Leveraging Thought Leadership

What do horses and leadership have in common? According to executive leadership coach and author of The Unlocked Leader: Dare to Free Your Own Voice, Lead with Empathy, and Shine Your Light in the World Hortense le Gentil, a lot more than you might think. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Hortense shares how lessons learned from show jumping shaped her understanding of empathy, communication, and trust—core elements of great leadership. She explores how leaders, like riders, must align with their teams, anticipate obstacles, and build trust to achieve success. Hortense's journey to becoming a world-renowned executive coach wasn't conventional. She didn’t set out to be a coach—she simply wanted to help others. Over time, her unique insights and human-centered approach to leadership attracted top executives and organizations looking to go beyond strategy and truly connect with their teams. In this conversation, Peter and Hortense discuss the difference between transactional coaching and transformative coaching. They dive into the common challenges executives face—self-doubt, old narratives, and the struggle to balance strategic execution with authentic leadership. Hortense reveals how she helps leaders break free from limiting beliefs and redefine their leadership identity. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of thought leadership, the shift from traditional keynote speaking to more interactive formats like fireside chats, and why authenticity is the key to making a real impact. If you’re ready to unlock your leadership potential and shine your light in the world, this episode is a must-listen. Three Key Takeaways: • Leadership is about alignment and trust. Just like in show jumping, leaders must align with their teams, anticipate obstacles, and build trust to achieve success. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about connection. • Authenticity drives impact. Leaders who embrace their true selves and lead with empathy create stronger, more engaged teams. Authenticity is the key to unlocking leadership potential and making a meaningful impact. • The landscape of thought leadership is evolving. Traditional keynotes are being replaced by more interactive formats like fireside chats, allowing for deeper, more personalized engagement with audiences.

Where do big ideas come from, and how do we make them accessible to the next generation? Thought leadership isn't just about creating new ideas—it’s about synthesizing insights and making them available to those who need them most. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Lisa DeFrank-Cole, professor and director of Leadership Studies at West Virginia University. From growing up in a coal mining town to becoming an author and academic leader, Lisa’s story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and impact. Lisa shares how she identified a critical gap in leadership education—women in leadership—and turned it into an award-winning textbook Women and Leadership: Journey Towards Equity that’s now shaping classrooms across the country. She dives into the importance of synthesizing research to make complex ideas more digestible and highlights the role of educators in bridging the gap between academia and real-world application. We also explore the challenges of taking thought leadership beyond the classroom. Lisa discusses the need for visibility, the power of speaking up, and the reality that simply writing a book isn’t enough. Thought leadership requires patience, persistence, and proactive engagement to truly make an impact. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your ideas into something tangible and enterprise-ready, this conversation will give you valuable insights. Ready to learn how to connect ideas with the audiences who need them most? Three Key Takeaways: • Thought leadership requires synthesis, not just creation. Making complex ideas accessible to a broader audience is crucial for driving real impact and fostering new generations of leaders. • Bridging the gap between academia and practice takes effort. Sharing insights beyond the classroom requires proactive engagement, visibility, and a willingness to step outside traditional academic circles. • Opportunities arise when you speak up. Whether it’s writing a book or seeking new platforms, voicing ideas to the right people can open unexpected doors and create meaningful change. Lisa found opportunities by speaking up.  Take a look at this infographic for ideas on Discovering Thought Leadership Opportunities in the Digital Age.

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.

How do you bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and real-world impact? In this episode, Peter Winick sits down with Maxine Mackie, Managing Director of Label Sessions, to explore the art of translating thought leadership into actionable innovation. Maxine shares her journey from working with IBM’s research labs to founding a global expert network. She reveals the power of connecting thought leaders with businesses to solve real problems and drive progress. Maxine highlights the challenges of identifying hidden experts—those who are brilliant in their domains but often overlooked because they don’t self-promote. She also emphasizes the value of collaboration in creating impactful thought leadership and why innovation often thrives at the intersection of diverse perspectives. Together, they discuss strategies for thought leaders to commercialize their expertise while staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for thought leaders, CEOs, and anyone looking to turn innovation into a competitive edge. Don’t miss Maxine’s advice on finding your voice, building a network, and navigating the balance between isolation and collaboration in thought leadership creation. Three Key Takeaways: • Collaboration Fuels Innovation: Thought leadership thrives at the intersection of diverse perspectives, and collaboration often sparks the most impactful ideas. • Hidden Experts Hold Untapped Value: Many brilliant minds remain undiscovered because they don’t self-promote. Finding and amplifying these experts is key to solving complex business challenges. • Translate Ideas Into Action: Success in thought leadership requires bridging technical or academic brilliance with clear, actionable strategies that resonate with businesses and drive results. Maxine emphasizes the transformative potential of collaboration in driving innovation. To explore how collaborating with clients can unlock new levels of value, we invite you to read this insightful article by Peter Winick.

What happens when a high-powered attorney decides to tackle fear and anxiety head-on? On this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter Winick speaks with Stephen J. Dietrich, corporate M&A attorney and author of Fear Dynamics: Harnessing fear and anxiety to create lasting happiness and meaningful achievement. Stephen shares how introspection and personal growth reshaped his approach to life and business. He explains how addressing emotional and mental health helped him not only find happiness but also skyrocket his professional success. Stephen discusses the surprising link between vulnerability and stronger client relationships. He details how embracing openness led to better teamwork, trust, and deeper connections in his law practice. His story challenges conventional thinking, proving that emotional honesty can drive exceptional business outcomes. From mental health stigma to corporate performance, Stephen’s journey is a powerful example of how courage and self-awareness can transform both individuals and organizations. This conversation is packed with insights for leaders ready to rethink how they engage with their teams and clients. If you’re wondering how emotional well-being can align with professional excellence, this episode will leave you inspired. Three Key Takeaways: • Vulnerability Builds Trust: Embracing emotional openness can deepen relationships with clients, colleagues, and teams, fostering collaboration and mutual respect. • Mental Health Drives Success: Addressing fear and anxiety not only enhances personal happiness but also leads to measurable improvements in professional performance and business outcomes. • Modeling Behavior Matters: Leaders who demonstrate transparency and resilience create an environment where others feel empowered to engage authentically, driving better teamwork and innovation. Thought Leadership like what Stephen is doing has the power to change lives, but getting it into the world can be an uphill battle.  If you feel like you are losing your passion for thought leadership, read this article to get some tips from Peter on how to Reevaluate, Retool, and Reengage.

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.

2024 was an incredible year for Leveraging Thought Leadership, bringing insights from some of the brightest minds in business and thought leadership. This "Best of 2024" episode features five remarkable conversations, each offering unique strategies and perspectives on building influence and scaling ideas. If you're looking to lead with impact, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor, reflects on the importance of managing people with authenticity and respect. She shares how frameworks like hers help leaders balance care with accountability, dismantling myths about "nice" managers finishing last. Marcus Collins takes the mic to reveal how marketers can build deep emotional connections by starting with shared values and targeting niche communities, a strategy he applied to launch his book successfully. Kate Bravery dives into the future of work with insights from her book Work Different. She confronts outdated HR practices and calls for agility and transparency in job architectures. Liz Wiseman rounds out the lineup, sharing her secret to transforming keynote speeches into lasting, impactful organizational change. By creating ecosystems around her books, Liz ensures her ideas deeply embed in corporate cultures. We finish off the episode with Peter and Bill Sherman looking at the highlights of the Book ROI project that has offered never before analyzed insights into publishing a business book. This episode distills wisdom from top thought leaders into a concise, and powerful hour. Whether you're a seasoned author, a keynote speaker, or an aspiring influencer, you'll find inspiration and practical advice for amplifying your voice.

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 "ROCC 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 "Rock" to "ROCC"—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.

What does it take to truly transform and lead authentically? Paul Glover knows. Once a successful trial attorney, his life unraveled due to choices that led to federal prison. But from the depths of failure, Paul emerged not only as a survivor but as a powerhouse coach for C-suite executives. His journey is raw, unfiltered, and deeply inspiring, blending lessons of humility, resilience, and hard-won wisdom. Paul’s story is one of dramatic reinvention. Prison, he says, saved his life and softened his perspective, forcing him to confront blind spots and triggers that once drove destructive behavior. Today, his “No BS” coaching method empowers leaders to tackle their echo chambers and embrace failure as a growth tool. From offering money-back guarantees to positioning himself as a modern-day “fool” who tells leaders the hard truths, Paul’s approach is anything but conventional. Leadership, Paul argues, demands the courage to fail and the humility to learn. His coaching and speaking emphasize resilience, not just to bounce back but to bounce forward. Drawing parallels to psychological safety and historical figures like the court jester, Paul challenges leaders to seek and trust those who hold them accountable, creating space for transformation. The key? Being brutally honest—with themselves and their teams. Paul’s message is a wake-up call to leaders everywhere: true leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about embracing imperfection and turning failure into fuel for growth. With humor, candor, and authenticity, Paul Glover inspires audiences to rethink success and take bold, transformative steps forward. Three Key Takeaways: • Transformation Through Failure: Paul Glover’s journey from a successful attorney to a convicted felon and then a sought-after coach highlights the power of embracing failure as a tool for personal and professional growth. He demonstrates how confronting blind spots and taking accountability can lead to profound transformation. • Authentic Leadership Requires Honesty: True leaders need to break out of echo chambers and surround themselves with people who provide honest, unfiltered feedback. Paul’s approach as the “No BS” coach underscores the importance of humility, self-awareness, and the willingness to hear hard truths. • Resilience Goes Beyond Recovery: Leadership isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward. Paul emphasizes resilience as the ability to learn from failures and turn them into opportunities for growth, fostering a leadership style that is both dynamic and transformative. Instead of running from his past Paul has put it forward as part of his authentic self.  When you present your thought leadership are you being authentic or just trying to go viral?  Check out this short video by Peter Winick to discover why being your real self is more important.

How can an academic bridge the gap between rigorous research and actionable insights for executives? Stephanie Woerner, of MIT's Center for Information Systems Research (CISR), offers a masterclass on this topic in our latest podcast episode. She reveals how her team tackles the tension between academia’s slower pace and business’s urgent demands by designing projects with rapid deliverables and executive-relevant outcomes. It’s not just about publishing papers—it’s about driving impact and transforming practices. Stephanie explains how CISR collaborates with its consortium of 75 corporate members to co-create research agendas that solve real-world problems. From exploring the impact of AI and data-driven decision-making to demystifying digital transformation, her frameworks make complex concepts accessible. Her advice? Listen to your audience, translate data into actionable insights, and focus on what drives performance—whether it’s profitability, innovation, or customer experience. The conversation dives into the art of storytelling with data. Stephanie shares how visuals, like a simple two-by-two matrix, can illuminate business challenges and opportunities. By simplifying without oversimplifying, she equips leaders to move from confusion to clarity, making complex transformations manageable. With thought leadership positioned as a practice, Stephanie reflects on her journey from researcher to influencer. She underscores the importance of connecting with your audience, constantly iterating, and striving for impact over time. This is thought leadership in action—anticipating the future, separating signal from noise, and delivering the insights your audience needs just when they need them. Three Key Takeaways: Bridging Academia and Business: Stephanie Woerner highlights the importance of designing research to deliver actionable insights for executives. By structuring projects with shorter cycles and a focus on business relevance, her team ensures their work addresses urgent corporate challenges while maintaining academic rigor. The Power of Frameworks and Storytelling: Simplifying complex ideas into accessible frameworks, like two-by-two matrices, helps executives understand challenges and take decisive action. Effective storytelling with data transforms raw information into compelling, actionable insights.Audience-Centered Thought Leadership: Successful thought leadership requires deep listening and collaboration with your audience. Woerner emphasizes the value of co-creating research agendas and focusing on practical outcomes that align with what your audience urgently needs to know—or hasn’t yet thought to ask. If you want to further explore the idea of using academic research to build your thought leadership, be sure to check out this video by Leveraging Thought Leadership founder and CEO Peter Winick.