Did you ever wonder what it takes to become a thought leader in your field?  Host Peter Woolfolk interviews his guest for today's episode, Don Bates, APR and Fellow APR. Don shares his insights and unravels the complex process of becoming a thought leader. Bates highlights the importance of constantly keeping up with industry trends, being a lifelong learner, and the power of effective communication in inspiring others. From his journey, he brings light to the significance of mentorship in establishing credibility and respect, and shares how writing articles, blogging, and speaking engagements have been instrumental in his growth as a thought leader. In the realm of leadership, personal connections are often overlooked. But not in today's chat with Don. He shares powerful anecdotes, like the one about a bartender who lost his job due to a lack of respect and knowledge about his coworkers, emphasizing the importance of recognizing each individual within an organization. Bates wows us with his unique perspective on the necessity of "drilling" - the process of leaving no surprises for top management - and highlights the art of genuine conversation.  Wrapping up the discussion, Don imparts his wisdom on how to thrive as a successful and strategic professional. His advice on navigating office politics and understanding the company’s goals is a game changer. Don's revelation on using thought leadership as a tool to benefit the organization is truly groundbreaking. If you are looking for a recipe for success through humble leadership, the power of recognition, and the importance of relationship-building in the workplace, look no further. This episode is a must-listen for those aiming to rise above the ordinary and make an impact in their professional lives. Please let me know what you think of this episode.  Thank you!! We proudly announce this podcast is now available on Amazon ALEXA.  Simply say: "ALEXA play Public Relations Review Podcast" to hear the latest episode.  To see a list of ALL our episodes go to our podcast website: www. public relations reviewpodcast.com or go to  orApple podcasts and search "Public Relations Review Podcast."  Thank you for listening.  Please subscribe and leave a review. Support the show