Ever wonder what it means to be a thought leader, not just a content creator or influencer, someone recognized for deep ideas and trusted expertise?
In this episode, host Michelle B. Griffin sits down with Ashley Faus, a B2B marketer, writer, speaker, and author of the new book Human-Centered Marketing in the Age of AI, to discuss the term “thought leadership” and what it takes to earn that title.
Ashley unveils her 4 Pillars of Thought Leadership™ framework, a powerful model to help experts build trust, stand out, and drive business results, not fluff. From defining credibility to differentiating thought leadership from subject matter expertise or influence, Ashley makes the ambiguous clear and actionable.
In this episode, we cover:
~ Why the term “thought leader” makes people cringe
~ The difference between subject matter experts, influencers, and thought leaders
~ Where AI helps and where it hurts your thought leadership strategy
~ Tactical ways to build your presence (without posting every day)
~ Ashley’s top tip to get started: why meaningful LinkedIn comments still win
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale your expertise into a trusted brand, this episode unpacks the difference between showing up and standing out.
Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap
Ashley’s journey aligns with the four steps of the Own Your L.A.N.E.® Framework:
✨ L: Launch Your Vision – Follow the pull toward a deeper purpose
✨ A: Articulate Your Difference – Define your positioning in a crowded space
✨ N: Navigate Your Brand – Shape and share your brand online and offline
✨ E: Elevate Your Authority – Establish trust with audiences and open new doors
🔗 LINKS
• Ashley’s 4 Pillars of Thought Leadership Framework
• Ashley's book, Human-Centered Marketing in the Age of AI
• Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyfaus
• Get free personal brand resources: https://michellebgriffin.com
The Own Your Lane™ Podcast
Hosted by keynote speaker, author, and LinkedIn® visibility expert Michelle B. Griffin, this podcast helps professionals grow their influence, visibility, and brand authority for business success.
As founder of Brand Leaders and creator of the Own Your Lane™ Recognition Roadmap, Michelle speaks and trains experts, leaders, and organizations to stand out with thought leadership—on LinkedIn, on stage, and in the media.
🎤 Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat
WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
GET VISIBLE ON LINKEDIN: Free Audio Masterclass
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn