Thought Leader Life

Is thought leadership practical at all? This is a question that is both asked and answered in this episode where Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of AHAs at AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/, and co-host Kent Gustavson, founder and CEO of Blooming Twig Books, interview Lars Clausen, founder of NoPTSD: http://noptsd.com/.

This time, the discussion is not about virality nor resonance but about the practicality of thought leadership. Lars intimately shares his personal struggle with acting on an idea as opposed to doing something more practical — a struggle that most thought leaders are probably facing, too.

Thought-provoking questions are brought up in this episode as it really gets into the depth of what thought leadership is all about. Questions like: If you had to choose between advocating an idea or making a living, what would you choose? Good if you can do both, just as what some thought leaders have done with their lives, but if you can only choose between cash or change, which would you choose? And will you really be at peace choosing one over the other? Or have you ever found yourself in that crossroad where you ask yourself: if you didn’t have to work for the money, what would you do?

Mitchell also presents the Head-Heart-Feet Model, where the goal of a CEO is to have a good vision, execute it from the heart, then do what they say other people should do. But the practical take is if you cannot feed the head and heart, the feet are not moving anywhere.

Lars also talks about the ICE (Identify, Calm, Exchange) method that he created to help people melt the barriers to their forward motion, to them birthing their thoughts into the world. The meat of the discussion is actually on overcoming blocks in thought leadership. Kent highlights the importance of freedom from any sort of attachment (like fear) in being a thought leader. This freedom is equated with calm, which is needed to be an effective thought leader. Whatever method you choose to achieve a state of calm, the important thing is to get there, because being a thought leader requires stability.

Lastly, Kent talks passionately about leaving a legacy, reminding us to do our share in changing the world.

May you break free and be the great, fearless person you are designed to be.

“The more we can heal our fears and upsets, the better we can live a life that matters.”

Lars Clausen

NoPTSD.com

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a few AhaMessages from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/:

• Changing the world looms over us. It’s not practical, but what’s interesting is to bring that existential down to the practical. @drkent #TLL

• There are people who give off themselves and live almost at the poverty line, but they’re willing to do it to change the world. @drkent #TLL

In this episode, Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of AHAs at AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/, and Kent Gustavson, founder and CEO of Blooming Twig Books, start off the month-long series on practical thought leadership with Mark Fedeli, Director for Strategy and Business Development of Innovative Decisions, Inc., a management consulting firm.

Mark gives a fresh perspective on thought leadership by underscoring the importance of resonance. His definition of resonance is when you are able to move people despite the distractions that surround them.

What’s exciting about this episode is that above and beyond defining concepts like thought leadership, they share practical tips on how to become one.The following questions are answered: As a thought leader, will you do everything yourself or involve other stakeholders? How do you present ideas to your audience? How do you handle objections? Will you engage in a public argument or settle privately?

They also introduce us to a breakthrough concept of a thought leadership system or a decision support system. Before, a company was dependent on its internal structure; now, external sources are given equal importance to make informed decisions.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a few AHAmessage from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/:

• Practical thought leadership is about resonance. It’s moving people by planting a concept even if other voices are noisy. @markfedeli #TLL

• If you cannot make an idea resonate with somebody who does not have the same biases or domain expertise, it will fall short. @markfedeli #TLL

• A thought leader can’t be afraid to confront the status quo, to work with others, because that’s what’s sustainable in the end. @markfedeli

• Thought leaders helping other thought leaders enriches the whole process, so the concept jumps right off the page, looking effortless. @markfedeli

In the spirit of coopetition — that is, cooperation among players in the same industry — Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of AHAs at AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/, sits down with fellow thought leader and publisher Kent Gustavson, founder and CEO of Blooming Twig Books. Together, they give us a sneak preview of the month-long discussion on practical thought leadership. An idea that was once difficult to comprehend will now be broken down to a concept that everyone can understand.

Another important topic taken up in their conversation is the concept of virality, where much thought has to be accorded to your content so as to excite your audience.Of course, when talking about virality, social media cannot be far behind, and both Mitchell and Kent share tips on how you can improve your LinkedIn profile to get the job of your dreams.

But above and beyond working for money, they underscore the importance of being mission-driven to become a truly influential thought leader and to both herald and accomplish the changes the world needs.

We also eavesdrop on their discussion about hustling, which is necessary for start-ups, where there is a great deal of sweat involved.

Since Kent is both an accomplished musician and a prolific businessman. He shares how other businesses and even individuals can learn from the music industry and how it has transformed through the years.

So sit tight as both Mitchell and Kent strive to make thought leadership more accessible to and practicable by all.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a couple of AhaMessages from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/:

• Practical thought leadership is a sweet-sour title. It’s an awesome term for when an expert becomes somebody people follow. @drkent #TLL

• There’s dumbing it down and there’s smarting it down. Practical thought leadership takes up an esoteric concept and brings it down. @drkent

In this episode, Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of AHAs at AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/, and Jeff Shavitz, CEO of TrafficJamming, discuss the rudiments of writing an AHAbook. Jeff highlights the simplicity of the AHAthat system and encourages those wanting to write a book to just do it. They also touch on the merits of an AHAbook over a traditional book. Mitchell points out that having an AHAbook has hidden implications, the most important of which is that it establishes one’s credibility, thereby creating incredible opportunities for the individual.

Jeff also gets personal by sharing what the AHAbooks have done for him both professionally and personally. He says it has opened doors for him that he never thought were possible. It has also strengthened his relationships, including with his daughter when they collaborated on a book.

Lastly, Mitchell and Jeff brainstorm on how one can utilize AHAbooks, both for functional and monetary purposes.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a few AHAmessages from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/:

• You are great at something.Just pick the subject, write the book, and it will open doors you would have never imagined. @JeffShavitz #TLL

• Many people don’t have the time to actually read a full book, whereas they can read an AHA book in 10 to 20 minutes. @JeffShavitz #TLL

• Once you’ve written a book, people look at you differently.They think you’re a little smarter — no, a lot smarter. @JeffShavitz #TLL

• If you don’t want to be in social media but know you need to, here is a way.http://www.ahathat.com/ takes care of SMM. @JeffShavitz #TLL

In this episode, Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of AHAs at AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/, conducts a no-holds-barred interview with the energetic and passionate Dr. Tianna Conte, a seasoned Self-Evolution Mentor. They open the interview with a very animated discussion on how aspiring writers take too much time before they write their first book. Dr. Conte gives thought-provoking insights on how to get started, even generously sharing topics would-be authors can use to crack the book publishing world —with special emphasis on self-branding. The conversation then zeroes in on how everybody can be an AHAleader, making a difference in their personal lives, as well as the lives of others,and how the AHAthat platform is a breakthrough, a new pathway that can help one accomplish this in the shortest time and the least cost possible.

Mitchell and Dr. Tianna also take us on a higher plane as to what an AHAbook really stands for. For Dr. Conte, an AHAbook is not merely a book nor a business card but a platform for a movement that can change the world. You will be both entertained and inspired by Dr. Conte’s spontaneity as she bursts from one AHA moment to another, talking about “Lovebytes” and “Tianna Tidbits.” Her enthusiasm and wisdom will strike you as she uncovers all the exciting possibilities of the AHAbook.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a couple of AHAmessages from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/:

• For most people when they get around to writing their first book, the content has been in their heart and soul for years. @DrTianna

• Who are you? What is your unique gift that you can give to the planet that only you are uniquely qualified to give? @DrTianna

• The problem is first-time authors wait for years, decades, before writing a book. Sometimes, it’s too late. @HappyAbout

• AHAthat is so easy and painless, and it blesses people faster. Producing an AHAbook is fun. Bite-sized things, that’s fun. @DrTianna

Ah… Millennials, often the most misunderstood among all the generations. Fortunately, we were able to invite millennial Tiffany Vuong on Thought Leader Life and she was able to shed some light on their generation so we can understand them better.

Millennials are defined as those born in the early 1980s to early 2000s. They grew up when the world was already brimming with gadgets and at the peak of internet and social media. And this is why Tiffany talked about the perks and pitfalls of social media for their generation. They have always been perceived to be narcissists because of their posts on social media but she clarifies that they just utilize the social media to build their personal brand.

In this episode, which we can also call “When Gen X Met Gen Y”, Mitchell Levy, Gen X, Chief Instigator of AHAs at AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/ and Tiffany Vuong, Gen Y, author of the AHAbook “Millennial Pet Peeves” discuss how one can benefit from the AHAthat platform.

Tiffany recounted her experience in writing her AHAbook, from the difficulties she encountered to the ease in which she was able to finish it because of the intrinsic qualities of the AHAthat platform. The process of writing an AHAbook was discussed in detail by both Mitchell and Tiffany, starting with the 4-question form.

On a personal note, Tiffany shared how creating an AHAbook has transformed her – from an introvert to a confident individual with an expansive network, which she can tap when she graduates from college and enters the proverbial “real world.” For her, the AHAbook is something that she can utilize to propel her to a brighter future.

She also shared some excerpts from her book “Millennial Pet Peeves”, which is a joy to read.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are some AHAmessages from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, AHAthat: http://www.ahathat.com/:

• Once I touched on something, I didn’t want to repeat it because I wanted to save that space for a new thought. @TiffanyVuong #AHAmessages

• You should be able to talk about your accomplishments. You should be able to be proud of what you’re doing. @TiffanyVuong #ThoughtLeaderLife

• If somebody doesn’t really want to help you on one thing, maybe they won’t be good partners to do other things with as well. @HappyAbout

• With AHAthat, you can quote other people and by doing so, you increase your “AHA leaderness” and your ability to be successful. @HappyAbout

• How do you want to help the people that read your book? @TiffanyVuong #AHAbooks #ThoughtLeaderLife

• Write an AHAbook and you will be transformed too. Your confidence level will increase and it will take you forward in your life. @HappyAbout

• We must be intentional with everything around us, all the resources that we have with us today. @TiffanyVuong #ThoughtLeaderLife

In this episode, Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of AHAs at AHAthat (http://AHAthat.com), had a very interesting discussion about quickly establishing your expertise with AHAbooks with #ThoughtLeader Carly Alyssa Thorne, A Collaborative Empowerment Implementer & Muse (@CarlyAThorne). Carly discussed that anyone can make their own AHAbook regardless of the age, title, or status; as long as they are passionate about writing and love what they are writing about.

It is also tremendously helpful for anyone in business to write an AHAbook to introduce their business to their prospective clients. Business cards, flyers and other business material is ok, being the author of a book is better. If you can write your book in 8-10 hours, I can write mine in 2 says Carly, how could you not do that.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a couple of AHAmessages from the episode. See more in the “AHA Moments from Thought Leader Life”eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, AHAthat: http://AHAthat.com/.

• You can (and should) use amazing quotes from AHAthat authors to express your expertise and your passion to others. @CarlyAThorne

• AHAthat has a rich source of good quality bite-sized quotes that is easy to share. I love the platform. @CarlyAThorne

• In writing an AHAbook, you should think about content that other people will want to share with their tribe. @HappyAbout

• Extend your business model by writing an AHAbook with (and for) your clients. Think of the impact it will have. @HappyAbout

In this episode, Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of AHAs at the AHAthat (http://AHAthat.com), shared some points on What-Where-When-Why-Who-and-How to write an AHAbook in as fast as 20 minutes to 10hours. It is a direct to the point discussion to quickly establish your expertise in writing them. He stated that if you want to have many readers, the first thing that you have to consider is the “headline of your topic” which you have to make sure that you have captured your reader’s attention in seven seconds or less.

AHAmessages are composed of 140 twitter-sized quotes which are easy to share like the usual quotes that you post in social media specifically Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and the like. But the difference of AHAmessages from these quotes is that, #AHAleaders use AHAmessages to give an answer or solution to their customer’s problems; AHAmessage is a quote which gives wisdom to its readers, not just to inspire but also to help.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a couple of AHAmessages from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, AHAthat: http://AHAthat.com/.

• If you want to capture the reader’s attention today, you need to do it in seven seconds or less. Are you doing that? @HappyAbout #TLL

• An AHAleader should be familiar with his peers and the marketplace. Are you aware of your surroundings? @HappyAbout #TLL

• The quickest anyone has written an #AHAbook is @JoelComm who spent 20 minutes reviewing comments from his Facebook post. @HappyAbout #TLL

• You can make an AHAbook based on the notes you wrote from a seminar or conference in just two hours. @HappyAbout #TLL

• An AHAbook has 140 twitter-sized quotes which are easily shared on social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & G+). @HappyAbout #TLL

In this episode, Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of Ahas at the Aha Amplifier (http://AhaAmplifier.com), and his co-host for the month, #ThoughtLeader Jacob Warwick, Copywriter and Brand Storyteller, have a very interesting discussion about Millennial Authenticity with #ThoughtLeader Sarah Nagel, Community Outreach Manager at Sprout Social, Inc. (http://sproutsocial.com/). Sarah defines authenticity as being unique and not copied, which connects to how to market your organization through social networks effectively, as they are now the fastest way to communicate with a wide range of people, whether investors, clients, etc. Jacob agrees and reiterates that one should create a real relationship with people, setting aside the idea of gaining profit, but seeking knowledge, friendship, and most importantly, trust. As a business owner, it will be a good investment to harvest in the future.

Also, the connection or friendship you’ve established online may not be enough; you should also meet them personally to know them better. We can’t tell if they are just great pretenders online, so it is much better to put a face on the name — not because you don’t trust them but to see who you are talking to. It is also a chance to dig into deeper friendship.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a couple of AhaMessages from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, Aha Amplifier: http://AhaAmplifier.com/.

• Do whatever makes you truly happy as your full self. That’s being authentic. @sprout_sarah #TLL

• Create a real relationship with people if you’re in business, and it will be a great investment to harvest in the future. @JacobWarwick #TLL

• Engaging with people in social media will make your knowledge broader by sharing thoughts, perspectives, and much more. @sprout_sarah #TLL

• One day, you’re going to be huge and successful, but don’t forget that you are still YOU. @HappyAbout #TLL

In this episode, Mitchell Levy, Chief Instigator of Ahas at the Aha Amplifier (http://AhaAmplifier.com), and his co-host for the month, Jacob Warwick, copywriter and brand storyteller, along with guests Han-Gwon Lung, Tailored Ink CEO and co-founder, and Dan Foley, Tailored Ink co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer have a discussion on millennial authenticity and what it means for thought leadership. The hosts and guests expressed their viewpoints about authenticity in the millennial generation. Han-Gwon Lung defined authenticity as “more than just being yourself.”

The discussion touched on Internet’s paradoxical role in millennial authenticity, authenticity’s relationship with empathy and narcissism, and how social media plays a big role in how millennials think, as well as how copywriters can maintain personal authenticity without setting aside or overpowering the client’s.

To learn more about Thought Leadership and how it can help you be successful, subscribe to the channel: http://youtube.com/user/thoughtleaderlife.

Here are a couple of AhaMessages from the episode. See more in the “Aha Moments from Thought Leader Life” eBooks available in the social media-enabled eBook platform, Aha Amplifier: http://AhaAmplifier.com/.

• Authenticity is when you don’t do things out of fear. @HanGwonLung #TLL

• If you cannot contribute to a community the way it is built to be, then don’t be there. @JacobWarwick #TLL

• The Internet is a paradox as a builder and destroyer of millennial authenticity. @tailoredinker #TLL

• As a novelist, you have to be your authentic self. As a copywriter, you have to be as authentic as another person. @HanGwonLung #TLL

• Do millennials truly support a stance out of empathy or just because a brand’s stance supports their narcissism? @JacobWarwick #TLL