There are many things I enjoy about helping my clients grow into thought leaders – and assisting them in becoming more human and accessible is probably the most significant. One of the most important thought-leadership trends for 2026 is that humanity beats hype. As AI technology pervades almost every part of work and life, your audience wants to know the real person behind the insights. When they feel connected to you on a deeper, more emotional level, your content stands out in an increasingly automated world.
Try these four techniques to humanize your thought leadership content:
Share signature stories that reveal your values and passions
This kind of narrative helps people understand what drives you. These may include opinion pieces and videos with graphical elements as storytelling tools. A signature story addresses questions such:
- What does the brand stand for?
- Who are its customer targets?
- What is the point of difference?
- What organizational values or core programs or policies provide substance and clarity to the brand?
Here’s a great example: A former client that wanted to promote its culture as “people first” actively crafted signature stories about their client work that demonstrated brand values, customer targets, and unique selling proposition.
On-site videos
The next time you announce quarterly earnings or do a Town Hall-like meeting for the team, do it via video from your executive office or some other location that people wouldn’t normally see. The same goes for conference attendance – a video before you take the stage for a speaking engagement or one from the trade event floor or exhibit is a way of giving a behind-the-scenes look inside your world. Add some commentary and you’re telling a very personal story. This forms a deeper audience connection and leaves people wanting more.
Demonstrate Your Thought Process
Have you ever said, “I like how s/he thinks”? That’s because when we can understand how someone processes information, we gain a new perspective of who they are. So, whenever possible, show people how you think by sharing a rough outline of an upcoming talk, a recent presentation (without proprietary information for obvious reasons), or a voice memo about how a particular idea or concept came to fruition. This takes the audience inside your thought process, which makes them feel as if they know you. Consider doing this via video (think: LinkedIn Live) or in writing.
Turn IP Into Resources
Are there processes, road maps, presentations, or concepts that you can share publicly? These include infographics, slide shows (Think SlideShare), one-page playbooks, and analytical tools that help people engage with your content. Since people use different digital tools to get their information, offer your method in a variety of formats.
Make Staying Visible an Ongoing Thought Leadership Activity
Staying visible while being openly human is the right way to form and develop an audience and grow a following. This helps to make your content unique and memorable.
Wondering what other thought leadership trends to try in 2026? Read my blog Thought Leadership Trends: What’s Ahead for 2026 – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/thought-leadership-trends-whats-ahead-2026-julie-livingston-egnle/
