Thought leaders are the informed opinion leaders, and go-to people in their field of expertise. They are trusted sources who move and inspire people with innovative ideas; turn ideas into reality, and know and show how to replicate their success. They are change agents who inspire evolutionary or even revolutionary change changing minds, behavior, and even the world. But how do they get there? And how can any one of us become a thought leader in our own right? In Ready to Be a Thought Leader?, renowned executive talent coach Denise Brosseau presents a well-defined process to transition from successful businessperson to thought leader. A thought leader in her own right (she speaks frequently and is an expert on women’s entrepreneurship), Brosseau advises top Fortune 500 and Silicon Valley figures on how to make the leap. In Ready to Be a Thought Leader?, she reveals the 7 steps of her plan for becoming a thought leader: What’s My Driving Passion identify your professional sweet spot by pinpointing the interdisciplinary areas where your expertise and interests overlap with an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Catalyze a "Silver Tsunami" Conversation take the kernel of an idea to appropriate stakeholders, gather input, identify key trends and then position and leverage that message to tell a bigger story that engages others. Nurture Your Helens identify key champions and clearly and convincingly articulate the win-win so they choose to use their clout to further your efforts and help you overcome that ping pong game of naysayers. Put Your I on the Line how, when and why it’s crucial to move from We created this to I believe we should go this direction to create a singular, focused vision. Produce Point-to Proof build measurable, verifiable evidence and precedence that gives you sufficient authority and credibility to close deals and get a yes. Put Yourself on Shout increase your credibility, strategic visibility and reputation and recognition as a thought leader via speaking, writing, traditional and social media, attending thought circles and networking. Incite (R)Evolution how to amplify, accelerate and audit the impact of your efforts. The book makes a business case for taking a more high-profile direction in your career and includes stories, tips and success secrets from others who have successfully made the transition, including Robin Chase, former CEO of Zipcar; Chip Conley, author of PEAK and former CEO of JDV Hospitality; and more. The final section will include guidelines on how to develop a forward-thinking strategic plan that gets you in to action and a set of steps you can take today, even if you only have 15 minutes, to become a thought leader. Ready to Be a Thought Leader? is essential reading for anyone ready to expand their influence, increase their professional success, and have an impact far beyond a single organization and industry, and ultimately leave a legacy that matters.
