions in innovation management. Join us for this enlightening episode packed with actionable insights and revolutionary ideas that promise to transform your approach to managing innovation. Three Key Takeaways: • The Power of Process Management: Replacing an engineer with a manager who focused on communication and problem-solving processes led to a fivefold increase in productivity. This highlights the crucial role of managing the innovation process rather than directly engaging in it. • Balancing Exploration and Decision-Making: While continuous discovery in innovation is tempting, knowing when to optimize and make decisions is vital. The balance between exploring new ideas and refining existing ones is key to successful innovation management. • Future of AI in Team Dynamics: Jon Cagan's exploration into AI's role in team management reveals that AI agents can effectively monitor and enhance team interactions. Early results show AI's potential to match or even surpass human managers in keeping teams aligned and productive. There is a delicate balance between integration and innovation in Thought Leadership. Learn more about this dilemma from this article written by Peter Winick.
In this engaging episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Bill Sherman converses with Sean Stewart, an executive coach, keynote speaker, and historical leadership expert at Past Forward Talks. Sean's journey from maritime historian and archaeologist to thought leadership is both fascinating and insightful, providing a fresh perspective on how objects can help us gain clarity and insight into our problems and leadership challenges. Sean recounts how his background in maritime history and archaeology led him to realize the profound impact that objects can have on people. He noticed that individuals often become overly focused on their internal struggles, losing perspective. Objects, he found, can help externalize these problems, allowing people to step outside their heads and view their issues more objectively. This shift in perspective is crucial for effective problem-solving and leadership. Delving into the art of interpretation, Sean explains that as a historian or archaeologist, one seeks meaning in objects by placing them within a historical context. He has adapted this skill to the modern world, using objects to help leaders and teams connect with their stories and challenges. For instance, he describes using an ancient sculpture of a small stylized horse to illustrate how simple, straightforward objects can serve as powerful reminders of lessons learned and goals set, helping people avoid getting lost in their thoughts during difficult times. A turning point in Sean's career was a visit to a 5th-century Byzantine church, where he encountered a broken mosaic of a laurel wreath—a symbol of victory. This experience led him to question what true victory means in the context of conflicts and disagreements. He realized that many battles are fought for the sake of fighting, rather than for meaningful outcomes. This insight became the foundation of his coaching method, which encourages leaders to focus on their overarching goals rather than petty disputes. To get his message out, Sean emphasizes the importance of starting small and simple. He suggests giving brief presentations to large audiences, using a single object to illustrate his points. This approach not only captures attention but also makes complex ideas more accessible and relatable. Sean is currently working on a book that explores leadership through objects, showing the merits and opportunities of this approach. The book begins by laying a foundation of ethics and morality, which Sean believes are essential for effective leadership. It then moves on to practical techniques for using objects to tell stories and reinforce lessons. For those interested in incorporating objects into their work, Sean offers practical advice: start by selecting four random, unconnected objects and creating a story about life in the early 2000s. This exercise trains the mind to see connections between objects and the people who interact with them, developing a keen sense of interpretation and storytelling. By repeating this exercise with different objects and themes, one can quickly master this technique. Join us for this episode of Thought Leadership Leverage to gain actionable insights and innovative approaches to leadership from Sean Stewart. Three Key Takeaways: • Externalizing Problems through Objects: Sean Stewart emphasizes the power of using objects to help individuals externalize their problems. By focusing on an object, people can gain a fresh perspective, allowing them to step outside their heads and view their issues more objectively. • Historical Interpretation for Modern Leadership: Drawing from his background as a historian and archaeologist, Sean demonstrates how interpreting objects within their historical context can offer valuable insights for modern leadership. This method helps leaders connect with their stories and challenges, providing clarity and direction. • Practical Techniques for Leadership Development: Sean's innovative approach includes practical exercises, such as creating stories with random objects to develop interpretation and storytelling skills. His upcoming book will further explore leadership through objects, emphasizing the importance of ethics and morality, and providing techniques for using objects to reinforce leadership lessons. Sean presents a unique and interesting approach to leadership, if you are wondering if your leadership is as interesting take a moment to read this article by Peter Winick.
Bill Sherman hosts Cobe Williams, a pioneer in violence prevention. Cobe shares his journey from personal redemption to global impact. As Director of US Programs for Cure Violence Global, he uses epidemic control methods to halt violence in communities. His story is a powerful testament to transformation and hope. Cobe's defining moment came in court, in restraints, when he embraced his son after a year and a half. This emotional reunion catalyzed his resolve to change his life and be there for his family. Today, Cobe leads violence prevention programs worldwide, from Chicago to Africa, transforming communities and inspiring change. With almost two decades in the field, Cobe began as a "Violence Interrupter," mediating conflicts in his neighborhood. His approach is deeply relational, meeting people where they are, and spreading the message that disagreements don't have to escalate to violence. His work involves intense listening, strategic mediation, and leveraging community relationships to prevent retaliation and promote peace. Cobe also discusses his upcoming book, "Interrupting Violence: One Man's Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself," co-authored with Josh Gryniewicz. The book aims to inspire others by sharing Cobe's personal journey and the lessons he's learned in violence prevention. Cure Violence Global's success attracts mayors, health departments, and private funders seeking proven methods to reduce violence. Cobe emphasizes the importance of community credibility and relationship-building in their programs, ensuring local leaders are respected and effective. Through his story, Cobe hopes to show that it's never too late to change, and redemption is possible for everyone. His work and message aim to foster understanding, reduce judgment, and inspire others to share their stories and seek help. Three Key Takeaways: • Transformative Power of Personal Redemption: Cobe Williams' journey from a courtroom revelation to leading global violence prevention efforts illustrates how personal transformation can drive impactful change. His story emphasizes that it's never too late to change and that redemption is possible for everyone. • Community-Centric Violence Prevention: Cure Violence Global's approach leverages deep community relationships and epidemic control methods to interrupt and prevent violence. By training and supporting local leaders who are respected and credible within their communities, the program effectively reduces shootings and killings. • Inspiring Others Through Storytelling: Cobe's upcoming book, "Interrupting Violence: One Man's Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself," aims to motivate and inspire others. By sharing his personal experiences and the challenges he faced, he hopes to encourage people to understand the roots of violence, reduce judgment, and inspire others to seek help and share their stories.
In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman chats with Karen Wright Gordon, CEO of 5 Dynamics, about revolutionizing organizational performance. Karen explains their unique assessment, a product of Mike Sturm's pioneering research. This tool, while not the company's sole focus, is integral to their methodology. It reveals individual preferences in project phases, enhancing productivity by aligning tasks with personal strengths. Karen elaborates on the five phases: Ideation, Alignment, Planning, Execution, and Evaluation. Each person has phases where they excel and others that drain them. Their assessment helps identify these preferences, fostering a more efficient and satisfying workflow. Karen's journey with 5 Dynamics began when she encountered Mike Sturm at a Women's Presidents Organization meeting. Despite her company's success, she felt unfulfilled. Mike's insights resonated with her, leading her to acquire and further develop his IP, making it accessible and practical for businesses. Karen's vision transcends merely improving performance; she aims to democratize coaching and transform organizational cultures. By focusing on creating a unique lane rather than competing with others, she emphasizes the importance of having Champions—advocates who believe in and spread the methodology. Karen also shares how their methodology has surprised them with its versatile applications, from the corporate world to academia and healthcare. Studies have shown improvements in teamwork, satisfaction, and overall performance when using the 5 Dynamics framework. To keep the work fresh and vital, Karen collaborates with a diverse team, including a young neuroscientist and a seasoned chief revenue officer. This diversity ensures a broad reach and rich perspectives in their thought leadership efforts. Karen feels a profound responsibility to honor Mike Sturm's legacy. Continuing his work and seeing its impact on people's lives keeps her inspired and driven. Three Key Takeaways: • Leveraging Personal Preferences: The 5 Dynamics assessment identifies individual preferences in project phases, enhancing productivity by aligning tasks with personal strengths. • Creating a Unique Path: Karen emphasizes the importance of not just competing but creating a new lane, focusing on democratizing coaching and transforming organizational cultures. • Honoring Legacy and Innovation: Karen's dedication to Mike Stern's legacy drives her to keep the work impactful and fresh, collaborating with a diverse team to reach wider audiences and bring new perspectives.
In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman sits down with Judy Wilkins Smith, an executive coach and trainer specializing in Systemic Constellation Work. Judy has recently released her second book, "The Hidden Power in Your DNA: How to Use Genealogy to Explore Ancestral Patterns & Transform Your Life." Dive in as she shares insights from her transformative journey and groundbreaking work. "Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint," emerged from personal tragedy. After losing her father, she turned to writing to channel her emotions. Her background in award-winning poetry helped her craft a powerful narrative that connects deeply with readers. That ability to connect and evoke emotion can be seen in Judy's Systemic Constellation Work. Bringing hidden patterns to light by Using 3D tools like paper and props, she helps clients visualize and understand their obstacles. This method allows for a tangible shift in perception and strategy. Judy talks about the humble journey of becoming the biggest version of oneself. It's about taking full responsibility for personal growth and inviting others to join the adventure. She emphasizes the importance of growth feeling like play rather than a burden. She uses these same ideals when helping clients see the biggest versions of themselves. In her coaching Judy prefers inviting clients to explore their potential rather than pushing them. She's keenly aware of hesitation, understanding it as a form of self-protection that can be transformed into a strength. Judy reflects on her own journey with undervaluing her work. Coming from a culture that shies away from ambition, she struggled with Imposter Syndrome. Her growth involved recognizing her worth and pushing past those limiting beliefs. Judy discusses her "Head, Heart, and Gut" framework, which combats negative self-talk and aligns these three powerful centers to manifest success. When your heart, head, and gut are in sync, you unlock your full potential. Looking ahead, Judy sees the need for leaders who inspire rather than push. She emphasizes moving beyond victimhood, using personal challenges as a catalyst for remarkable achievements. Three Key Takeaways: • Transformative Power of Ancestral Patterns: Judy Wilkins Smith's work with Systemic Constellation reveals how understanding and addressing ancestral patterns can transform lives. Her books, "Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint" and "The Hidden Power in Your DNA," explore how genealogy and systemic work can uncover hidden influences and provide pathways to personal growth. • Aligning Head, Heart, and Gut: Judy emphasizes the importance of aligning one's head, heart, and gut. By overcoming negative self-talk and ensuring these three elements work together, individuals can achieve conscious manifestation and unlock their full potential. This alignment is crucial for personal and professional success. • Inspiring Rather Than Pushing: Judy advocates for leadership that inspires rather than pushes. She highlights the significance of inviting others to explore their potential and grow in a supportive environment. Her approach focuses on turning challenges into strengths and moving beyond a victim mindset to achieve remarkable outcomes.
In this riveting episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman engages with Martin Gonzalez, the co-author of the best-selling book "The Bonfire Moment" and the visionary behind Google's "The Effective Founders Project." Dive into the fascinating journey of Martin, who transformed a personal passion into a global initiative that has reshaped the landscape of startup success. Martin Gonzalez's journey at Google began a decade ago at their Singapore campus. Embracing Google's culture of innovation and autonomy, Martin seized the opportunity to embark on a passion project that aligned with Google's business goals. His fascination with startup founders and the early stages of company development led him to partner with Joshua Yellin, who was leading Google's Startup Accelerator Program. This program, with its focus on machine learning, globalization, and growth hacking, provided a fertile ground for Martin's innovative ideas, despite his initial lack of expertise in these areas. Martin's breakthrough came when he uncovered a Harvard study indicating that 65% of startups fail due to people issues. Armed with this insight, he proposed a two-day workshop aimed at addressing these challenges. The workshop, first tested in Jakarta and then in Bangalore, received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Their success was not a one-time anomaly; the workshops continued to garner high ratings worldwide, eventually impacting founders across 70 countries. In this episode, Bill and Martin explore the journey of understanding why startups succeed or fail. Martin highlights the pitfalls of relying solely on data from successful founders, which often leads to "Survivor's Bias." He stresses the importance of comprehensive data that includes insights from failed ventures to paint a realistic picture of startup dynamics. Martin also shares the genesis of their book "The Bonfire Moment." Initially hesitant to commit to writing, Martin was eventually convinced by Joshua Yellin, who saw the immense value their workshops offered. The book became a natural extension of their workshops, providing an open-source toolkit for startup founders. This approach, rooted in Google's ethos of sharing and collaboration, aimed to empower others with the tools and knowledge to replicate their success. The conversation also touches on Martin's unique role as an "Enlightened Practitioner." He bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, translating complex research findings into actionable insights for leaders and managers. This ability to synthesize and communicate evidence-based advice makes Martin a pivotal figure in the startup ecosystem. The episode concludes with a discussion on the development of a validated measure for assessing founders. Through years of collecting 360-degree feedback surveys and analyzing thousands of data points, Martin and his team published the "Effective Founders Report." This report, which garnered significant attention from their publisher, laid the foundation for their influential book. Join Bill Sherman and Martin Gonzalez for an illuminating discussion on the intricacies of startup success, the power of data-driven insights, and the transformative potential of open-source tools. This episode is a must-listen for thought leaders, authors, and speakers who are passionate about innovation and leadership in the startup world. Three Key Takeaways: • Addressing People Issues is Crucial for Startup Success: Martin Gonzalez's research, backed by a Harvard study, revealed that 65% of startups fail due to people-related issues. His workshops focused on these challenges, demonstrating that addressing team dynamics and leadership is essential for early-stage companies to thrive. • Importance of Comprehensive Data to Avoid Survivor's Bias: Martin and Bill discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on data from successful startups, which can lead to "Survivor's Bias." Understanding why startups fail is equally important to gain a realistic and holistic view of what contributes to success or failure in the startup ecosystem. • Open-Source Approach to Knowledge Sharing: Reflecting Google's ethos, Martin and his co-author Joshua Yellin chose to make their workshop tools and insights freely available through their book "The Bonfire Moment." This open-source approach aims to empower a broader audience, emphasizing mission and reach over profit, and fostering a collaborative environment for startup growth. If you want to read more about what it takes to Build Awesome Assessments check out this article by Bill Sherman.
In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman sits down with Phil Geldart, CEO of Eagle's Flight, to discuss his innovative approach to leadership and learning. With his upcoming book, "Leading What Matters Most: A Business Parable on Unlocking Human Potential," set to release later in 2024, Geldart shares insights from his transformative career. Early in his career, Geldart faced a daunting challenge: engaging a skeptical audience who believed they had nothing to learn. Hired by a company indifferent to training, he devised a unique strategy. Phil created a desert survival board game and persuaded reluctant factory workers to play. The game's unexpected effectiveness, leading them to realize the principles could enhance their work, marked the birth of experiential learning. Building on the success of his innovative training methods, Geldart authored his first book, "In Your Hands: The Behaviors of a World-Class Leader." By breaking down complex leadership concepts into digestible sections with practical illustrations, he provided an accessible tool for personal and professional growth. His subsequent books, like "EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: Changing Behavior to Improve Performance," further solidified his reputation as a pioneer in experiential learning. Despite his success, Geldart humbly resisted the label of a thought leader until his Senior Head of Marketing pointed out his influence. Focused on creating real change, Geldart emphasizes the importance of adding value to others' lives over seeking recognition. This perspective shapes his and Sherman's discussion on the true essence of thought leadership, defined more by impact than titles. Geldart sees the modern workforce as young, informed, and value-driven, requiring a shift in leadership approaches. His new book aims to address this by equipping leaders with tools to unlock human potential. Partnering with Forbes, Geldart plans to leverage their platform to reach busy CEOs, planting seeds of thought leadership that can flourish when the time is right. To amplify his message, Geldart combines client referrals with strategic exposure through Forbes. Understanding the challenge of capturing a CEO's attention, he underscores the importance of consistent, value-driven engagement. By doing so, he aims to position the unlocking of human potential as a priority with significant returns for organizations. • Innovative Training Through Experiential Learning: Phil Geldart's use of a desert survival board game effectively engaged skeptical factory workers, demonstrating the power of experiential learning in transforming attitudes and behaviors. This approach laid the foundation for his successful career in developing innovative training methods. • Accessible Leadership Insights: Geldart's books, including "In Your Hands: The Behaviors of a World-Class Leader" and "EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: Changing Behavior to Improve Performance," break down complex concepts into practical, easy-to-understand sections. These resources provide actionable insights for leaders seeking to enhance their skills and drive organizational performance. • Leveraging Thought Leadership for Impact: Despite initially resisting the label of a thought leader, Geldart recognized the importance of sharing his knowledge to add value to others. His strategic partnership with Forbes aims to amplify his message, reaching influential CEOs and helping them unlock human potential within their organizations.
In this episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Bill Sherman sits down with Clemence Sop, the Head of Marketing Innovation at InterSystems, for an insightful discussion on marketing high-ticket items, leveraging digital platforms, and the power of thought leadership. Clemence shares her fascinating journey from yacht sales to marketing innovation, highlighting the complexity and strategy involved in selling luxury items. She delves into the concept of a cultivation strategist, emphasizing the importance of digital knowledge and social listening to engage potential buyers at the right moment. Drawing from real-life experiences, Clemence explains how using LinkedIn and celebrity brand ambassadors can build trust and nurture relationships with high-profile clients. She illustrates how positioning oneself as a trusted advisor can enhance visibility and engagement, even with audiences outside the initial target group. Bill and Clemence explore her career transition from supply chain engineering to big data and social media, driven by her curiosity about the future impact of collective intelligence and connection data on human behavior and business. In her current role, Clemence spearheads innovative marketing solutions to tackle existing challenges. She narrates a compelling story about addressing thought leadership needs in Belgium's healthcare system through the "One Patient, One Record" initiative. By sharing personal stories and building a community around patient data challenges, InterSystems was able to foster trust and drive meaningful change. The episode concludes with a discussion on overcoming mental and spam filters in today's saturated digital landscape. Clemence emphasizes the necessity of targeting a specific audience, creating relevant content, and establishing authentic connections through thought leadership. Tune in to learn from Clemence Sop's unique experiences and insights on transforming marketing strategies through innovation and thought leadership. Three Key Takeaways: • Strategic Digital Engagement: Clemence Sop emphasizes the importance of leveraging digital knowledge and social listening to effectively engage potential buyers. By cultivating relationships through targeted digital networking and positioning oneself as a trusted advisor, brands can enhance their visibility and build trust with high-profile clients. • The Power of Personal Stories in Thought Leadership: The "One Patient, One Record" initiative showcases the effectiveness of using personal stories to address pain points and build a community. By sharing authentic experiences and focusing on the emotional aspects of patient data challenges, InterSystems was able to establish trust and drive meaningful conversations in the healthcare sector. • Navigating Content Saturation: In a world overwhelmed with digital content, it is crucial to target specific audiences with relevant and purposeful content. Clemence highlights the need for authenticity and relevance in thought leadership, ensuring that content not only reaches but resonates with the intended audience, thereby overcoming mental and spam filters. If you want to learn more about thought leadership marketing check out this article Decoding Thought Leadership Marketing: A Blueprint for Success by Thought Leadership Leverage Founder and CEO Peter Winick.
In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman engages with Steve Wunker, Managing Director of New Market Advisors and co-author of the groundbreaking book The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your Organization. Join them as they delve into the intricacies of fostering innovation within organizations and cultivating innovative leadership. Steve Wunker shares the core essence of The Innovative Leader, emphasizing its focus on the practical "how" of innovation. Drawing from interviews with 50 top innovative leaders and two decades of professional experience, the book provides actionable insights for individuals and organizations aiming to embrace innovation effectively. Delving into the genesis of the book, Wunker explains the rationale behind merging leadership and innovation, bridging a crucial gap in existing literature. He recounts his journey collaborating with luminaries like Clayton Christensen and Fred Reichheld, emphasizing the transformative power of distilling complex concepts into compelling narratives. The Innovative Leader isn't just another book; it's a culmination of rigorous research and inductive conversations aimed at demystifying innovation. Wunker sheds light on the book's data-driven approach, underscored by the belief that innovation is fundamentally about systems rather than sporadic bursts of inspiration. As they explore the strategies for book promotion, Wunker emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between broad outreach and deep engagement. From social media blitzes to keynote speeches and immersive articles, the book's marketing campaign is meticulously crafted to resonate with diverse audiences. Looking ahead, Wunker envisions The Innovative Leader as a seminal work shaping the landscape of innovative leadership for years to come. With aspirations for it to become a staple on the shelves of aspiring and seasoned leaders alike, Wunker underscores the importance of continuous engagement and dissemination across various platforms. Tune in to this episode for invaluable insights into building a culture of innovation and unlocking the potential of leadership in driving meaningful change within organizations. Three Key Takeaways: • Innovation is Systematic: The episode emphasizes that innovation isn't merely a stroke of luck or genius but a systematic process. By understanding and implementing effective systems, individuals and organizations can foster a culture of innovation and sustain it over time. • Practical Actionability: The Innovative Leader stands out for its emphasis on practicality and actionability. It fills the gap in existing literature by providing step-by-step guidance for leaders and managers who aspire to drive innovation within their organizations, offering tangible strategies derived from real-world experiences. • Comprehensive Marketing Strategy: Wunker highlights the significance of a comprehensive marketing strategy for launching a book successfully. By combining broad outreach through platforms like social media with deep engagement via keynote speeches, articles, and podcasts, authors can maximize their book's impact and ensure its longevity in the market. If you want to learn more about balancing Innovation and Integration be sure to check out this article by Thought Leadership Leverage founder and CEO Peter Winick.
In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman dives into the realities of space settlement with Kelly Weinersmith, biologist and adjunct assistant professor at Rice University, and Zach Weinersmith, comic artist and author. Known for their book "Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything," the Weinersmiths have recently released "A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?"—a book that raises tough questions about the feasibility and ethics of colonizing new worlds. The episode uncovers some hard truths behind the idea of settling space. While space exploration seems exciting and full of promise, the Weinersmiths caution that many of the technological, biological, and social challenges remain unsolved. In their book, they explore whether the dream of building new worlds in space is achievable or could lead to unexpected consequences. Kelly and Zach discuss the evolution of their book's thesis—from an optimistic view of imminent space settlement to a more nuanced, realistic perspective. They reveal how their research journey influenced this shift, sharing the complexities of dealing with sensitive topics and the mixed reactions they received from the space community. While some experts supported their critical approach, others reacted with resistance and disappointment. The episode also touches on the importance of humor in science communication. The Weinersmiths explain how humor helps make complex ideas more accessible and engaging. Their book, filled with witty illustrations and anecdotes, balances deep scientific insights with a lighthearted touch, providing a unique take on the question of space colonization. Bill and his guests explore the broader implications of space settlement, examining potential issues such as the environmental impact, the governance of space colonies, and the psychological effects of living in confined, isolated environments. The conversation also highlights the importance of empirical evidence and the rigorous research methods employed by the Weinersmiths, who sought input from a wide range of experts to build a comprehensive view of space settlement's challenges and opportunities. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode for a deep dive into the reality of space exploration, the impact of metaphor on our understanding of complex concepts, and the role of humor in making science accessible. Whether you're a CEO, leadership coach, entrepreneur, or thought leader, you'll find valuable insights into why space settlement might be more complicated than it seems—and why a critical perspective is essential as we look to the stars. Three Key Takeaways: • The Challenges of Space Settlement Are Complex and Multidisciplinary Kelly and Zach Weinersmith's book, "A City on Mars," explores the myriad challenges of space settlement, from technological to biological, psychological, and legal issues. Their extensive research reveals that many unresolved questions make the idea of colonizing Mars or other celestial bodies far more complex than it might seem. They underscore that successful space settlement requires significant advancements in multiple fields, and many assumptions about its feasibility may not hold up under scrutiny. • Humor as a Tool for Science Communication The Weinersmiths demonstrate the importance of humor in making complex scientific topics accessible and engaging. They explain how humor can be used to break down barriers and keep audiences interested, even when discussing dense subjects like space law or the psychological effects of isolation. By weaving humor into their work, they make the science approachable while still maintaining accuracy and depth. • The Impact of Metaphors on Perception The guests discuss how metaphors can shape our understanding of complex concepts like space exploration. Zach Weinersmith points out that metaphors, like the "wagon train in space" analogy from Star Trek, can both guide and limit our perception of what space settlement entails. This observation underscores the importance of critically examining the stories and metaphors we use to describe emerging technologies and scientific endeavors, as they can influence public opinion and expectations.
In his second episode, Billy Nevers (Lafayette/Jefferson on the UK/Ireland tour) talks about his extensive history with & Juliet, including working with the fantastic Bill Sherman and the prolific Max Martin. Billy also talks about how Legally Blonde was one of the best experiences of his life, how he booked Lafayette/Jefferson for the Hamilton tour, and tells me about the fateful phone call where he was asked a very loaded question: How do you feel about Aaron Burr? Billy Nevers on TikTok Billy Nevers on Instagram & Juliet (Original London Cast Recording) /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps
Join us for a riveting episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership as host Bill Sherman welcomes Dr. Davron James, a renowned public speaker, life coach, and the host of the weekly live radio program, "Everyday Peace" on the Unity Online Radio Network. In this enlightening conversation, Dr. James shares her inspirational journey into thought leadership, which began at the age of 17 when she stumbled upon the transformative book "The Power of Positive Thinking." This encounter sparked a profound realization - she already had access to everything she needed to achieve her potential! Driven by this newfound insight, Dr. James embarked on a mission to empower others, unleash their innate abilities, and embrace a mindset of positivity and resilience. As Dr. James delves into her thought leadership platform, "Everyday Peace," she reveals how she seamlessly integrated principles of peace and wholeness into her professional endeavors, particularly in the field of pharmacy. By infusing her lectures with insights on cultivating inner peace amidst life's challenges, she witnessed a profound impact on her audience's well-being and mindset. Through her keynote speaking engagements and writings, Dr. James continues to spread her message of empowerment, encouraging individuals to redefine their perceptions of stress and adversity, and embrace a "can do" attitude rooted in self-awareness and acceptance. Drawing upon her background in acting, Dr. James illuminates the connection between presence, authenticity, and effective communication in thought leadership. She shares valuable insights on utilizing acting techniques to connect with diverse audiences authentically, emphasizing the importance of being fully present in the moment to foster genuine connections and empathy. As the conversation unfolds, Dr. James offers practical advice for aspiring thought leaders, advocating for the Meisner Technique as a powerful tool for cultivating empathy and understanding in professional interactions. She also provides a glimpse into her upcoming venture in thought leadership, a forthcoming book on forgiveness, highlighting the emotional challenges and rewards of navigating this transformative journey. This will be Dr. James' the second book after "Freedom Is Your Birthright", which teaches how to attain internal freedom, an essential ingredient on the exciting journey to Everday Peace. Don't miss this captivating episode as Dr. Davron James shares her invaluable wisdom and insights on leading with purpose, authenticity, and everyday peace. Tune in to Leveraging Thought Leadership and embark on your own journey of empowerment and transformation. Three Key Takeaways: • Inner Potential Unleashed: Dr. Davron James's journey underscores the transformative power of self-belief and inner exploration. Her encounter with "The Power of Positive Thinking" at a young age ignited a realization that everything she needed to succeed was already within her grasp. This highlights the importance of self-awareness and tapping into one's innate potential to drive personal and professional growth. • Everyday Peace: Through her thought leadership platform, "Everyday Peace," Dr. James emphasizes the significance of finding peace and wholeness amidst life's challenges. By incorporating principles of positivity and resilience into her professional endeavors, she empowers individuals to redefine their perceptions of stress and adversity. This takeaway underscores the importance of cultivating a mindset of gratitude and acceptance to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience. • Authentic Connection: Dr. James's insights on leveraging acting techniques to foster authentic connections underscore the importance of presence and empathy in thought leadership. By being fully present in the moment and embracing vulnerability, thought leaders can forge genuine connections with their audience and inspire meaningful change. This takeaway highlights the transformative impact of authentic communication in fostering empathy, understanding, and positive change. If you are like Dr. James and have an idea you need to share with the world, Bill Sherman has some additional advice that can help you make the platform for that idea powerful!
Step into the world of thought leadership with host Bill Sherman on the latest episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership. Joining him is Anton Skornyakov, the Managing Director and co-founder of Agile.Coach, who brings a wealth of knowledge from his diverse background in mathematics, physics, and teaching Scrum methodologies. Anton's journey into the realms of leadership and coaching offers a fascinating exploration of how technical expertise can be translated into accessible language for beginners. Anton's multilingual proficiency – with Russian as his first language, followed by German, and English as his third – adds an interesting layer to his ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and relatable manner. As he delves into the intricacies of teaching Scrum and workplace transformation, he shares valuable insights on the art of moving from highly technical jargon to language that resonates with beginners. His approach is rooted in active listening and attentiveness to the audience, ensuring that concepts are conveyed effectively and comprehensively. A key aspect of Anton's teaching methodology lies in the use of metaphors drawn from everyday experiences. One of his favorite metaphors involves assembling Ikea shelves, which serves as an analogy for understanding knowledge work. By comparing the process of assembling furniture to the nature of knowledge work – where the majority of time is spent on cognitive tasks rather than physical labor – Anton provides a tangible framework for grasping complex concepts. Through such relatable examples, he emphasizes the importance of managing knowledge work effectively to drive success in various industries. When it comes to identifying his target audience, Anton emphasizes the value of specificity. His insights are tailored for middle management professionals tasked with organizing work for their teams, regardless of the industry they operate in. By distilling his expertise into actionable advice, Anton aims to empower leaders with practical strategies for navigating unpredictable projects and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. His goal is to make his insights accessible and applicable to a wide range of professionals, from software developers to non-profit managers. Anton's journey from training to writing his book reflects his commitment to validating ideas through real-world applications. By testing his material through blog articles and training sessions, he ensures that his insights resonate with his audience and offers tangible value. His upcoming challenge in thought leadership involves generalizing his insights even further, drawing on patterns from physics to provide enlightening "A-ha" moments for managers. As he continues to explore new frontiers in leadership and workplace transformation, Anton Skornyakov's insights promise to inspire and empower leaders across industries. Tune in to this captivating episode for a deep dive into the world of thought leadership and practical strategies for success. Three Key Takeaways: • Effective Communication: Anton Skornyakov's approach to bridging technical language with accessible explanations underscores the importance of active listening and adaptability in communication. By leveraging everyday metaphors, he demonstrates how complex concepts can be made relatable to beginners, fostering understanding and engagement. • Embracing Knowledge Work: Anton highlights the significance of understanding knowledge work in modern-day tasks, where cognitive tasks often outweigh physical labor. Through relatable examples like assembling Ikea shelves, he emphasizes the need for effective management of knowledge work to drive success across various industries. • Audience-Centric Approach: Anton's focus on targeting middle management professionals underscores the value of specificity in thought leadership. By tailoring his insights to meet the needs of this audience segment, he aims to empower leaders with practical strategies for navigating unpredictable projects and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
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.