Thought Leadership: A Journey, Not A Destination

Pictured: left to right: Rudha Mididoddi, Bethany Parker, Ed Luggen, NMGZ members, Lauren Kim of IW Group, and IW Group CEO Mr. Bill Imada.

Thought leadership is more than just a buzzword; it's a mindset, a way of thinking and engaging with the world that sets individuals apart as leaders in their field. At its core, thought leadership is about sharing insights, ideas, and expertise to drive change and innovation. It's about being a voice of authority, someone others look to for guidance and inspiration.

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of thought leadership has evolved. It's no longer just about being an expert in a particular field; it's about being open to new ideas and perspectives, constantly learning and growing. True thought leaders are not content to rest on their laurels; they are always seeking out new ways to challenge themselves and expand their horizons.

I recently had the opportunity to experience firsthand the power of thought leadership on a field trip to Atlanta with the National Millennial and Gen Z Community (NMGZ). Our group of 27 Gen Z and Millennials from around the country and abroad visited several companies, including The Home Depot Headquarters, UPS, communications21, Coca-Cola, and Team One. It was through the office visits that we were able to see thought leadership in action.

One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to The Home Depot Headquarters, where we met with Bethany Parker, Sr. Manager of Consumer Insights, Sr. Strategy Manager Ed Luggen, and Director of Strategic Business Development Rudha Mididoddi. Bethany brought us into a focus group, asking us about the company's marketing efforts and our perception of Home Depot. It was clear from our discussion that Home Depot is seen as intimidating to people our age (19-26 years old). The store's main audience is contractors, and this is reflected in its marketing and store layout. 

During the focus group, I suggested that Home Depot lean into this stereotype and create some marketing materials around the idea of "Dad from Home Depot," similar to the iconic "Jake from State Farm" campaign. This suggestion was met with interest from the group, and it was clear that Bethany and her team were open to hearing each of our opinions and ideas.

Since our visit, Bethany has been promoted to Director of Consumer Insights, a testament to how her willingness to listen to other perspectives and use them to empower her team to create a more resonant user experience bolsters herself and those learning from her leadership This experience taught me that thought leadership is not just about having all the answers; it's about being open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge your own.

Thought leadership, much like embarking on your career, is a journey, not a destination. It's about being open to new ideas, constantly learning and growing, and using your expertise to drive change and innovation. The NMGZ Community field trip to Atlanta was a powerful reminder of the importance of thought leadership in today's world. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.