Why raising your leader’s profile matters more than ever
In an age of constant noise, scepticism and information overload, people don’t just buy from brands, they buy into people. The leaders behind organisations play a critical role in shaping how a business is perceived, trusted and remembered.
Raising a leader’s profile through strategic PR and communications isn’t about ego or vanity. It’s about clarity, credibility and connection. When leaders show up consistently and authentically, the impact ripples far beyond headlines.
Leadership visibility builds trust
Trust (the subject of our last blog) is one of the most valuable currencies in business, and one of the hardest to earn. “According to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, business continues to be the most trusted institution globally, and expectations of leadership remain high — with 75% of people saying CEOs are obligated to help bridge trust divides and speak out on issues that matter.”
When leaders are visible, articulate and values-led, they humanise their organisation. Media commentary, interviews and thought leadership give audiences confidence that there are real people with real expertise behind the brand, not just sanitised marketing messages.
A strong leader profile strengthens brand positioning
Every organisation has a story, but leaders are often the most powerful storytellers. A well-defined leadership profile reinforces what a brand stands for, where it’s going and why it matters.
Strategic PR allows leaders to:
Own a clear point of view in their sector
Shape industry conversations rather than react to them
Be associated with specific themes, challenges or innovations
Over time, this consistency helps position both the leader and the organisation as credible, authoritative and relevant.
Visibility attracts opportunity
When leaders are active in the media and on the right platforms, opportunities follow; journalists know who to call for expert comment, event organisers extend speaking invitations and potential partners, clients and investors already feel familiar with the business before the first conversation begins.
This is one reason why thought leadership continues to grow in importance. Industry data shows that 40% of marketers increased investment in thought leadership in 2024, recognising its role in long-term reputation and influence. [aprilsix.com]
Importantly, this isn’t about being everywhere, it’s about being in the right places, with the right message.
Supporting recruitment and internal culture
Leadership PR doesn’t just speak to external audiences. It also plays a powerful role internally.
Visible, purpose-driven leaders help employees feel connected to the organisation’s mission and direction. Clear leadership communication builds confidence during periods of change and helps attract talent who align with the company’s values.
In a market where reputation and culture matter more than ever, leaders who show up consistently and transparently give people a reason to believe in the organisation, and to want to be part of it.
Credibility before crisis
One of the often overlooked benefits of raising a leader’s profile is resilience. Leaders who have already established trust and credibility are far better placed to navigate challenging moments.
The 2024 Global Comms Report highlights that crisis readiness remains a concern for many organisations, with only a small proportion rating their prevention capabilities as “excellent”. A visible, trusted leader provides reassurance when it matters most — because audiences already know who they are and what they stand for. [cision.asia]
What effective leadership PR really requires
Raising a leader’s profile isn’t about chasing coverage for coverage’s sake. The most successful approaches are grounded in strategy and authenticity.
That means:
Clear positioning and messaging aligned to business goals
Confidence and coaching to communicate effectively
A considered mix of media, speaking, content and social presence
Consistency over time, not one-off activity
When PR and communications are treated as a long-term brand asset rather than a short-term tactic, leaders can build profiles that genuinely support growth and reputation.
Ready to raise your leader’s profile?
Whether you’re a founder, CEO or senior leadership team, investing in leadership visibility is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your brand, build trust and create lasting influence.
If you’d like to explore how strategic PR and communications could work for your business, book a call with Purplefish’s branding expert, Lucy McKerron.
She’ll help you define your leadership story, identify the right platforms and build a profile that truly reflects who you are, and where you’re going.
Book a call with Lucy today and start building a leadership presence that works as hard as you do.
