Mischievous or Genius — exploring Thought Leadership

The other day I was collecting dirty washing when I came across my daughter’s own version of Thought Leadership. In my youngest daughter’s room I discovered her school uniform hanging over her chair. Her shirt, tie and jumper were all in one, showing that she had taken them all off as one item.

Gabrielle Dolan
Jul 26, 2017 · 3 min read

This didn’t surprise me as Jess is always on the look out for ways to improve her time management. I can easily see her managing process improvement projects in her future career.

I needed to wash her school shirt, so I started disassembling her ensemble. Then I saw it …and I didn’t know if I should be really mad with her or impressed.

To improve the time consuming process of wearing a school tie, she had cut her tie in two. On each cut end she had sewn pieces of elastic with an adjustable button to secure the tie in place. Not yet done, she also decided to glue the tie in place from the back so it would never loose its shape. Now each morning she simply pops her tie over her head without needing to knot anything.

I confronted her with my dilemma of being mad or impressed and she responded with, “Mum be impressed, be very impressed”. Then I asked her how we were ever going to wash her tie and she informed me that you never wash ties. I should mention that as she is 13, personal hygiene is still a novelty.

In the end, I decided this was genius. Others have been equally impressed and are encouraging her to make the ties for others.

Insights into Thought Leadership

This experience got me thinking about how we all probably have a genius inside us. What’s more, exploring our ideas and sharing those insights can benefit others. So when I think about the Thought Leadership programs I run, I can’t help but think about Jess’s insights into time efficiency.

The term Thought Leadership was first coined in 1994 by Joel Kurtzman, then the editor-in-chief for the magazine Strategy and Business. It was he who said that Thought Leaders are those people who possess a distinctively original idea, a unique point of view, or an unprecedented insight into their industry.

However, the term ‘Thought Leader’ is becoming a bit tarnished because of the number of individuals and companies self-proclaiming they are Thought Leaders. Yet, how many can hold themselves accountable to Kurtzman’s definition?

Thought Leadership Intensive

This is why I am excited to be offering two Thought Leadership Intensive programs this year.

  • Melbourne 12th and 13th October
  • New York 30th and 31st October

These programs are designed for professionals in organisations through to small business owners who are serious about increasing their profile and industry positioning through Thought Leadership.

You can download the brochure for Melbourne here or New York here.

I am also happy to set up a time to discuss if this program is suitable for you.

Now I have to go cut a few ties.

P.S. The first 10 registrations will receive a free ticket to my public storytelling workshop (Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore or New York) or a 1 on 1 mentoring session with me but be quick if you are interested, as the first 6 have already registered.


Originally published at gabrielledolan.com on July 26, 2017.

Gabrielle Dolan is a trainer, mentor and keynote speaker specialising in storytelling, thought leadership and women in leadership. She is considered a global thought leader in storytelling and an expert in business communications. She is the founder of Jargon Free Fridays and her latest book Stories for Work: The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling is available onlineand in all reputable bookstores. Contact Gabrielle here.

Gabrielle Dolan

Written by

Author, Speaker and Trainer in business storytelling. Founder of Jargon Free Fridays.

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