For too long, leaders have treated reputation as an abstract, almost mystical force, something that happens to them as a byproduct of their careers. This is a dangerous and outdated assumption. Your reputation is not some intangible fog; it is a measurable, manageable, and immensely valuable asset.

You have reputational equity. How large or small that equity is depends on how deliberate you are about nurturing it. The most successful leaders don’t just earn a reputation; they build it, piece by intentional piece.

Thought leadership is more than just having an opinion or being vocal in a particular field. It is about actively contributing to the evolution of ideas, whether by refining existing concepts or introducing groundbreaking ones. The essence of thought leadership lies in adding value, shifting perspectives, solving problems, and driving meaningful conversations that leave a lasting impact.