#283 Data Storytelling With High ROI: How to Create Great Thought Leadership with Cindy Anderson & Anthony Marshall, CMO and Senior Research Director at IBM
Feb 13, 2025
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Cindy Anderson, CMO at IBM Institute for Business Value, and Anthony Marshall, Senior Research Director, dive into the art of thought leadership. They reveal how it can yield a jaw-dropping 156% ROI when integrated into marketing strategies. The duo emphasizes the role of generative AI in crafting compelling, data-driven narratives that resonate with C-suite executives. They discuss challenges in data-driven storytelling and the importance of quality and authenticity, while highlighting the mission of the Global Thought Leadership Institute to elevate standards in the field.
Effective thought leadership requires a compelling and unique message that captures executives' attention amidst their limited engagement time.
Measuring the ROI of thought leadership reveals it significantly influences purchasing decisions, reinforcing its crucial role in marketing strategies.
Deep dives
The Importance of Clear Messaging in Thought Leadership
Executives typically allocate two to three hours each week to read and engage with thought leadership content, underscoring the necessity for a compelling and unique message to capture their attention. A robust understanding of what constitutes an 'aha' moment or hook is crucial to avoid diluting the content into something mundane or uninteresting. By establishing a clear hook from the beginning, creators can ensure their work stands out and resonates with busy executives who are selective about their consumption. The emphasis on creating impactful thought leadership highlights that this form of content is not just about presentation but also about delivering genuine insights that can enhance decision-making.
Defining Success with ROI in Thought Leadership
Measuring the return on investment (ROI) of thought leadership is becoming increasingly essential, with findings showing a 16 times premium in ROI compared to traditional marketing campaigns. The data collected from surveys of 4,000 business leaders highlighted that effective thought leadership significantly influences purchasing decisions and strengthens client relationships. This strong ROI underscores the value of thought leadership as a foundational platform for building brands and should be viewed as an integral part of marketing strategy. By viewing thought leadership as an invaluable investment, organizations can leverage it to generate more substantial business outcomes.
The Role of Storytelling in Thought Leadership
Storytelling plays a vital role in crafting effective thought leadership, with four primary types identified: explainers, issue pieces, how-tos, and persuasive narratives. Each type serves distinct purposes, from unpacking complex topics to prompting action or providing solutions. Tailoring content to specific executive audiences involves understanding their business challenges and aligning storytelling approaches to address these needs effectively. By structuring thought leadership around these storytelling types, organizations can better engage their target audience and drive meaningful conversations.
Integrating Generative AI for Enhanced Thought Leadership
Generative AI presents opportunities to enhance productivity and creativity in developing thought leadership, but it requires careful application to avoid pitfalls. While generative AI can aid in data analysis and content generation, it lacks the capability to produce novel ideas independently, necessitating human expertise in thought leadership creation. The integration of AI should focus on supplementing human efforts—augmenting capabilities rather than replacing them—to ensure that the content remains innovative and insightful. This balanced approach allows organizations to maximize the benefits of AI while maintaining the integrity and quality of their thought leadership outputs.
Thought leadership is more than just a buzzword—it's a strategic tool that can significantly influence business decisions and relationships. But what makes thought leadership effective? How do you ensure your insights are not only heard but also trusted and acted upon? What role does generative AI play in enhancing the storytelling process, and how can it be leveraged to create compelling narratives that resonate with your audience?
Cindy Anderson is the Chief Marketing Officer/Global Lead for Engagement & Eminence at the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV). She has co-authored research reports, published numerous articles, and delivered presentations on thought leadership, diversity, strategy implementation, project management, and technology to global audiences. She oversees a team of 30 editors, designers, and social media/email marketers. She is a founding board member of the Global Thought Leadership Institute at APQC, a new association that advances the practice of thought leadership.
Anthony Marshall is the Chair of the Board of Advisors for The Global Thought Leadership Institute at APQC and the Senior Research Director of thought leadership at the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV), leading the top-rated thought leadership and analysis program. He oversees a global team of 60 technology and industry experts, statisticians, economists, and analysts. Anthony conducts original thought leadership and has authored dozens of refereed articles and studies on topics including generative AI, innovation, digital and business transformation and ecosystems, open collaboration and skills.
In the episode, Richie, Cindy, and Anthony explore the framework for thought leadership storytelling, the role of generative AI in thought leadership, the ROI of thought leadership, building trust and quality in research, and much more.