Leadership on LinkedIn: It Starts with Showing Up

Let’s clear one thing up: Leadership on LinkedIn isn’t about having the most polished bio or posting once a quarter with a company press release.

True leadership? It starts with showing up.

The most influential executives on LinkedIn aren’t just sharing achievements - they’re showing humanness, consistency, and genuine thought. And that’s what cuts through.

Why You? Why Now?

As a senior executive, your voice carries weight. People want to hear how you think, how you lead, and how you navigate challenges - especially now, when trust and transparency are everything.

But here's the kicker: You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to be present.

1. Show Up Authentically (Not Perfectly)

Your team, your clients, your future talent - they're not expecting perfection. They're looking for realness. And LinkedIn is the perfect space for that.

✅ Share what you’re learning.
✅ Talk about what’s working - and what’s not.
✅ Reflect on industry trends through your lens.

💬 Try this: “We didn’t hit every target this quarter - but we learned more than we expected. Here’s what we will do differently…”

That’s leadership. That’s credibility. That’s human.

2. Be Consistent - Not Occasional

One post a year isn’t presence. It’s a postcard.

Consistency shows commitment. A short weekly insight, a quick thought on a leadership article, or even a two-line reflection from your day - that’s what builds trust.

💡 Pro tip: Treat LinkedIn like a conversation you’re part of, not a stage you perform on.

3. Talk Vision, Not Just Milestones

Yes, celebrating wins is great. But real leadership content leans into the why. Why does your work matter? What drives your decision-making? What do you see coming next?

The best leaders on LinkedIn share thinking, not just outcomes.

🔍 Thought-starters:
– “What’s one thing the industry isn’t talking about - but should be?”
– “What leadership lesson did you wish you learned ten years earlier?”
– “What’s something you changed your mind about this year?”

4. Remember: You Set the Tone

When leaders show up online with clarity and candour, they give everyone around them permission to do the same. That includes your employees, your industry peers, and the next generation of talent.

You don’t need to be loud. You just need to be visible - and real.

Final Word

Leadership on LinkedIn isn’t about perfection or performance. It’s about presence. It’s about honesty. And it’s about starting conversations that matter.

So if you’re waiting for the perfect words, or the perfect time - don’t. Just show up. Start where you are. Your voice matters.

Need help finding your voice on LinkedIn?
Let’s build your Leaders’ presence with purpose. Lets have a chat about our LinkedIn Brand Ambassador Program and/or our LinkedIn Masterclass (perfect for the Leadership Team).

How to Show You’re an Expert (Without Ever Saying It)

Let’s be honest: claiming “I’m an expert” on LinkedIn (or anywhere, really) rarely hits the mark. It can do the opposite, sounding more like self-congratulation than credibility.

The good news? You don’t need to say it. When done well, your content will show it.

82% of B2B buyers say thought leadership increases their trust in a brand, and 58% say it directly influenced their purchasing decisions

(Edelman-LinkedIn Thought Leadership Study). That’s your cue: it pays to demonstrate, not declare.

Here’s how to show your expertise through smart storytelling and value-first content—while keeping it authentic, not arrogant.

1. Storytelling: Show, Don’t Tell

People connect with stories, not titles. If you want your network to see you as credible, knowledgeable, and worth listening to, tell them about the moments that shaped your professional thinking.

✅ Share lessons, not lectures.
Instead of rattling off achievements, describe what happened in a real-world situation. Did a client challenge shift your strategy? Did a campaign flop and teach you something gold?

Use short, sharp stories that show your thinking in motion. This makes your experience relatable and quietly impressive.

💬 Try this:
“Last year, I took a chance on a new approach to campaign reporting. The result? One client changed their entire budget structure - and saw a 32% boost in ROI.”

 That’s far more powerful than: “I’m an expert in performance marketing.”

2. Give Value First

If you want to be seen as a trusted voice, lead with generosity. Share insights your audience can use - without asking for anything in return.

Think:
- “Here’s a quick tip…”
- “What most people overlook is…”
- “This one small shift changed the game for my clients…”

The trick? Keep it helpful, punchy, and relevant.

💡 Pro tip: Turn one client success or challenge into 3–5 content ideas. Focus on what others can learn from it, not what you accomplished.

🎯 Bonus stat: Posts that educate or inform generate 2x more engagement than promotional content. That’s your audience telling you what they value.

3. Talk With, Not At

Experts who feel the need to ‘prove’ themselves often forget the golden rule of content: it’s a conversation.

Ask questions. Invite opinions. Create space for engagement.

🗣️ Example:
“Have you ever had a project flop - only to find it taught you something brilliant in hindsight? Here’s mine…”

This creates a dialogue. And nothing says “I know what I’m talking about” like being secure enough to listen as well.

4. Be Consistent, Not Loud

Visibility builds trust. And trust builds authority.

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up regularly with thoughtful, valuable posts. That rhythm alone will do more for your brand than any over-polished “thought leadership” claim.

🔄 Fact check: LinkedIn creators who post weekly receive 5.6x more profile views. Consistency builds traction—and keeps you front of mind.

Think of it like compound interest. Every post builds momentum. Over time, it adds up to real influence.

Bonus: Make It Human

Behind every insight is a human. Don’t be afraid to share a little of your “why” - what drives you, what you care about, or what you’re learning.

People don’t follow expertise. They follow people with expertise.

Final Word

You don’t have to shout from the rooftops that you’re a leader in your field. Simply show up, share your knowledge, and bring your network along for the journey.  Let your stories do the talking. Let your content do the proving. And let your expertise speak for itself.

💬 Need help shaping your LinkedIn presence with confidence and clarity?
Book a LinkedIn Masterclass or LinkedIn Strategy Session with our team today.