What exactly is a thought leader? According to one definition in Forbes magazine, thought leaders are defined by two traits: they are recognized as experts in their field and they profit handsomely from their expertise.
To me, a thought leader is someone who has the innate ability to challenge the status quo and to think outside the box. They prescribe to the notion that “if it ain’t broke, break it.” They have the tendency to question conventional wisdom, color a bit outside the lines and become a disruptive force in their fields.
Thought leaders find new ways to do old things. They provide new insights into established concepts and offer new paradigms to change the way we look at the world. Their wealth does not make them thought leaders — their novel thinking does.
Few people impress me with their intellect, and even fewer shape my thinking. The guru whose insights resonate with me? Simon Sinek. To a lesser extent Seth Godin and the brilliant cast of characters on TED that think and live on the edge.
“Why can’t I be as smart as Simon Sinek?” I lamented to a friend. “You are,” was the clearly biased response. That’s what love and friendship to do us, they turn on the blinders!
I challenge you to think outside the box, risk failure, challenge the status quo, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. How else will we change the world?
About Hemant Rustogi