You Need To Be An Influencer

(and no, not that kind!)

Let’s be real: AI is coming for the boring parts of your job. And honestly? Good riddance. No one really enjoys spending hours writing emails that no one will read or reformatting Excel sheets for the hundredth time. But while the machines handle the grunt work, what happens to us? What’s left for the white-collar workers, the managers, the people who thought their degrees would shield them from the disruptions everyone else has been warning about?

Here’s the answer: it’s not that we’re being replaced. It’s that the definition of value is shifting. And that’s not a bad thing—it’s an invitation to focus on what makes us uniquely human.

As artificial intelligence increasingly takes over the "grunt work" of our jobs, white-collar workers, especially those in managerial roles, are facing a new reality. Tasks like drafting, data analysis, scheduling, and even creative ideation are being automated at a pace that’s both thrilling and unnerving. This shift is redefining what it means to be valuable in the workplace. And while some may panic about being replaced, I think it’s time to look at the bigger picture. AI isn’t replacing humans; it’s making us redefine what only we can do. It’s forcing us to lean into our humanity.

For people like us—white-collar, managerial, middle-to-senior-level workers—our value in the workforce will increasingly boil down to two crucial things:

1. Proof of Articulation: Can you communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly? Can you translate technical knowledge into actionable insights for diverse audiences? Your ability to articulate will become your competitive edge—a skill that AI, with all its generative power, still struggles to master in nuanced, human contexts.

2. Proof of Stakeholder Influence: Can you build trust, align diverse perspectives, and inspire action? Stakeholder influence isn’t about commanding authority; it’s about cultivating relationships and leveraging them to create impact. It’s a uniquely human skill that’s hard to replicate algorithmically.

But here’s the kicker: you can’t just claim to have these skills. You need to show them. And one of the best ways to do that? Social media.

Getting Over the Cringe Factor

Let’s address the elephant in the room. For many of us, the idea of putting ourselves out there on social media feels deeply cringeworthy. The thought of posting on LinkedIn or recording a YouTube video makes us want to curl up and die a little. I get it. I used to feel the same way.

But then, I realized something important: if you’re not telling your story, someone else is telling it for you—and probably getting it wrong. More importantly, in a world where AI is taking over mundane tasks, you need to be the face of your own ideas. You don’t need to be an influencer in the "I’ll sell you protein powder" way. Instead, aim to become an influencer in the "I shape conversations and perspectives" way. This isn’t about accumulating likes; it’s about becoming a trusted voice in your domain. The more you share thoughtful, authentic, and actionable ideas, the more you’ll prove your ability to influence stakeholders at scale.

My Personal Experience: Running This Blog

Let me give you a concrete example. You’re reading this on my Substack, which is where I write longer, more detailed essays. But I don’t stop here. Once I’ve published a piece, I think about how I can repurpose it for other platforms. Can I turn it into a LinkedIn post? Maybe I’ll strip it down to a snappier version for X (Twitter). Sometimes, I’ll make a reel for Instagram where I talk to the camera and share the key points in a minute or less.

It’s not about spamming the same content everywhere. It’s about adapting it for different audiences and formats. What works on LinkedIn won’t work on Instagram, and vice versa. But the core idea—the thing I’m trying to articulate—remains the same. This multi-platform approach has helped me:

• Build credibility as someone who knows what they’re talking about.

• Reach people who’d never subscribe to a blog but will happily engage with a reel.

• Prove, over and over again, that I can articulate and influence.

If you’re worried about coming across as "too much," let me assure you: most people are so busy with their own lives that they’re not keeping track of how often you post. What they will notice is the value you bring to the table.

The Trap of AI Slop

Now, let’s address a crucial pitfall: AI-generated slop. We’ve all seen it—the lifeless, low-effort, generic posts that scream, “I ran this through a chatbot and called it a day.” AI slop is identifiable from a mile away, and while it might fill a content calendar, it undercuts your credibility. It signals to your audience that you’re unwilling to invest real thought or effort into your message.

If your goal is to demonstrate articulation and influence, you need to put in the work. Use AI tools for brainstorming, summarizing, or editing—but never as a substitute for your own voice. Your audience isn’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for you. They want to engage with your unique perspective, your human touch, your messy-but-real thought process. That’s what resonates and builds trust.

How to Start

So, how do you actually do this? How do you build proof of articulation and influence without drowning in the process? Here are a few steps that have worked for me:

1. Pick Your Platform: Choose one or two platforms that align with your style and goals. LinkedIn for professional insights, Instagram for visual storytelling, YouTube for deep dives—each has its strengths.

2. Start Small: You don’t need to publish a 2000-word essay every week. Start with short posts. Share a quick insight from your day. React to an industry trend. Just get into the habit of showing up.

3. Focus on Consistency: You don’t need to post every day, but you do need to show up regularly. Frequency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.

4. Be Authentic: Share your successes, but also your failures, learnings, and questions. Vulnerability fosters connection.

5. Engage Thoughtfully: Respond to comments, ask questions, and start conversations. Influence is a two-way street.

6. Iterate and Improve: Treat your content as an experiment. Pay attention to what resonates and refine your approach over time.

7. Learn from Others: Follow people in your field who are doing this well. Observe how they structure their posts, how they engage, and what makes them credible.

8. Plan Content Themes: Think about 3-4 areas you want to be known for. Maybe it’s leadership, innovation, or specific industry trends. Rotate content around these themes.

Getting Over Yourself

It’s easy to dismiss social media as frivolous or beneath you, especially if you’re used to equating seriousness with a lack of public visibility. But that’s a trap. People aren’t "looking down" on you for showing up. If anything, they’re impressed by your willingness to articulate your ideas openly. Stop assuming that your audience is judging you harshly—most of them are too busy living their own lives to overanalyze your posts. What they’ll notice is the value you consistently add.

A mindset shift I found helpful: Instead of thinking of social media as a performance, think of it as a conversation. You’re sharing ideas and inviting others to engage with them. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up as you are.

Why This Matters

In a world where AI can mimic but not replace human ingenuity, your ability to articulate ideas and influence others will set you apart. Social media is no longer just a space for influencers or brands; it’s a proving ground for your skills and your value. Yes, it’ll feel awkward at first. Yes, you’ll cringe at your own posts. But remember: the future of work isn’t about competing with AI—it’s about embracing what makes us irreplaceably human.

So, get over the cringe, show up authentically, and make your voice heard. Because if you don’t tell your story, someone else will—and trust me, they’ll get it wrong.