B2B CEOs are able to garner respect, benefit their businesses and affect industry trends by establishing themselves on social media as a “thought leader”—one who is renowned for their expertise, advice, innovation and influence.

As achieving such prestige is no simple task, Susan Mudambi, Pallavi Chitturi and Dori Shae Taylor, DBA ’19,  provide guidance to B2B CEOs on how to best aspire to become a thought leader.

The researchers identify three key attributes that enable leaders to be considered thought leaders: communication, motivation and public recognition. In order to build perceptions of thought leadership, leaders’ social media strategy should prioritize frequency of communication, motivation of others and public recognition.

Above all else, the researchers advise aspiring thought leaders to find their own voice and aim to make a positive difference.