Alicia Cintron of Cintron Revised: 5 Things You Should Do To Become a Thought Leader In Your Industry

An Interview With Dina Aletras

Be brave. Thought leadership requires betting on yourself. It demands courage, tenacity, and vulnerability — all of which can be a daily challenge. By nature, thought leadership is contrarian, which may invite pushback, trolls, and general vitriol. However, it will also bring support, agreement, and a new way to look at an old issue.

Being brave also means acknowledging when you’re wrong and addressing it publicly. We all make mistakes. Being brave means apologizing. As the great Uncle Ben and Aunt May once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Responsibility means admitting when you are wrong.

As part of our series about how to become known as a thought leader in your industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alicia Cintron, PhD.

Alicia Cintron, PhD is a research and public communications professional, full-time traveling scholar-entrepreneur, and ICF certified travel coach. As the founder of (Cintron, Revised), she specializes in helping academics, scholars, and thought leaders amplify the impact of their research through strategic communication planning, personalized coaching, and expert content development. With her unique blend of academic expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, Alicia empowers scholars and thought leaders to effectively share their knowledge with wider audiences and make a lasting impact in their fields.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us! Our readers are eager to learn more about you. Could you provide some background information about yourself?

I’m a Bronx native who grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After graduating from Old Dominion University, I landed a really cool job in marketing and promotions for a college basketball arena. I worked on shows like Elton John, The Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Steve Harvey, Avett Brothers, Eric Church, The Harlem Globetrotters, and so many more. It was a very cool job.

While I enjoyed working in the events industry, I was always drawn to the sports world. This led me to pursue a graduate degree in sport administration at the University of Louisville. But returning to college helped me discover a love for high-level learning, something I wanted to do more than working in the sports industry. I went on to complete my doctorate in sport administration, researching professional sport stadium development and urban planning.

I obtained a tenure-track position upon graduation; however, I soon realized that academic life wasn’t the right fit for me. Something always felt like it was missing for me — whether it was feeling constrained in my research, a lack of impact, or sense of purpose. Eventually, I made the bold decision to leave without a backup plan.

I eventually sold all my belongings and began to travel internationally as a digital nomad, starting in South America. It was during this time that a former colleague hired me to help build her thought leadership brand. This opportunity sparked the creation of my research communications company.

Today, I lead a business that empowers scholars, researchers, and thought leaders to make a meaningful impact through communications coaching and training. I still travel internationally, though I call Mexico City home for the time being.

What establishes you as an authority on thought leadership? Could you briefly share your expertise with our readers?

My background in marketing and public relations, combined with my experience in higher education, where thought leadership is almost required of tenure-track professors, helped build my expertise in this area.

Currently, I work with academics, scholars, and thought leaders to help them effectively share their knowledge with wider audiences, thus making a lasting impact in their fields. This process involves building trust, developing a public persona, becoming an effective communicator, and being a bit vulnerable — skills that may not come naturally to a professionally trained academic or someone with a more introverted, modest personality.

In a sense, academics and thought leaders are savants: they know everything there is to know about a specific topic yet struggle with connecting to the wider public due to a range of internal and external factors. I work with them one-on-one to understand what may hold them back. We work through their pain points and concerns, and then we begin communications training.

Can you recall a funny mistake you made when you were first starting out? What lesson did you learn from it?

When I was first starting out, I got caught in this ridiculous perfectionism trap that I soon realized was self-sabotage. I convinced myself I needed to check off a laundry list of things before I could actually start my business. Things like registering the business, launching a fully developed website, creating all these elaborate systems and processes.

Looking back, it’s clear how I used this overcomplicating factor to my detriment, but it was out of fear. Deep down, I was scared to put myself out there, so I kept inventing these “critical” tasks as an excuse to delay actually starting.

Once I finally bit the bullet and started working with clients, none of that stuff really mattered as much as I thought it would. And I eventually ended up changing the systems I took so much time to put in place. My first client didn’t care about my project management system — they just wanted my help.

I’d love to say I completely broke this habit, but I still catch myself doing it sometimes. The difference now is that I can recognize when I’m falling into that old pattern. When I notice myself getting too caught up in the details, I take a step back and ask, “Am I moving forward, or am I just avoiding?”

The lesson here is sometimes you just need to jump in and start swimming. The best way to learn is by doing, especially in entrepreneurship. There is no blueprint for starting a business — every story is different — but forward movement is necessary to keep the momentum going.

What are the most significant disruptions you foresee in your industry over the next five years, and how can businesses adapt to these changes?

The advent of social media has done wonders for elevating thought leaders, but it can be incredibly difficult for people. Trolls and harsh critics are more present than ever. This isn’t a totally bad thing, because thought leaders should not go unchallenged. But it is hard to promote thought leadership when people are more risk averse and nervous about being in the court of public opinion. There are also very real-life threats. It can be very scary.

On the other hand, social media and the expansion of the internet can elevate anyone to become a thought leader. Since there are no hard and fast qualifications for becoming a thought leader, the barrier of entry is low, especially given the state of social media. And with trust in our institutions dwindling, people are seeking other trustworthy figures. It is a challenging time for sure.

Can you explain the benefits of becoming a thought leader? Why is it valuable to invest time and resources into this?

Becoming a thought leader is essentially about sharing your unique perspective on a specific topic where you have deep knowledge and experience. You’re in a special position to speak thoroughly and authoritatively on your subject. And with your expertise, you have the potential to improve a slice of the world, whether small or large, when you combine deep knowledge, benevolence, and a genuine interest in making the world better.

And in today’s complex media landscape, I believe people are increasingly seeking out experts they can relate to, connect with, and trust. In our disconnected world, there’s a real hunger for community and connection. People are looking to join communities of like-minded individuals where they can share thoughts and find common ground. And with your unique thought leadership, you can foster a community and bring improvement to the lives of those also interested in your field.

Ultimately, thought leadership is about connecting with people, creating a community around shared interests, and informing others. You’re not just sharing information; you’re fostering relationships and building a network of individuals passionate about the same topics you are. Thought leaders have the potential to change lives.

Can you share an example of a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you leveraged innovative thinking to overcome it?

As an entrepreneur trying to develop my own brand and thought leadership through content creation (blogs, newsletters, and social media content), I found myself overwhelmed. Having recently transitioned out of academia, I struggled with my writing, still stuck in an academic style — bland, passive, with too many words and not enough emotion.

So I turned to AI for assistance. However, in my rush to produce content, I wasn’t being very discerning with the AI outputs. This approach backfired, as it was the opposite of developing thought leadership — I wasn’t doing the actual writing. Looking back on those posts now makes me cringe.

I realized I needed to shift my approach to content creation, lest I be left behind. Now, I use AI more strategically — to help me create outlines and refine my writing. I also develop content with more intention so that I am not doing too much ‘new’ work across platforms. The process is slow and sometimes arduous, but in terms of thought leadership and SEO, it is necessary.

I’m currently working on updating my blog posts to ensure it reflects my voice and thought leadership. This experience taught me there is no shortcut to genuine thought leadership — it requires time, effort, and your own unique voice.

Now that we have covered that, we’d love to hear your advice on becoming a thought leader. Can you share five strategies that someone should follow to gain recognition as a thought leader in their industry? Please include examples or stories from your own experience for each strategy.

1 . Share your thoughts and your story.

In order to become a thought leader, you have to share your thoughts! Preferably where your potential audience is. You can utilize newsletters, social media, and blogs to share well-researched, thoughtful points of view. Some people rely on writing a book to help establish themselves as a thought leader.

You also want to be vulnerable and help people understand your background and the life experiences that inform your perspective. Building trust is crucial to becoming a thought leader.

2 . Build your online profile.

This goes beyond just typical social media. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for developing thought leadership within a professional community. Have a blog, a website, a podcast, a newsletter, or even a YouTube channel can also springboard your thought leadership. It’s challenging to be a thought leader without a platform to share your thoughts, though it is possible. Writing for media publications is another way to build an online profile, though you have much less control over this.

3 . Follow thought leaders in your field (and others).

Here is where you can develop and strength your thought leadership skills. By following and interacting with other thought leaders in your field, you can create opportunity to offer both similar and differing perspectives. This allows you to engage in civil debates with those you don’t agree with. You can potentially collaborate with other thought leaders. I’ve found that engaging with other thought leaders in and around my industry has not only expanded my network but also challenged me to refine and expand my ideas.

Don’t be afraid to discuss topics outside your field you are interested in, acknowledging when you’re learning more. We are all multifaceted people. It is natural to be interested in other topics outside your area of expertise. This can also help you in the vulnerability category.

4 . Trust yourself and your gut.

There will always be naysayers. People will question you and your motivations. Some may challenge your authority to speak on certain topics. Believing in yourself, your ideas, and that you have something unique to offer requires trusting your instinct and not listening to voices of doubt, whether external or internal. I’ve had moments of self-doubt, especially early in my journey as a self-trained entrepreneur and research communications specialist. But I know I have put in the work to be able to knowledgably speak on related topics. I’ve learned to trust my expertise, a key to my growth as a thought leader.

5. Be brave.

Thought leadership requires betting on yourself. It demands courage, tenacity, and vulnerability — all of which can be a daily challenge. By nature, thought leadership is contrarian, which may invite pushback, trolls, and general vitriol. However, it will also bring support, agreement, and a new way to look at an old issue.

Being brave also means acknowledging when you’re wrong and addressing it publicly. We all make mistakes. Being brave means apologizing. As the great Uncle Ben and Aunt May once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Responsibility means admitting when you are wrong.

How do you foster a culture of innovation within your organization, and what practices have you found most effective in encouraging creative thinking among your team?

While I don’t currently manage a team as a part of my business operations, I work with many thought leaders from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. In this context, I’ve developed several practices to foster innovation and creative thinking:

1. Encourage verbal processing: I always urge my clients to talk through their ideas with me. The act of speaking aloud, as opposed to just thinking or writing, can often provide a different perspective. This verbal brainstorming can lead to unexpected insights and innovations. I usually record our sessions, review the transcripts, and use AI to create summaries and pull key points from the brainstorming sessions.
2. Ask probing questions: When working with clients, I help refine their ideas by asking thought-provoking questions. I push them to expand on areas where their thoughts might be particularly innovative or impactful. This process often leads to deeper, more nuanced thinking.
3. Capture fleeting thoughts: I advise my clients to write down their ideas as they come, no matter how rough or unformed. And by write down, I mean use their Notes app, write on a sticky note, whatever is accessible at the time (and a place where they will not forget to come back to). Then, I suggest they revisit these notes weekly to see what resonates or has potential for development. I remind them, “copy is copy” — meaning all ideas have value and potential.
4. Create space for thinking: One of my key recommendations is to create dedicated space for thought. This means stepping away from your computer and devices for a few moments, going for walks, or sitting in silence. While ideas can strike at any moment, we can encourage their arrival by creating an environment conducive to deep thinking.

Who do you think is an outstanding example of a thought leader? What specific qualities impress you about this person?

Professor Scott Galloway stands out to me as an exceptional thought leader. His background as a serial entrepreneur in finance and marketing, combined with his experience as an author and university professor, provides a rich foundation for his insights.

What impresses me most about Galloway is his unique blend of qualities. His diverse experience allows him to offer well-rounded perspectives on business, technology, and societal issues. He also demonstrates intellectual honesty by readily admitting when he doesn’t know something and, more crucially, publicly acknowledging when he’s wrong. This transparency builds credibility and trust with his audience.

Galloway’s engaging communication style is another key strength. He’s personable, funny, and headstrong, yet also shows vulnerability. He co-hosts the Pivot podcast with Kara Swisher, where he has cried multiple times. Openly showing emotion is not a required quality of a thought leader, but it makes it easier to connect with people when you realize we are all human. But it’s not all tears all the time. His self-deprecating nature adds authenticity to his persona, making him more palatable, even when I don’t agree with his position.

Consistency is another hallmark of Galloway’s approach. He maintains a regular content delivery schedule through newsletters and podcasts, which helps build and retain his audience. At the same time, he consistently expands his thought leadership by publishing books and extending his expertise into new areas that he’s passionate about.

Galloway embodies the important qualities of an effective thought leader: he’s knowledgeable, honest, engaging, consistent, and always evolving. Galloway demonstrates that thought leadership isn’t just about having expertise, but also about how you communicate that expertise and connect with your audience.

How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your strategic planning?

It is really important to me to stay on top of the trends and developments in my field. To start, I subscribe to numerous newsletters covering science and research communication, public relations, communications, writing, and general storytelling. These curated sources provide a steady stream of relevant articles and materials that keep me up to date with what is going on.

Social media is another way I stay on top of trends, though I’m selective about my platforms. I rely more on LinkedIn for quality articles and conversations around trends and developments in higher education, research, and communications. Twitter can be helpful at times for more on-the-ground insight, but it is becoming less and less valuable in my media mix.

Professional networking is another way I keep on top of trends, research, and development. I’m a member of several science communication professional groups, which provides invaluable opportunities for peer learning, networking, and knowledge exchange. I regularly attend seminars, workshops, and talks, both virtually and in-person, to help expand my knowledge base and network.

To ensure I don’t miss any crucial developments in research, I’ve set up alerts for new publications in science and research communications. This way, I’m always aware of the latest academic insights that could inform my work.

Incorporating new knowledge into my strategic planning is an ongoing process. I have to evaluate how new trends or developments might impact my work or my clients’ needs. The first challenge is keeping organized and not becoming overwhelmed. Knowing what is valuable, what requires immediate attention, and what can be implemented in another quarter, for example, is vital. I make it a practice to regularly review and update my strategies, ensuring they reflect the most current insights and best practices in my field.

Some people feel that the term “thought leader” is overused and has lost its impact. What are your thoughts on this?

I recently read an interesting article about the state of social media influencers and the rise of thought leader influencers. The author suggested that people are growing weary of surface-level influencers who constantly promote products and services they may not genuinely believe in. Instead, there’s a shift towards following more informational influencers, who share more useful and impactful information that people can learn from.

The low barrier to entry on social media allows anyone to call themselves a thought leader. However, I believe it’s up to the audience and followers to act as quality control, determining whether a self-proclaimed thought leader is truly worth following. And based on the previously referenced article, it looks like the audience is making their preferences known. The responsibility of the individual is crucial in distinguishing genuine thought leaders from those merely adopting the title. Thought leaders are nothing without a following.

I do not think the term “thought leader” is necessarily overused as much as I think it is misused, especially given the low barrier to entry. This raises important questions: What truly makes a thought leader? What’s the operational definition? Is it determined by a terminal degree, a specific number of years in an industry, or experience leading a business?

Ultimately, it’s the thought leader’s responsibility to demonstrate why they deserve the title. This involves establishing trust, expertise, and a foundation of knowledge in the public eye, whatever your “public” may be. If your audience is your employees, you need to make yourself accessible and approachable. A thought leader should be someone we respect, not fear. We don’t have to agree with everything they say, but through effective communication skills, thoughtful messaging, and empathy for diverse viewpoints, a true thought leader can appeal to many rather than just a few.

In essence, while the term might be used freely, true thought leadership still holds significant value. It’s not about the title itself, but about the substance behind it — the ability to provide genuine insights, foster learning, and inspire growth in others. As long as there are individuals who can fulfill these criteria, the concept of thought leadership will continue to have impact and relevance.

How do you balance short-term business goals with long-term strategic vision, especially in a rapidly changing market?

As a relatively new entrepreneur, I’ve finally figured out that maintaining a clear long-term vision is crucial, even as things (outside of my control) shift around me. My approach is to ensure that everything I do addresses this overarching vision, regardless of short-term change.

That said, balancing short-term goals with long-term strategy isn’t always straightforward. I’ve had to make a few pivots after taking on projects or clients that didn’t align with my vision as closely as I’d initially thought. However, I view these situations as valuable learning experiences rather than setbacks. These lessons help me refine my approach and make more informed decisions moving forward. They also reinforce the importance of thoroughly vetting opportunities to ensure they contribute to my long-term goals, even if they seem attractive in the short term.

Taking a step back and remembering where you want to be long-term will help you make better business decisions short-term.

Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? How has it been relevant in your life?

One of my favorite life lesson quotes is “Everything is finite.” This simple yet profound statement has been incredibly relevant in my journey in life, as an entrepreneur, and a thought leader.

Understanding the temporary nature of all experiences — whether they’re moments of triumph or periods of struggle — helps me maintain perspective. The good times don’t last forever, which encourages me to appreciate them fully. Equally important, the difficult times are temporary, which gives me the resilience to push through challenges.

This mindset has been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey. When faced with setbacks, I remind myself that they’re not permanent. When experiencing success, I remain grounded, knowing it’s a moment to be cherished rather than taken for granted.

Many influential figures in business and entertainment follow this column. Is there someone you’d love to have lunch or breakfast with? They might notice if we tag them.

I would love to share a meal with Conan O’Brien. He’s been a source of joy in my life since childhood, but my admiration for him in my adulthood goes far beyond his comedy and silliness.

From what I can gather from his public persona (and from his podcasts guests), Conan seems to be a genuinely kind person with a kind heart. I’d love the opportunity to discuss his journey with him, particularly how he’s managed to remain true to himself despite the evolving entertainment landscape, the pressures of working in Hollywood, and external pressures to conform to industry norms.

I’m fascinated by how he’s navigated changes in the media landscape, from late-night television to podcasting and streaming and now as a media “empire.” His ability to evolve while maintaining his unique voice and integrity is something I find inspiring. Plus, he is the funniest person alive and who wouldn’t want to share a meal with him!

Thank you so much for your insights. This was very insightful and meaningful.

About the Interviewer: Dina Aletras boasts over 20 years of expertise in the corporate media industry. She possesses an in-depth understanding of growth, strategy, and leadership, having held significant roles at some of the UK’s largest media organizations. At Reach PLC, the UK’s largest tabloid publisher, she served in various director capacities. Additionally, she held leadership roles at The Independent Magazine Group and DMGT. Her extensive knowledge spans editorial, digital, revenue, sales, and advertising.

Upon relocating to Switzerland, Dina took on the responsibility of managing and promoting the international section of Corriere del Ticino — CdT.ch pioneering the English page “onthespot.” She also was the Co-Editor of Southern Switzerland’s first official Italian and English bilingual magazine.