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AI is already changing the way people work. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicts that half of all entry level office jobs will disappear within five years. Former Google executive Mo Gawdat goes further, saying that AI will start to replace everyone – whether software developers, podcasters, or CEOs – beginning as soon as 2027.
This article is for CEOs and C-suites who are preparing themselves to be thought leaders, to not only remain relevant in the age of AI, but shape the future.
On average, thought leadership generates ROI of 156%. That figure can vary depending on whether the thought leader provides quality content, is considered independent, and is trusted.
Thought leadership offers an ROI that makes it “16 times more effective than traditional marketing approaches,” per a new book on the subject The ROI of Thought Leadership.
To be called a thought leader is more than a marketing or promotional technique. Thought leadership is really another way of building relationships per co-author Cindy Anderson: “Thought leadership is not a marketing campaign. It’s not an ad. It’s not a news article. It’s a long-term relationship building, brand-building approach.”
Examples of true thought leaders are Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, and Jensen Huang. They think ahead of their times, they “think different”. They inspire and lead humanity into new modes of awareness, thinking, and living.
You may say: “How is it possible for me to measure up to these giant thought leaders?”
The point is: Everyone can learn from the same principles of thought leadership. With steadfast conviction, relentless practice, and constant learning, we all can grow into thought leaders in our own fields.
The good news is: Thought leadership can be acquired, through coaching and practice. At 10 Plus Brand, we have a system of integrating thought leadership into brand identity – be it a business brand or a personal brand.
Thought leadership in the AI Age is multifaceted, multi-disciplinary, and multidimensional. It is a combination of at least five elements, based upon a whole-person approach:
Perhaps the most important characteristic of thought leadership is to “stand for something.” Stick to one’s values, belief, and purpose, especially when it is not popular or risks adverse consequences. It takes courage, integrity, authenticity, and personal character to be consistent with one’s unique point of view based on principled thinking.
Integrity comes from sound principles and spiritual groundedness. Authenticity comes from strength of character. Thought leaders lead with vision, foresight, and a commanding view of a bigger picture. They are driven by purpose, mission, and goals, and so are their organizations.
Original and informed insight is another hallmark of thought leadership. To rise above the ocean of mediocrity in the age of AI, originality is essential. (But one recent study found that half of all long-form LinkedIn posts are generated by AI. You cannot be a thought LEADER by recycling AI generated ideas.)
Thought leaders must be innovative thinkers. They bring unique insights to their teams and organizations. They encourage others to think differently, and foster a culture of innovation by making it safe to experiment and fail.
Relationship building and team building are based on EQ (emotional intelligence) and people skills (“soft skills”). As AI automates skill-based tasks and frees up humans to be more creative, innovative, and connected, the old command-and-control or “brute force” leadership model is giving way to human centered and relationship oriented thought leadership.
AI can’t replace human-to-human connections. Teamwork and collaboration, based on EQ and intrinsic motivation, has become an important facet of thought leadership.
A thought leader is a life-time learner. An everlasting curiosity and genuine humility drive thought leadership. A thought leader needs to be on the cutting edge of developments in his or her field.
Beyond domain expertise, a thought leader must develop an inter-disciplinary way of thinking to approach complexity. In the age of AI, a thought leader needs to be both a technologist and a humanist, a scientist and an artist – multidimensional and multidisciplinary – to lead and INSPIRE others.
A thought leadership coach uncovers a leader’s unique insights and perspectives, then articulates and amplifies them to shape conversations, elevate stature, build trust and credibility, and influence target audiences.
For example, a thought leadership coach may help the leadership team in the tech sector to refine their messaging framework for AI products. After developing brand positioning, branding, and content strategies, the coach will crystallize the company’s market niche and value propositions, to create impactful narratives and high-quality content.
To accelerate their journey in becoming an influential voice in their industry, the thought leader coach will then guide the company to distribute thought leading content on various media platforms. This will result in obtaining talent, investors, strategic partners, and customers for this AI company.
(1st) Discover new ideas that are surfacing at the forefront of an industry, hone their unique points of view and distinctive perspectives that set them apart, to strategically position them as thought leaders;
(2nd) Build a personal brand or professional brand that communicates their thought leadership as part of their unique value propositions and brand identity;
(3rd) Content strategy and content creation: strategize and develop a body of thought-provoking, original, well informed, and cohesive materials in various formats;
(4th) Amplify and distribute thought leading content on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, podcasts, keynote speaking, newsletters, lPR campaigns, advertising, and other media outlets. Foster trust and recognition, and increase visibility by engaging the target audience.
(5th) Performance coaching: The thought leadership coach provides feedback and suggestions, improves communication and storytelling skills, and develops executive presence and confidence.
As Jensen Huang predicted: In less than two years, AGI will be at super human level. If you don’t start to adapt and prepare to be thought leaders now, you may be left behind or even replaced.
Becoming a thought leader is a strategic effort with clear, measurable bottom line results, per McKinsey. The way to shape your future in the AI age, is to start building thought leadership as part of growing your own personal and business brands.
The humbling fact is that no one can become a thought leader on his or her own. In the age of AI, human to human interdependency is needed more than ever to develop EQ, team building, relationship skills, and other qualities mentioned above.
The time to reinvent yourself is now.
Control your destiny with self leadership.
If you need an initial consultation, please use the contact form on 10PlusBrand.com
(The above is an introduction to Joanne Z. Tan’s upcoming book: “Brand Building and Thought Leadership Coaching in the AI Age”. Joanne will share parts of the book in her newsletter on Substack, you can get a sneak preview of the book by subscribing at: https://10plusbrand.substack.com/embed )
© Joanne Z. Tan, 2025, all rights reserved.
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