I have a complicated relationship with the idea of “thought leadership.” Honestly, I don’t really like it. Too often it feels like a vacuum for people to rant about how things are—and yes, I know I’m doing exactly that here.

Of course, there’s value in sharing perspectives and having conversations about how our industry is changing. But I can’t help wondering: why is my thought more valid or interesting just because I choose to publish it online? Does putting it out there give it weight—or does it just put me at risk?

I come from an era of pitching, and it was brutal. Thought leadership feels similar. You pitch the concept in your head, release it into the world, and then watch it get pulled apart.

Maybe there’s a better way. Instead of broadcasting our theories, why not sit down over coffee and work them through in conversation? Or even better—try them out in the real world with a team. That way, your ideas don’t just exist as words online; they’re tested, proven (or disproven), and actually move something forward.