Here's how you can acquire new skills in Thought Leadership while working full-time.

Carve out 15-minute windows to explore industry trends through podcasts, articles, or online courses. Don't reinvent the wheel! Share insightful content from others with your unique perspective on social media. Lead discussions or propose innovative solutions within your team, building a reputation for insightful thinking. Become a problem solver. Join online communities or industry forums related to your field. Participate in discussions to showcase your knowledge and build connections.

I used to think that networking was for corporate big wigs and it bored me when I worked in entry level retail and had to attend conferences. It felt inauthentic and pointless to me at the time. Fast forward to today. I have a real passion for disability advocacy and have discovered that networking within an area of personal interest is not only essential but also fulfilling and energizing and rewarding. I used to think networking was solely about climbing the corporate ladder. Today I am eager to network with like minded individuals across the country and even across the globe who are as passionate about human rights, especially disability rights. We connect on a deeper level and together we can change the world.

Writing isn’t solely for the journalists and novelists. In today’s world of innovation and connectivity, people are sharing information on every topic imaginable. People share their stories and their lives and their audiences connect with their humanity and learn more about their experiences. Leaders write about their field of expertise, and millions of people have the opportunity to gain insights on a wide range of subjects without paying for a degree in every subject. Understanding each other creates connection. Understanding our world expands our minds. The impossible becomes possible. Thought leaders don’t have to be CEOs or Inventors. We all have something valuable to offer the world. What is your expertise? Write about it.

Many people have a fear of public speaking. Some turn to every tip and trick to grab their audiences attention and to overcome anxiety. Every individual is unique though. What works for one person won’t help everyone. What reaches one audience would be lost on another. Charisma is an illusion. The best approach to public speaking is being yourself, talking from lived experience, or deep knowledge, and focusing your energy on your topic and the what the audience needs. I love planning everything, but I find my best speaking engagements are conversational and flow organically rather than pre-scripted. This is an anomaly in my personality. The authenticity that results is what makes it worth it.

Continuous learning is essential for everyone. In addition to learning everything you can in your area of expertise, everyone should branch out and learn additional things in a wide variety of subjects. A business guru can also benefit from a solid understanding of accessibility. A Tech Pioneer will need some knowledge in financial planning. The possibilities are endless. There is an infinite amount of information available for anyone who prioritizes expanding their understanding. Believing that the only way to be an expert is to solely focus your attention on a single area of study puts you at a disadvantage. You should learn everything you can in your field. However, an open mind and diversified knowledge can enhance your expertise.

5 habits to become a Thought Leader on LinkedIn (& beyond) (please don't call them hacks, 5th is my favourite) 1. Share your story ➔ Let the world know you inside-out 2. Do/Join 'LinkedIn audio' events ➔ Win small stages 3. Focus on writing clearly ➔ Start with mini 1-2 liners post 4. Watch 1 TEDx talk a week ➔ Instead of a Netflix series 5. Let comments reflect your story ➔ Master 10-sec pitch Evergreen habit that guarantees growth: "Be Kind. Be Fearless" Develop these habits and you'll improve by 1% daily. That's how I've grown personally and professionally.