As I stood on the stage in Boston, looking out at the sea of faces, I was struck by the realization that my journey as an entrepreneur has been a winding road of twists and turns. It's a journey that has taught me that success is not just about achieving a goal, but about the courage to take risks, to experiment, and to learn from our failures.
My keynote in Boston was around how I’ve used a test-and-learn approach to innovate as a data executive. I shared several stories of how the courage to test and learn helped our senior leadership team get unstuck on tough decisions like Return-to-Office. As I founded Data With Serena, I experimented with numerous types of projects and created 5 income streams as a result. My intention was simply to gather as much “data” as possible on what I enjoy and how my clients respond. I learned a lot about what brings me joy (or not) as well as what delights my customers! All these data allowed me to create the recently announced Data With Serena 2.0.
As I shared my story with the audience, I couldn't help but think about the two key elements that have contributed to my success: taking a data-driven approach and establishing myself as a thought leader. It's a combination that has allowed me to innovate, to push boundaries, and to make a real impact in my industry.
But, I didn't always know that I wanted to be a thought leader. In fact, I stumbled upon it by accident. I was driven by a desire to share my knowledge, to educate, and to inspire others. And, as I looked out at the audience, I realized that I'm not alone. There are so many people out there who want to make a difference, who want to share their story, and who want to inspire others.
I'm reminded of the different types of speakers I've encountered as I reflected on past events. There are knowledge-focused speakers, who share their expertise and experience with the goal of educating their audience. There are inspirational speakers, who share their personal stories with the goal of inspiring their audience to take action. And then, there are thought leaders, who share a combination of their knowledge and personal stories to educate, inspire, and empower their audience to take action.
But, becoming a thought leader isn't just about achieving a title or a status. It's about making a commitment to serve others, to educate, to inspire, and to empower. It's about using your platform to make a real difference in the world.
There are countless benefits of being a thought leader. The leads come to you, instead of you chasing them. You're recognized as an expert in your field, and people seek you out for your guidance. This means additional income streams as a consultant, speaker, and writer. But, most importantly, you have the power to make a real impact, to inspire others, and to leave a lasting legacy.
So, I ask you: have you ever dreamed of becoming a thought leader? What's holding you back? Is it fear, uncertainty, or a lack of knowledge? Reply and tell me: What questions do you have about becoming a thought leader? (I read all the responses - no AI involved.)
Be well,
Serena
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