The 15-Minute Social Leader with Phil Jones and Sam Rathling

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits a gem-filled conversation from the archives with Phil Jones, Managing Director of Brother UK, and Sam Rathling, founder of Pipeline 44. They discuss why it is crucial for modern leaders to actively engage on social media, particularly LinkedIn. Phil Jones shares his personal journey of leveraging platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to build his personal brand, attract talent, and connect with customers. He argues that being active on social media is a necessary competency for today's leaders, sending a powerful message about the modernity and responsiveness of their organisation. Sam Rathling provides expert insights on how leaders can effectively build their digital reputation. She emphasises the power of authentic, original content and consistent engagement, which doesn't have to consume more than 10-15 minutes a day. The conversation covers practical tips on content creation, the importance of a human touch, and how to balance professional and personal insights. This episode is a compelling guide for any leader looking to understand the strategic importance of social media and how to make it an integral, yet manageable, part of their role. Key Takeaways Social Media is a Core Leadership Competency: Being active on social media is no longer optional for senior leaders; it's an essential skill for modern leadership, influencing talent acquisition, customer perception, and personal reputation. Time Commitment is Minimal: A significant impact can be made in just 10-15 minutes per day, covering both content creation and engagement. Authenticity and Personalisation are Crucial: Leaders should write their own content to maintain an authentic voice. Sharing personal stories that include a professional lesson helps build a human connection. Engagement Drives Visibility: Actively commenting on others' posts and responding to comments on your own is critical for extending the reach of your content and building relationships. Actionable Insights Implement the 10-Minute Challenge: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day to LinkedIn. Use this time to scroll through your newsfeed, engage with posts from your network by liking and commenting, and post your own original content three times a week. Audit Your LinkedIn Profile: Look at your profile from the perspective of a potential customer, a top-tier job candidate, and a business partner. Assess if it represents the best version of you and your company's brand. Find Your Content Lanes: Identify 2-3 areas of expertise or passion related to your professional life (e.g., leadership, sales, company culture). Focus your content creation on sharing unique knowledge and insights within these fields to build a reputation as a thought leader. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Sam Rathling: Website |LinkedIn | Connect with Phil Jones: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 137 Featuring Sam Rathling and Phil Jones