Why we need thought leaders in the health and wellness industry
Never has our health and wellness been more top of mind. Improving our healthcare system was rated as utmost important, above addressing poverty and climate change, according to the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer. On an individual level, trust is declining in our leaders — with government, journalists, and CEOs being on the steep decline. The most trusted leaders were the locals — people in their local community, their employer/CEO, and scientists. Source: 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer
For many reasons, we’re in a trust crisis which started long before 2020. Rebuilding requires a different kind of leadership. It must be rooted in transparency, honesty, responsibility, and actions over words. Our leaders need to embody empathy, compassion, kindness, and an open mind. One way to begin communicating this new leadership paradigm is through sharing thought leadership content.
What is a thought leader?
I suppose we have always had thought leaders. There have always been people with expertise in certain areas — whether it was dressmaking or woodworking — and those experts have likely had opinions on their industries and at least, their craft. What’s different now is the thousands of industries, sub-industries, and hence millions of ‘crafts’ to perfect.
Alas, expertise does not a thought leader make.
A thought leader is an expert with leadership skills, in leadership positions, and is interested in making a difference within and beyond their 9 to 5. The expertise is like the foundation of the house and the leadership qualities are what make it unique, strong, resilient, and essentially a ‘home’ for people to learn, feel inspired, and engage in discussions.
Thought leaders have a sense of empathy and compassion for the people they are helping. They care about the wider industry — how it can evolve, how it can become more efficient, and how it can make use of technology and advances in research while maintaining it’s humanity. They are willing to talk about the hard stuff, take responsibility for what they can affect, and empower their teams and their clients.
This is a thought leader.
Here’s why we need them in the health and wellness industry.
1. To ask questions
Health and wellness is an industry where change can sometimes stagnate — not because it’s not needed — but because resources are so limited. Thought leaders can use their expertise and influence to question why we do things the way we do them and explore more innovative or efficient ways. Asking the question doesn’t magically produce a solution but it opens the door.
2. To inspire collaborations
If we have learned anything over these past few years, it’s that we’re better together. There’s no way we’d get through challenging times without collaboration — across the private sector, public sector, non-profit, government, and so on. Thought leaders inspire collaboration firstly through their network. Since they aren’t born experts, thought leaders may have studied for years, been mentored and guided by those before them, and have put their 10,000 hours into their area of expertise. In healthcare, thought leaders may have conducted clinical trials, published research papers, and tested their theories and methods. Thought leaders volunteer on boards, in their communities, and give their time as mentors and guides. They typically have a strong network — no matter how big or small. Collaboration is at their fingertips and by sharing their thoughts and ideas, they can inspire new partnerships which have potential to solve some of the industry’s biggest problems.
3. To share the latest research
In the same thread as collaboration, thought leaders can tap into their strong and varied networks to keep their finger on the pulse of their industry. They are connected to researchers, scholars, and post-graduate students who are sharing the latest research through events, webinars, and social media posts. On the experience side, they are also connected to those working in the frontline of their industry who often share their experiences through councils, committees, events, and social media. In addition to their network, thought leaders are lifelong learners. They regularly engage in training and workshops to keep their knowledge up to date. They’re here to share the latest and greatest in research and client perspectives so we can keep learning and adapting.
4. To put a face to their ORGANIZATION
Health and wellness is as personal as it can get. Yet, many people feel distant from health and wellness organizations. Thought leaders put a face to their organizations and companies by sharing thoughts and ideas through their personal lens. They add a human element. Thought leaders are — of course — influenced by the organizations and institutions in which they work in and collaborate with. However, thought leaders are also heavily influenced by their own curious and caring mind. Sharing thought leadership content helps increase transparency and empowers clients and customers to make more informed decisions.
5. To build legacy and lead the next generation
Thought leaders make an impact on those around them, their network, their organization, and their industry as a whole. An idea they shared at a conference or in a social media post lives on through the people who experienced it. It may have inspired those around them to think or do things differently or to ask questions they might not have thought of. Early in their career — before they called themselves a thought leader — they had mentors and guides who inspired their careers. Thought leaders now carry the torch and have a responsibility to pass on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation. They have the opportunity to build a legacy of empathy, compassion, and kindness.
A WORLD WITHOUT thought leaders
In my career, I’ve had the honour of supporting thought leaders with their social media strategy, content creation, editorial calendars, and analytics. I can say they are the ones at the forefront of some of the most notable ideas, talks, articles, and systemic changes that we see today — all in their own respects. When I think back over the years, I don’t want to imagine a world where they didn’t share their thoughts and ideas. We need thought leaders. And thought leaders need support — whether it’s with creating a social media strategy, taking their ideas and turning them into words on a page, or even simply a nudge to get started — and I’m here to do exactly that.
Ready to grow your thought leadership presence on social media?
The world could benefit from you sharing your thought leadership content. I support CEOs, VPs, medical experts, and executives with their social media strategy, content creation, public relations, and more. Learn more about how we can work together below:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Kidd is a social media strategist and content creative for health and wellness organizations.
With over 10 years’ experience working in healthcare, wellness, pharma, and fitness organizations in Canada and abroad, she is focused on helping her clients achieve their goals, create connections with their audience, and have a positive impact on the world.
She is also a kundalini yoga teacher and infuses the mind, body, spirit connection into her work.