In this era of globalization, success is often defined by metrics that have little to do with real impact. A post goes viral, and suddenly someone is considered a leader. A photo gets thousands of likes, and it is called influence. But the real question behind the digital applause is : Are we confusing visibility with value?
After more than 20 years of strategy and leading transformations and building leadership talent in many organizations, I have come to a defining truth that success is not about the spotlight; rather about substance.
🌐 The Social Media Mirage
Social media has changed how we share ideas, build brands and connect around the world. But it has also redefined success with a more narrow and misleading lens where popularity is seen as expertise and performance is reduced to perception.
This shift presents a particular challenge for new leaders and supporting professionals: Do you spend your time crafting an image or developing real influence? I have learned that genuine success is never viral but it is always built over a long period of time, intentionally, with clarity, competence, and character.
💡 Substance Over Status
The most influential people in the boardrooms, workshops, and the leaders I’ve coached are not always the loudest or most followed people but they are the people who showed up, consistently acted with integrity, and have built systems that will outlive trends.
So, success in this era must move from self-promotion to service. From curated content to character driven leadership and building audiences to creating outcomes.
🔄 Changing the Story
Let’s challenge the next generation of professionals to evaluate success based on the strength of their contributions, rather than their digital footprints.
What are the legitimate problems you are addressing?
Are you supporting others?
Are you changing for a reason?
These are the things that matter both online and offline.
Finally, to every leader grappling with the impact of this current digital moment: Embrace authenticity over aesthetics. Let your experiences, not just your influences, paint your leadership. Use your voice, and let your vision be known. The world doesn’t need more influencers; it needs intentional, informed, impactful leaders.
Success is not what you post. Success is how you practice.
https://esalimitless.com/measuring-success/
https://medium.com/thrive-global/redefining-the-purpose-of-social-media