Is building your thought leadership selfish?


​

Dec 10, 2024

Hi Reader,
​
If you’re anything like the incredible leaders I get to work with, your to-do list is endless.

You’re juggling speaking engagements, building partnerships, leading a team, managing programs, and making sure every dollar is maximized for your mission.

With all of that on your plate, it’s easy to think:
​“Do I really have time to focus on my own personal brand and thought leadership? And… isn’t that kind of selfish?”

I get it.

Many social impact leaders tell me they feel uncomfortable putting themselves out there on social media. They’d rather spotlight their organization or cause than talk about their own journey or expertise.

But here’s the truth: Building your personal brand isn’t selfish. It’s strategic.

And in fact, it can be one of the most selfless things you do.

When you show up online, authentically sharing your values, expertise, and vision, you’re not just opening doors for yourself. You’re opening doors for others. You’re creating opportunities to lift others up, make connections that matter, and amplify the voices of people who might not otherwise be heard.

I’ve seen this ripple effect of thought leadership in action so many times—and it never stops inspiring me.

Just the other week, I introduced a client to someone in my LinkedIn network who hosts a top social impact podcast. That introduction led to a guest interview spot where our client was able to share their organization’s incredible mission with a whole new audience. Their story is now inspiring listeners all over the world—and it all started with a connection sparked on LinkedIn.

Or, take another one of our clients as an example. Dr. Evisha Ford received an invitation to deliver a TEDx Talk.

She decided the opportunity wasn’t the right fit for her at the time, but rather than letting it go to waste, she passed it on to someone in her network whose work she deeply admired. That person was absolutely thrilled, and it became a career milestone for them.

That’s the beauty of showing up.

When you invest in building your personal brand, you’re also investing in your network, your community, and your ability to serve others. You’re creating a platform that not only helps you achieve your goals but also amplifies the goals of those around you.

So, if you’ve ever hesitated to put yourself out there because it feels “selfish” or “self-promotional,” I want you to reframe that narrative.

Thought leadership isn’t about taking up space—it’s about making space.

It’s about using your voice to elevate the causes, people, and ideas that matter to you. And when you do that consistently, the impact is extraordinary.

I know it can be scary, especially for those of us who prefer to lead from behind and avoid the spotlight when we can (🙋🏻‍♀️), but you'll be amazed at the connections and opportunities that come your way once you start making the unseen seen.

There's so much noise and nonsense out there on social media. People are craving content that makes them think and feel deeply. As a social impact leader, there's no better time to begin investing in your own personal brand and thought leadership.

It's time to share your perspective with the world.

So, what’s holding you back? Start small—a post, a story, or even just a comment. What matters most is that you begin.

And if you need help, my inbox is open. Seriously - I know this is new territory for many, and I'd love to answer any questions you have to help you get started.

You've got this,

Brynne

​

P.S. When you're ready, here are 3 ways you can work with me:

  1. Audit your CEO's social media accounts
  2. LinkedIn profile makeover for a leader on your team
  3. Comprehensive thought leadership strategy for your organization

Reply to this email, and I'll send you more info to get started!

​
If this email was forwarded to you, sign up here to get this newsletter every other week.​

5257 Buckeystown Pike, #208, Frederick, MD 21704
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Cause Fokus

Helping social impact leaders and organizations build their influence so they can gain trust and loyalty with their audience. 🧠 Founder: Cause Fokus

Read more from Cause Fokus

March 24, 2025 Hi Reader, We’re entering a new era of executive leadership. Unilever’s new CEO, Fernando Fernandez, just dropped a post in his first week on the job—and I can’t stop thinking about this line:🎤 “I will be a frontline CEO – all over brand plans and in market execution.” This is not corporate-as-usual.This is a Fortune 500 CEO committing—in public—to being visible. Not just internally, not just behind closed doors, but online. Engaged. Forward-facing. He also said he's shifting...

March 12, 2025 Hi Reader, Social media is going through a major shift—platforms are evolving, AI is everywhere, and brands are rethinking what actually works. Last week, I attended Social Media Outlook in DC, where top industry experts shared their insights on where we’re headed. Speakers included Joseph Ferguson (The Washington Post), Gina Florence (Charles Schwab), Paige Hopkins (Axios), and Avery Whitehead (Former Deputy Director of Platforms, The White House), moderated by Paul Sherman...

Feb. 19, 2025 Quality over quantity matters on LinkedIn, and now I have the data to prove it. We started working with a client 7 months ago to build out their organizational thought leadership on their company's LinkedIn page. The first 6 months, we posted almost daily. They are industry experts and have a TON of valuable content at their finger tips. But due to the depth of the content and time it took to create these high-value daily posts, our team was starting to feel overwhelmed.We went...