Sok Verdery Of Dashhound: 5 Things You Should Do To Become a Thought Leader In Your Industry

An Interview With Abe Alon

Identify Your Unique Perspective: Thought leaders aren’t just knowledgeable, they offer a unique perspective. They see the world differently, and they aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. For me, this came when I saw the over-reliance on vanity metrics in digital marketing and realized the potential for data-centric marketing focused on actionable insights.

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

Sok Verdery is a seasoned professional currently serving as the Director of Digital Strategy and Software Architect for DashHound, a cutting-edge data-centric software platform designed to enhance customer engagement. With a diverse skill set encompassing software product development, digital marketing, and technology integrations, Sok is recognized as a serial strategist and a versatile expert in driving operational efficiency and revenue growth through streamlined processes and sales strategies. With a remarkable track record of integrating and building software solutions for various domains such as inventory management, e-commerce, coupon syndication, and marketing data analysis, Sok’s expertise is rooted in over 12 years of hands-on experience as a successful entrepreneur, having co-founded and later sold a software business. Driven by an insatiable desire to tackle challenges and create innovative solutions that translate into lucrative business opportunities, Sok remains a self-taught professional dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?

Thank you for having me, I’m excited to share my journey and experiences with your readers!

My backstory is a tale of curiosity and problem-solving. I’ve always had a deep interest in data and integrations, particularly during the early days of e-commerce when managing inventory across various marketplaces and auctions simultaneously was a complex puzzle to solve. As the industry evolved, I delved into warehouse inventory management and connected online and offline data through coupon management, understanding the power of data-driven insights. Now, my passion finds its perfect match as I lead the launch of DashHound, leveraging my years of experience and unwavering dedication to crafting data-driven strategies into a transformative software solution.

Can you briefly share with our readers why you are an authority about the topic of thought leadership?

My authority on the topic of thought leadership is further bolstered by my expertise in data integrations and my unwavering commitment to consumer privacy. As the Director of Digital Strategy at DashHound, I have led initiatives that involve seamlessly integrating data from various sources, enabling businesses to gain comprehensive insights and make informed decisions. This focus on data integrations has not only positioned me as an authority in the field but has also allowed me to navigate the complexities of managing and leveraging data effectively.

In today’s digital landscape, consumer privacy is of utmost importance. Recognizing this, I have made it a core pillar of my approach to thought leadership. I understand the need to handle data responsibly, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and implementing robust security measures. By prioritizing consumer privacy, I have built trust with customers and stakeholders, establishing myself as an authority in the ethical and responsible use of data.

By combining my expertise in data integrations, my dedication to consumer privacy, and my relentless pursuit of innovative strategies, I have solidified my position as a thought leader in the industry. I continuously strive to challenge the status quo, advocate for data-driven decision-making, and create meaningful change that positively impacts businesses and consumers alike.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

Certainly! One of the most memorable and amusing stories from my career involved a meeting where the account executive dominated the conversation, leaving me with little opportunity to speak. As the discussion finally shifted towards my expertise, I seized the moment and contributed my insights. To everyone’s surprise, including the account executive, the client reacted in a comical manner, throwing their hands up and exclaiming, “Oh my gosh, I didn’t think you spoke English!” This lighthearted moment perfectly exemplifies my listen-first approach to everything, highlighting the importance of truly understanding and empathizing with others before making my contributions. It also shed light on the misconceptions that can arise based on appearances, as the account executive was appalled because, as an Asian person and someone new to the company, their assumptions were proven wrong in a humorous and eye-opening way. This experience further strengthened my belief in the power of active listening and showcasing one’s expertise regardless of preconceived notions.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Sure! When I was first starting out, I rolled out my first data-driven report for a partner, and the sales team had promised that it was a live and real-time report. However, to my dismay, I discovered that the report was not automatically refreshing. Instead, it required manual refreshing to provide up-to-date information. In order to deliver on the promise of real-time reporting, we had to implement a workaround where the entire department manually refreshed their reports every hour.

This situation taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of thorough testing and setting realistic expectations. I learned that it’s crucial to verify the functionality and capabilities of any deliverable before making promises to clients or stakeholders. Additionally, this experience emphasized the significance of effective communication within a team. By openly acknowledging and addressing the issue, we were able to find a temporary solution while working towards a more permanent fix. Ultimately, I learned the value of being transparent about limitations, managing expectations, and constantly striving for continuous improvement.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our interview. In a nutshell, how would you define what a ‘Thought Leader’ is? How is a thought leader different from a typical leader? How is a thought leader different from an influencer?

A ‘Thought Leader’ in my view, is an individual who possesses deep expertise in their field and uses that knowledge to innovate, inspire others, and drive forward-thinking changes. They don’t just follow trends, but rather, they anticipate or create them, and influence the direction their industry takes.

A thought leader is different from a typical leader in the sense that while a leader may be effective at managing and guiding a team towards established goals, a thought leader goes beyond to shape the future of their field by challenging the status quo and introducing new ideas and practices.

On the other hand, a thought leader differs from an influencer in terms of the value they provide. While influencers may have a vast following and can sway the opinions and behaviors of their audience, they may not necessarily be the originators of new, innovative ideas. A thought leader, however, not only influences but also enriches their industry or field through unique insights, innovative ideas, and by fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and growth. They lead by thinking and inspiring, not just by having a large audience.

Can you talk to our readers a bit about the benefits of becoming a thought leader? Why do you think it is worthwhile to invest resources and energy into this?

Becoming a thought leader has several benefits. Firstly, thought leadership enhances credibility. By sharing your expert insights, you earn recognition as an authority in your field. This increased trust can lead to greater influence over industry trends and wider audiences.

Secondly, thought leadership positions you or your business as the go-to source for innovative ideas and insights, attracting more opportunities such as partnerships, collaborations, or speaking engagements. It can also directly impact your business by drawing in customers or clients who value your demonstrated expertise.

Thirdly, thought leadership often leads to increased visibility and reach. As your ideas spread, so does your name and brand. This can result in improved brand reputation, customer loyalty, and business growth.

Investing resources and energy into becoming a thought leader is worthwhile because it’s not just about personal or business growth. It’s also about contributing to your industry as a whole. Thought leadership allows you to influence the future of your field, driving innovation and progress. It allows you to leave a lasting legacy that goes beyond your immediate sphere of influence.

Let’s talk about business opportunities specifically. Can you share a few examples of how thought leadership can help a business grow or create lucrative opportunities?

Absolutely. Thought leadership is a powerful strategy for business growth and can open up several lucrative opportunities. Here are a few examples:

1. Increased Brand Visibility and Reputation: As a thought leader, your insights and ideas will be shared widely, increasing the visibility of your brand. This can draw more customers to your business and improve your reputation within your industry.
2. Business Partnerships and Collaborations: Thought leaders are often sought after for collaborations and partnerships. Businesses and professionals alike are drawn to those who can provide unique insights and innovative solutions. These relationships can lead to joint ventures, referral partnerships, or other lucrative opportunities.
3. Customer Trust and Loyalty: By providing valuable content and insights as a thought leader, you’re showing customers that you understand their needs and can offer expert solutions. This can foster trust and loyalty, turning customers into brand advocates and driving repeat business.
4. Attracting Talent: Being a thought leader can also make your business a more attractive place to work, helping you recruit top talent. People want to work for businesses that are at the forefront of their industry.
5. Influence Over Industry Trends: Thought leaders have the power to shape industry trends. By leading the conversation, you can position your business at the cutting edge of your industry, opening up opportunities for innovation and growth.

At DashHound, for instance, our focus on actionable data over vanity metrics has positioned us as thought leaders in the digital strategy field. This has attracted new clients who value our innovative approach and has opened up opportunities for partnerships with other businesses seeking to leverage our expertise.

Ok. Now that we have that behind us, we’d love to hear your thoughts about how to eventually become a thought leader. Can you share 5 strategies that a person should implement to become known as a thought leader in their industry?

Sure, becoming a thought leader is a journey that requires dedication and strategic effort. Here are five strategies, with examples from my own journey:

1. Develop Deep Expertise: First and foremost, thought leadership starts with having a deep understanding of your field. You need to know more than just the basics — you need to have a command over the intricate details and be able to discern where things are headed. During my early years at DashHound, I spent countless hours not just working on projects, but also studying industry trends, research papers, and understanding consumer behavior, thereby developing the depth of knowledge necessary for thought leadership.
2. Identify Your Unique Perspective: Thought leaders aren’t just knowledgeable, they offer a unique perspective. They see the world differently, and they aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. For me, this came when I saw the over-reliance on vanity metrics in digital marketing and realized the potential for data-centric marketing focused on actionable insights.
3. Share Your Knowledge and Insights Generously: Thought leaders are educators at heart. They share their knowledge, insights, and ideas freely. They write articles, give talks, and use various platforms to educate others. In my case, I’ve written several articles on the importance of data-driven digital strategies and have spoken at numerous conferences on the subject.
4. Engage With Your Industry: Thought leaders aren’t just broadcasters of information — they’re active participants in their industries. They network, collaborate, and engage in discussions. I’ve always made it a point to stay active in industry forums, contribute to discussions, and collaborate with peers to keep my finger on the pulse of the industry.
5. Demonstrate Thought Leadership Through Action: Ultimately, thought leadership is not just about what you say but what you do. It’s about putting your ideas into action and leading by example. At DashHound, we’ve done just that by shifting our focus from vanity metrics to actionable data, demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach through the results we’ve achieved for our clients.

Remember, becoming a thought leader isn’t a quick process, but rather an ongoing journey of learning, sharing, and doing.

In your opinion, who is an example of someone who has done a fantastic job as a thought leader? Which specific things have impressed you about that person? What lessons can we learn from this person’s approach?

An individual who stands out as a thought leader in the digital and technology space is Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. His leadership and approach have consistently impressed me, and I believe he provides valuable lessons for aspiring thought leaders.

Firstly, Nadella’s vision for Microsoft’s transformation is a testament to his forward-thinking capabilities. He recognized the potential of cloud computing early on and shifted Microsoft’s focus towards cloud services, an initiative that has been incredibly successful.

Secondly, his philosophy of ‘learn it all’ instead of ‘know it all’ resonates with the essence of thought leadership. Nadella constantly emphasizes the importance of learning and adapting, which is a crucial quality in rapidly evolving industries.

Lastly, he is an excellent communicator, able to articulate complex ideas and strategies in an understandable and inspiring way. His ability to effectively share his vision has been key in aligning the entire organization towards common goals.

From Nadella, we can learn the importance of having a clear, future-oriented vision, the value of continuous learning, and the power of effective communication. He exemplifies that thought leadership is about creating impact through influence and innovation.

I have seen some discussion that the term “thought leader” is trite, overused, and should be avoided. What is your feeling about this?

Like any buzzword, “thought leader” can certainly become overused and risk losing its meaning. I understand the criticism, particularly when the term is applied without merit. Being a thought leader isn’t about self-proclamation, it’s about consistent demonstration of expertise, innovation, and influence over time.

That said, I don’t believe we should entirely avoid the term. When used correctly, it serves to recognize individuals who truly are driving innovation and shaping their industries. It’s a useful term to denote someone who goes beyond the ordinary confines of their role to effect change, spark ideas, and lead in thought, not just in action.

Instead of discarding the term, perhaps we need to be more discerning in how we apply it. A true thought leader is someone who brings substantive change, adds value to their industry, and inspires others through their ideas and actions. If we stay true to this understanding, the term ‘thought leader’ can retain its significance and value.

What advice would you give to other leaders to thrive and avoid burnout?

Thriving as a leader while avoiding burnout is a delicate balance. Here are some strategies I recommend:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: Leadership often comes with high levels of stress and responsibility, which makes self-care all the more important. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are fundamental to maintaining physical health, while mindfulness or meditation practices can contribute significantly to mental well-being.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: It’s essential to delineate work and personal time. Technology can blur these lines, making us accessible around the clock. Therefore, setting boundaries, such as specific ‘offline’ hours or days, can be a lifesaver.
3. Delegate Effectively: Know your weaknesses and no one can do everything. A good leader understands the strengths of their team and delegates tasks accordingly. This not only reduces your workload but also empowers your team members and builds their skills.
4. Pursue Passions Outside of Work: Having hobbies and interests outside of work can provide an outlet for stress and a source of fulfillment beyond the professional sphere.
5. Invest in Continuous Learning: Leaders should remain curious and open to new ideas. Continuous learning keeps you mentally agile and engaged, which can help prevent burnout.
6. Cultivate a Supportive Network: Having a network of peers to share challenges and solutions with can alleviate feelings of isolation that leaders often experience. This network can provide valuable advice, perspectives, and empathy.

Remember, leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of your well-being and seeking balance is not only good for you but also benefits your team and your organization.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could inspire a movement, it would be one focused on ‘Data Literacy for All.’ In this digital age, data is all around us, influencing decisions from business strategy to public policy. However, a significant number of people lack the skills to understand and interpret this data. This gap can lead to misinformation, misunderstanding, and missed opportunities.

I envision a world where data literacy is as fundamental as reading and writing. By enhancing data literacy, we empower individuals to make informed decisions, spark innovation, and drive progress. This knowledge will help businesses to grow more effectively, allow governments to create more impactful policies, and enable individuals to navigate the world with greater insight.

It’s not just about reading numbers or knowing what a percentage is; it’s about understanding what data represents, the story it tells, and the questions it raises. It’s about making data accessible and understandable to everyone, regardless of their background or field.

At DashHound, we’re already taking steps towards this vision by making our software intuitive and user-friendly, but I believe this movement should extend beyond our organization and into schools, communities, and industries worldwide. This could revolutionize the way we work, think, and interact with the world around us.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein: “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.”

In my line of work, I’m constantly dealing with complex data and intricate analytical models. This quote resonates with me because my goal is always to distill this complexity into actionable, easy-to-understand insights. I believe that true understanding of a subject is being able to explain it in simple terms. This has not only been relevant but pivotal in my work at DashHound, where we aim to make data analysis and customer insights accessible and straightforward for our clients.

Moreover, this philosophy extends beyond my professional life. In a world that seems to grow more complex by the day, this quote serves as a reminder to keep seeking clarity and simplicity, whether it’s in how we communicate, how we solve problems, or how we make decisions. It’s a guiding principle that encourages me to continually refine my thinking and my approach to challenges.

We are blessed that very prominent leaders in business and entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world with whom you would like to have lunch or breakfast? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

If given the opportunity, I would love to have lunch or breakfast with Andy Monfried, Lotame Founder and CEO. I admire his accomplishments in starting a complex data company that has made data more accessible and interoperable for many people. He is a true thought leader in ensuring data safety while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity within his organization. From what I’ve heard about him and the interactions I’ve had with his employees, it’s evident that he has not only built a successful business but also a tight-knit and supportive family-like culture. I believe a conversation with him would be incredibly insightful and inspiring, and I’m sure there’s much to learn from his experiences and leadership.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can further follow my work online by connecting with me on LinkedIn. Additionally, you can stay updated on the latest developments and insights from the DashHound website. Feel free to reach out and stay connected for more updates and valuable content!

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