Leveraging Thought Leadership

How do you turn an idea into lasting thought leadership? Dr. Ruth Gotian has done just that—translating academic research on high achievers into actionable insights that help individuals and organizations thrive. In this episode, we explore the power of mentorship, the resilience of high achievers, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Ruth shares stories of Olympic champions, astronauts, and Nobel laureates who refused to settle for mediocrity. Like Dr. Peggy Whitson, who applied to NASA for a decade before becoming the agency’s chief astronaut. Or the Olympian already planning his next win on the flight home. Ruth knows success isn’t a talent—it's a learned skill. She shares how to identify your superpowers, leverage them, and plant ambition like a seed that grows into unstoppable drive. She also reveals her own journey of thought leadership—from struggling with the first chapter of The Success Factor to writing books, speaking globally, and democratizing knowledge in every format possible. Her latest book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring (The FT Guides), co-authored with Andy Lopata, was named Runner-Up for Leadership Book of the Year (The Leadership Awards 2024). Whether you're looking to elevate your own success or help others rise, Ruth’s insights will change the way you think about achievement. Three Key Takeaways: • Success is a Learned Skill, Not Just Talent – High achievers aren’t born extraordinary; they develop habits, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of growth. Whether it's Olympians, astronauts, or Nobel laureates, they all follow a process to success that anyone can adopt. • Mentorship is a Game-Changer – The right mentors can push you further than you ever imagined. Surround yourself with people who believe in you more than you believe in yourself, ask the tough questions, and challenge you to think bigger. (The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring explores this in depth.) • Persistence Separates the Good from the Great – Dr. Peggy Whitson applied to be an astronaut for 10 years before finally being accepted—then went on to become NASA’s Chief Astronaut. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t? They refuse to give up. Want to know if you are a High Achiever?  Take this 2 minute assessment to find out.

Are you really a thought leader—or just claiming the title? Today's guest Mischa Zvegintzov, Chief Influence Officer at Influence Army, thought he was a Thought Leader.  As a sales expert with decades of experience, he knew how to pitch. But when a podcast host bluntly told him, “You don’t look like a thought leader,” everything changed. In this episode, Mischa shares how he pivoted from traditional sales tactics to leveraging podcast guesting as his primary vehicle for influence. He reveals how appearing on 100+ shows transformed his credibility, opened doors, and led to unexpected opportunities. Peter and Mischa also dive into the hidden power of podcast guesting—why it's more than just getting on a mic, how to “hijack” an audience the right way, and why most guests completely miss out on maximizing their impact. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re showing up as a true thought leader or just another name in the noise, this conversation is for you. Expect candid insights, hard-hitting truths, and actionable takeaways on elevating your brand, proving your expertise, and turning podcasting into a game-changing growth strategy. Listen now and learn how to amplify your thought leadership without breaking the bank. Three Key Takeaways: • Podcast guesting is a powerful thought leadership tool – Being a guest on the right podcasts allows you to tap into established audiences, build credibility, and position yourself as an expert without heavy marketing spend. • Most guests fail to maximize their impact – Simply appearing on a podcast isn’t enough; thought leaders must engage in strategic pre-show preparation, deliver value-driven conversations, and actively promote their episodes post-release. • Thought leadership is about proof, not claims – Having a strong message isn’t enough; you need visible credibility. Leveraging podcast guesting effectively can create the social proof necessary to establish real authority in your space. If you've had trouble finding the distinction between Thought Leader and Influencer check out this video by Peter Winick to learn the difference.

Can social media predict the stock market? Vuk Vukovic, CIO and co-founder of Oraclum Capital, believes it can. His hedge fund leverages the wisdom of the crowd and a proprietary network analysis of social media bubbles to forecast weekly equity market movements. With a PhD in political economics and a track record of accurately predicting elections—including Brexit and Trump—he's now applying his methodology to finance. Vuk started by testing his theory transparently, using his own money and publishing every move in a newsletter. The results? Turning $1,000 into $54,000 in just two years. His audience didn't just watch—they invested. Half of his initial hedge fund backers came from readers who followed his journey. The secret isn't just crowd wisdom. It’s about identifying and weighting opinions correctly. Some people—especially those stuck in echo chambers—make terrible predictors. Vuk’s method filters out the noise, finding the right voices to forecast market trends with over 60% accuracy. Beyond trading, he’s expanding his thought leadership through speaking, writing, and his new book, Elite Networks: The Political Economy of Inequality. By connecting network theory to both financial markets and political influence, he’s building a broader platform for his ideas. Listen in as we explore the intersection of thought leadership, data-driven forecasting, and the power of social media. Three Key Takeaways: • The Wisdom of Crowds Works—If You Filter the Right Voices Crowd predictions are powerful, but only when analyzed correctly. Vuk’s methodology accounts for social media bubbles and bias, identifying the most reliable predictors rather than just following the loudest opinions. • Transparency Builds Trust—and Attracts Investors By publicly testing his trading model with his own money, Vuk proved its effectiveness. His thought leadership strategy—sharing real results in a newsletter—turned followers into hedge fund backers. • Network Theory Applies Beyond Finance Vuk’s research on elite influence and inequality connects directly to his market prediction model. Whether in politics or finance, understanding how people interact within networks provides a competitive edge.

How do you lead in a world where the future keeps shifting? Dr. Nada Sanders, a distinguished professor at Northeastern University, an expert in supply chain management and AI-driven decision-making, believes the key is humility. In this episode, we dive into why thought leaders must stay agile, question assumptions, and embrace uncertainty. AI is reshaping business, but no one truly knows what the future holds. Leaders are under pressure to "do something" with AI, yet many don't fully understand its implications. Nada argues that real success lies in balancing human intelligence with machine capabilities—knowing when to trust AI and when to override it. We explore how thought leadership is evolving in this era of rapid change. From the risk of AI-generated misinformation to the need for cross-disciplinary expertise, Nada reveals why rigid thinking is a liability. Thought leaders must develop skills in critical thinking, scenario planning, and resilience. The best leaders won’t be those who make bold, absolute claims—they’ll be the ones who stay curious, adapt quickly, and help others navigate the unknown. As AI-generated content increases, the ability to discern truth from illusion becomes essential. Nada shares why experience matters more than ever and why businesses that sideline senior expertise in favor of digital skills alone are making a critical mistake. Success will come to those who combine deep domain knowledge with the agility to reframe their thinking. We also discuss the future of human-machine collaboration, the power of philosophy in leadership, and why taking time to reflect is more important than ever. Thought leadership isn't just about sharing ideas—it’s about asking the right questions and challenging the status quo. Three Key Takeaways: • Humility is a Superpower in AI-Driven Leadership – Thought leaders must embrace uncertainty and continuously update their perspectives. Absolute certainty is a liability in a world where change is constant. The best leaders will ask, “What don’t we know?” instead of making rigid predictions. • AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement for Human Judgment – AI can generate insights, but it lacks context, experience, and the ability to distinguish truth from misinformation. The leaders who thrive will be those who know when to trust AI, when to challenge it, and how to integrate human expertise with machine intelligence. • Success Requires Cross-Disciplinary Thinking and Adaptability – Siloed expertise is no longer enough. Leaders must develop broad knowledge, connect insights across disciplines, and stay agile. Organizations that combine senior experience with emerging digital skills will have a competitive advantage over those that rely solely on technology. If you are interested in the way AI as a tool is being used in the Thought Leadership space listen to this episode with guest Stephanie Grayson about getting good ideas in front of the right audience and how AI can help.

Can you scale sales without sacrificing quality? Gregg Murphy and Mike Latch have done it—taking a company from $50 million to a billion-dollar run rate. The secret? A fusion of technology, strategic sales processes, and thought leadership that turns even mid-level sales reps into top performers. Now, they’re sharing their insights in their book "Sales Sucks...But It Doesn't Have To: Transform New Reps into Top Performers and Scale Your Sales Org from Millions to Billions"  and their AI-driven platform, Patter AI. In this episode, they reveal how they built a system that trained 250 new sales reps a month, slashed onboarding time, and transformed how complex sales are executed. We explore the power of scripting—not as a robotic sales pitch, but as a framework for high-value conversations. Gregg and Mike break down the tech-human synergy that accelerates performance and how their approach challenges the way organizations think about sales training. If you're looking to scale your team, optimize performance, and create a sales culture that thrives—this episode is a must-listen. • Sales Scaling Requires Strategy & Tech – Growing from $50M to $1B wasn’t luck; it was a mix of AI-driven enablement, structured scripting, and a clear sales process that rapidly trained new reps. • Mid-Level Reps Are the Untapped Opportunity – Instead of focusing only on top performers, optimizing mid-tier sales reps can create massive gains with the right tools and training. • Scripting Isn’t a Crutch—It’s a Superpower – When done right, scripting doesn’t make sales robotic; it empowers reps to have high-value conversations that drive better decisions and results. If you are struggling to accelerate your sales or are in need of an updated strategy reach out to the team at Thought Leadership Leverage to book a session to discuss how we can help you.

Are you truly connected—to yourself, to others, to your purpose? Dr. Adam Dorsay, psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author, joins me for a deep conversation on how connection shapes our lives. From working with Silicon Valley execs to writing his new book Super Psyched, Adam explores the ways we build (or neglect) meaningful connections. We dive into the challenges of self-awareness, the dangers of distraction, and why so many high-achievers struggle with emotional depth. Adam shares powerful insights on how small, intentional shifts can lead to richer relationships, greater resilience, and a more fulfilling life. He also opens up about his own journey—overcoming dyslexia and ADHD, reinventing himself in midlife, and learning to communicate his ideas in a way that truly resonates. Whether you’re a leader, creator, or someone seeking more meaning, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you engage with the world around you. And if you’ve ever struggled to finish a book, Adam has some surprising lessons on what it really takes to turn big ideas into something lasting. Tune in to rethink connection, intention, and what it means to be truly alive. • Connection Starts with You – Many people look outward when they feel disconnected, blaming relationships, work, or circumstances. But real, lasting connection begins with self-awareness and intentionality. If you don’t connect with yourself first, every other connection will suffer. • Distraction is the Enemy of Meaningful Relationships – Social media, endless to-do lists, and digital distractions are stealing our ability to be present. Small, intentional actions—like sending a thoughtful voice message or truly listening in a conversation—can transform our personal and professional relationships. • Intentional Living Requires Effort – Most people let life happen to them rather than actively shaping their experiences. Taking time to reflect on what truly brings joy and fulfillment can help avoid the regret of “love left on the table.” Thought leaders must apply the same strategic thinking to their personal lives as they do to their work. Adam explores the critical role of self-awareness and intentionality in building meaningful connections. In this short video, Peter highlights how a lack of self-awareness can unknowingly lead to self-sabotage.

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.

How do you get booked as a speaker when no one knows you? And how do you stand out in a crowded market? Cam Beaudoin has cracked the code. A former speaker on disability inclusion and accessibility, Cam now helps speakers create powerful demo reels that get them noticed—and hired. He joins me on Leveraging Thought Leadership to share why most speaker reels miss the mark and what you need to do instead. We break down the myths about demo reels, why a flashy highlight reel won’t get you booked, and how to craft a video that makes event planners say, “This is the speaker we need.” Cam also reveals a simple yet overlooked strategy to build credibility—even if you don’t have a big-stage clip yet. If you’re a speaker (or want to be), this episode is a masterclass in making yourself irresistible to event organizers. Three Key Takeaways: • Your speaker reel is a sales tool, not just a highlight reel. It should clearly show how you solve a problem for event planners and their audiences. • You don’t need a big-stage clip to create a compelling reel. Interviews, media appearances, and even small-stage footage can establish credibility and showcase your expertise. • Getting booked isn’t just about great content—it’s about marketing. A strong demo reel gets you the call; your job is to convert that into a paid speaking gig. If you want some additional tips to make your demo reel sizzle, check out this article by Leveraging Thought Leadership COO Bill Sherman.

Is the influencer model broken? Consumers are drowning in five-star reviews and paid endorsements. But what if credibility, not clout, was the real driver of influence? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter Winick sits down with Eric Shienkop, entrepreneur, author, and tech innovator. Eric built the world’s largest community of unsigned musicians, helping them monetize their work through brand partnerships. Now, he’s taking on another industry ripe for disruption—online reviews and influencer marketing. Eric’s company, The Desire Company, is flipping the script. Instead of influencers with massive followings but little expertise, they partner with professionals—athletes, doctors, and industry specialists—who actually know their stuff. The result? Trustworthy product recommendations that resonate with consumers in a way traditional influencer marketing no longer does. Eric shares the evolution of his thought leadership journey, from struggling to get into boardrooms to becoming a bestselling author and sought-after speaker. He breaks down the steps that took him from white papers to keynotes to writing the book "Return of the Hustle: The Art of Marketing With Music" that made Microsoft come calling. If you’re trying to cut through the noise, establish credibility, and build a business that thrives on trust, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Three Key Takeaways: • Credibility Beats Popularity – Consumers are growing skeptical of traditional influencer marketing, making expert-driven recommendations more valuable than ever. • Thought Leadership Opens Doors – Writing books, publishing white papers, and speaking at events can transform expertise into opportunities and business growth. • Industries Ripe for Disruption – Outdated systems, like the current review and influencer models, create opportunities for innovation and trust-based marketing. Eric shows why getting the right influencer is more important than the one with the most followers.  If you want to follow in his footsteps you'll have to know your audience, and not just in general terms.  Check out this article by Peter Winick on how to clearly describe your ideal client and why being able to do so is critical.

What does it take to chase greatness in a world of rapid change? Rajeev Kapur, CEO of 1105 Media and bestselling author, shares his journey of saying "yes" to hard things—from navigating international markets in the early days of Gateway and Dell to leading businesses during a global pandemic. His stories reveal the resilience and courage required to build opportunities where none seem to exist. Rajeev opens up about how bold decisions and a mindset of growth led him to write his first book, Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption, during the challenges of COVID-19. He outlines his "GREAT" framework—Gratitude, Resilience, Empathy, Accountability, and Transparency—essential traits for leaders facing demographic shifts, technological disruptions, and cultural divides. This episode also explores Rajeev’s second book, AI Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to Generative Intelligence, written for those intimidated by technology. He explains how generative AI can empower individuals and why understanding its potential and risks is crucial in today’s world. From harnessing AI for business to embracing deep fakes as a societal challenge, Rajeev makes the case for thoughtful leadership in an era of disruption. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or aspiring thought leader, Rajeev’s insights will inspire you to step up, stay curious, and embrace the hard path to success. Three Key Takeaways: • Saying Yes to Hard Challenges: Taking on difficult tasks and stepping out of your comfort zone can fast-track career growth and open unexpected opportunities. • The "GREAT" Leadership Framework: Gratitude, Resilience, Empathy, Accountability, and Transparency are essential traits for navigating disruption and leading effectively in today’s fast-changing world. • AI is for Everyone: Understanding and embracing AI’s potential—even for non-technical individuals—can drive innovation and create new opportunities, but leaders must also be mindful of its risks, like deep fakes and ethical concerns. Rajeev has a GREAT framework and you can too! Thought Leadership consists of four components that must work together.  You can learn more about them here.