General
thought leader
What does thought leader mean?
An individual or firm regarded as an expert whose opinions shape a subject area.
"She's become a thought leader on remote-work culture."
Origin
Coined in 1994 by Joel Kurtzman; ubiquitous in marketing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a thought leader?
A person or firm seen as a leading authority in a field, whose ideas and opinions influence how others in that space think.
Where does the term come from?
It was coined in 1994 by Joel Kurtzman, then editor of Strategy+Business, and has since become a marketing staple, sometimes eye-rollingly so.
How does someone become a thought leader?
Typically by publishing ideas, speaking, and building a reputation for expertise, so people in the field cite and follow their views.
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