Becoming an Authority

It was years ago when I sat down with my friend and mentor Tere Dávila, today a celebrated author whose words carry both wit and wisdom. In her unmistakably passionate tone, she leaned forward and said something that has stayed with me ever since: “Do you know the root of the word ‘authority’? It’s ‘author’—one who writes, one who creates, one who crafts narratives that are researched, thoughtful, and rooted in truth.” She paused to let it sink in, then added, “If you want to be an authority in your community or field, you first have to think and act like an author. Write your truth, and the authority will follow.”

Tere’s insight was more than clever wordplay; it was a call to action. Authority isn’t bestowed—it’s earned, brick by brick, through a foundation of knowledge, a voice of clarity, and actions aligned with the values we hope to embody. Whether it’s through the stories we tell, the research we share, or the connections we build, becoming an authority begins with creating something meaningful that others can trust and learn from.

The truth is, being an authority isn’t about fame or power—it’s about service. It’s about being the person your community looks to for guidance, innovation, or inspiration. And much like writing a book, it takes discipline, authenticity, and a commitment to honing your craft over time.

So how do we cultivate that kind of influence? Let’s explore five commitments—simple, actionable habits—that can help you establish yourself as an authority in your community and beyond.

Commitment 1: Curate Knowledge Thoughtfully

Authority begins with knowing your subject inside and out. Curating knowledge thoughtfully means not just consuming information but selecting, organizing, and reflecting on what truly matters. This habit helps you filter out noise, ensuring that your contributions are informed, relevant, and valuable. When you are intentional about what you learn, your ability to connect with others and guide them increases exponentially.
Set aside time to read, watch, or listen to something meaningful that aligns with your goals, and let it take as long as it needs to resonate. Keep a running journal of ideas and insights, and categorize them by themes or topics that matter to your audience or community. Once a week, share a distilled thought or takeaway with someone who can benefit from it. This practice deepens your understanding and reinforces your expertise in meaningful ways.

Commitment 2: Be A Voice of Authenticity

Your voice is your power. Whether you’re a doctor, a lawyer, an author, or a thought provoker seeking to make a difference, people trust those who communicate with honesty and authenticity. Speaking from the heart, grounded in your own experience and knowledge, creates a connection that resonates deeply. When you communicate authentically, you signal confidence and vulnerability, making you both approachable and credible. Authority isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about sharing what you know in a way that feels real and true to who you are.
Start by identifying one area where you feel confident and genuinely passionate, and let that guide your conversations. Practice speaking your thoughts aloud to yourself or a trusted confidant to refine your voice without overpolishing it. Find moments to admit what you don’t know; this creates an authentic rapport and builds mutual trust. Make authenticity your compass for every interaction, no matter the audience.

Commitment 3: Become a Source of Value

What you give defines what you earn. Authority isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about offering value that solves problems, answers questions, or inspires action. Consistently adding value builds trust and establishes you as someone worth listening to. Whether it’s a piece of advice, a resource, or a fresh perspective, every contribution you make strengthens your authority. The key is to give more than you take, positioning yourself as a dependable presence in your field or community.
Make it a habit to ask, “What can I offer here?” before stepping into any conversation, meeting, or project. Dedicate time each week to creating something of value—whether it’s a blog post, a shared resource, or mentorship for someone in need. Review your past interactions to assess whether you’ve been giving enough and identify areas to improve. This will shift your focus from personal gain to shared success.

Commitment 4: Engage with Your Community

Build bridges with your audience because authority grows through connection. Authority is not built in isolation—it thrives on relationships and engagement. By being present in your community, you show that you care about the people you aim to serve. Engaging with your audience allows you to learn from them, understand their needs, and tailor your contributions. These connections create a feedback loop that amplifies your impact and credibility.
Make time to connect with your audience by responding to messages, joining discussions, or attending events that matter to them. Create opportunities for two-way communication, like hosting a Q&A session or sending out a survey. Regularly reflect on how your contributions align with what your community needs, and adapt as necessary to stay relevant.

Commitment 5: Walk the Talk Every Day

Be the change you want to inspire. We know it is not easy, but the effort pays great dividends because people follow leaders who practice what they preach. Leading by example demonstrates that you’re not just talking about values or strategies—you’re living them. This approach earns respect and motivates others to take similar steps, creating a ripple effect that extends your influence. True authority comes from being the embodiment of the principles you advocate.
Identify one area of your life where you can model the behaviors or values you want to inspire in others. Share your journey openly, including challenges and successes, to create a relatable and credible narrative. Regularly evaluate whether your actions align with your words and make adjustments to stay true to your principles.

Tere Dávila’s brilliance as an author and thought leader has been a guiding light, not just for me but for countless others who’ve had the privilege of hearing her insights. Her passion for truth, her unyielding commitment to excellence, and her ability to weave stories that inspire action make her a true authority in every sense of the word. This article is as much a testament to her wisdom as it is an invitation to carry forward the lessons she so eloquently shared with me.

What’s most exciting about these principles isn’t just their ability to inspire but the transformation they spark when put into practice. Each idea is a stepping stone toward becoming the kind of person others look to for guidance, trust, and collaboration. Now it’s your turn to take these lessons, make them your own, and use them to deepen your connections and elevate your impact.

Knowledge alone isn’t enough; it’s the action you take that creates change. The best results come from putting what you’ve learned into practice—testing, refining, and applying these principles in your life. Authority isn’t built by intention but by consistent effort and the courage to lead with what you know. Let this be the spark that drives you to take meaningful steps and turn these ideas into your own success story.

☝🏼 A single thought can be the catalyst for something extraordinary. That moment when everything clicks, and suddenly, your big dream doesn’t seem so far off anymore. We’ve experienced that shift ourselves, and we’re here to help spark it for you. These stories truly come from our own personal journeys in entrepreneurialism and typically reflect things we ourselves are chatting about and exploring. So—have at it!

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