Better: A more authentic path for the reluctant thought leader

We’ve always assumed that only a confident, eager few have the power to truly influence others towards change.
 
What would happen if we amplified the ideas of the quiet and considered, the careful questioners and reflective thinkers? What if we unlocked the potential of all who care and want to contribute based on what they know and what they do?
 
We’re overdue for a broader, better definition of thought leadership – one that celebrates authenticity, welcomes different types of thinking, and allows you to influence without the ick.
 
In Better, Christina Wedgwood challenges the dominance of the sage-on-the-stage archetype of thought leadership and influence, and invites the reader to reconsider who can be a thought leader – and how even the most reluctant among us can change the world for the better.

Why Better?

We’d all be better off with more creative, innovative, inclusive and beneficial ideas out there. Yet too many are being put off by what they think thought leadership ought to be.
 
At its heart, thought leadership requires that we care about something enough to develop new ideas and insights and that we then use those ideas to contribute and help others. A better definition for thought leadership captures that special combination of the ability to have ideas and the courage to act on them.
 
In providing a more authentic path for the reluctant thought leader, Better creates space so that everyone who has great ideas, or who is doing great work, can have the impact that they want to in the world.
 
It’s an invitation to anyone who doesn’t feel that they fit the mould – because only when everyone is given the tools and encouragement they need to share their considered viewpoints, varied perspectives, and rich experiences, can we move forward and all experience better.
Better book cover

Praise for Better

“To all the non-alpha people who want to have a voice – you have finally been heard! Christina sees you, sees us. She sees our value, our potential. Her book gives us a way to lead from where we are, no personality transplants required! You can do the work that matters most to you in a way that fits who you are.”

Gillian Brookes

Flexible work specialist and author of Flexperts

“For anyone looking to lead with genuine and unique confidence, Better brilliantly highlights the power of authenticity and embracing your natural strengths.”

Matthew Pollard

Bestselling author of The Introvert’s Edge series

“Christina Wedgwood’s new book Better is a testament to her extensive experience and deep understanding of what makes genuine leadership shine through and unite a team. Christina’s practical guidance is invaluable for anyone seeking to lead with purpose and make a meaningful difference to our world.

Wendy Thompson

Founder of Thompson Spencer

“Christina Wedgwood empowers readers to embrace their unique strengths and make a difference on their own terms. With a blend of empathy and expertise, she guides readers through the process of overcoming reluctance and embracing authenticity in their leadership journey. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting out, this book provides invaluable guidance for anyone looking to increase their impact and contribute to a better world.

Denise Brosseau

Author of Ready to Be a Thought Leader?

“Thought leaders are invited to embark on a journey of authentic growth and discovery with Better by Christina Wedgwood. This wonderful book challenges traditional notions of dominant thought leadership, inviting you to embrace authenticity and engage in open, honest, and mutually reinforcing conversations with followers and other leaders. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and empowered to take the first steps in sharing your unique perspective with the world.”

Thomas Curran

Professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and author of The Perfection Trap

“Better breaks down the artificial walls of a crowded and noisy space, and creates room for those reluctant to share their ideas for fear of not fitting in. In this book Christina delivers a masterclass and shows us a different way to make an impact through fresh ideas in a world starving for real and authentic thought leadership.

Konstantinos Apostolopoulos

Bestselling author of The Engagement Blueprint

“Christina’s beautiful book challenges the narrow definitions of thought leadership, and shares both why it is so critical for the future success of humanity to broaden these parameters, as well as sharing ideas for how each of us can step into our own unique magic to make the world better. Thank you for encouraging more inclusivity and diversity.

Dr Ellen Joan Ford

Leadership speaker, facilitator and author of #WorkSchoolHours

“If you’re tired of the same old advice on thought leadership, this book is for you. Christina offers a new, more inclusive, and authentic approach that will resonate with anyone who wants to make a difference through their ideas, but doesn’t feel they fit the mould of a typical thought leader.

Mark Hayes

NZ Marketing Manager, Adobe Experience Cloud

“Christina makes us rethink everything we thought we knew about thought leadership, and helps reimagine not only what it truly is, but shows us how all of us can (and should) bring our unique ideas and perspective to the world. Can’t recommend highly enough!

Suzi McAlpine

Executive and leadership coach and author of Beyond Burnout

Better shows us exactly how to cut through the Inner Critic’s noise and recognise that our voice matters. Christina’s expertise will enable you to walk a thought leadership path that works for you. Reading this book is so important. Because life is short. There’s no time to waste holding back or playing small. The world is waiting to hear from you.

Dr Bex Bell

Speaker, coach and author of Inner Critic to Inner Coach

“To the quiet, the considered, the ethical, the evidence-based, the kind – now, more than ever, the world needs to hear your great ideas. Struggling to take the first step? Read this wonderful book and let Christina’s gentle wisdom guide and inspire you into action.

Russell Pickering

Speaker, trainer, comms expert and author of Step Into The Spotlight

“I know that this book will expand the diversity of voices for the greater good and I encourage anyone who is curious about whether they could be one of those voices, to read this deep sharing from Christina. Like all things she does, it is well researched, deeply considered and content rich. Go buy it now!

Marisa Fong

Entrepreneur, investor, and mentor of women leaders

About the author

Christina has been helping to unlock better thinking, better content and better impact for her clients as a writer, coach and consultant since 2011.
 
Christina has always been led by the belief that ideas, words and stories have the power to influence the world towards better – and that thought leadership is a vital vehicle for transforming passion and purpose into something even more powerful.
 
As the founder and director of Intelligent Ink, New Zealand’s first agency devoted to the practice of thought leadership, Christina has supported some of the largest brands, nonprofits, and solopreneurs in New Zealand and abroad. Today, Intelligent Ink focuses on empowering impact-driven experts to improve and evolve their thinking and leverage their ideas to lead us all towards something better.
 
While she has helped transform dozens of thought leaders into published authors over the years, Better is the first book of her own.