How do you best showcase your organization's depth of expertise?  Have you ever thought about the way thought leadership intersects with the executive search? Many organizations encourage broad diversity, and during executive search periods, they want to showcase and bolster that practice. But how do you demonstrate it to your target audience? Today, I’ve invited Louis Montgomery Jr., Partner, Practice Leader Human Resources and Diversity Officers at JM Search, a firm that (through rigorous assessment) provides the right candidates for open positions to private equity firms, venture capital firms, and select corporate clients. Louis understands what it takes to be successful in demanding fields. He discusses his path as an HR leader and Diversity Officer, and how he assists candidates seeking opportunity and growth. When he changed course during his career, he quickly realized, as many others do, that his reputation as an expert in HR didn’t follow him to his new position. He discusses his experiences with networking and creating thought leadership, and explains how he established himself as an expert in the new field — and how others can do the same. Having worked with both large and small firms, Louis understands what it takes to get thought leadership into the world. He's built an established thought leadership engine that carries his name and reputation forward. In our discussion, he shares tips for building your firm's reputation (and your own!) by leveraging established thought leadership or marketing roles. Developing smart thought leadership content is about providing answers to your audience's questions, and as Louis says, a listening ear is the best tool. Learn how to tune into what others are saying, and to notice the questions that come up time and time again. These are prime topics for thought leadership! If you are considering starting a journey into thought leadership, start now! The sooner you delve into the field, the more rapidly you will master it. Three Key Takeaways: * Networking provides an advantage in the job search, when the time comes to seek a new role. * Thought Leadership allows you to share your expertise and establish credibility, and differentiate yourself from others in the market. * Being a thought leader and active practitioner of your field of expertise can give you a greater credibility with clients. That makes you stand out!