Why Leaders Must Build a Strong LinkedIn Presence
In today’s digital-first world, LinkedIn is more than a job board—it’s a powerful platform for leaders to showcase their expertise, attract top talent, and forge game-changing business relationships. In Episode 70 of Talent Talk, I sat down with Dean Seddon, CEO of Maverick and a social selling expert, to uncover why a robust LinkedIn presence is non-negotiable for leaders in 2025. Whether you’re an HR leader, recruiter, or executive aiming to elevate your influence, this episode reveals actionable strategies to harness LinkedIn’s potential.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify to dive deeper into Dean’s insights and transform your online presence.
The Power of LinkedIn for Credibility and Trust
With over 1 billion users, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professional networking and credibility. Dean puts it bluntly:
“If you’re not on LinkedIn, people wonder, ‘Why can’t I find you?’”
A missing or outdated profile raises red flags for clients, recruits, and partners who use LinkedIn as a professional “stalking” tool. In fact, 62% of decision-makers vet candidates or collaborators on the platform before making decisions. A polished profile signals you’re engaged, approachable, and relevant—qualities critical for leadership roles.
Example: A traditional company Dean worked with shifted from in-person handshakes to LinkedIn outreach, generating £18 million in new business over four years, including a £4M client deal secured entirely through digital relationships.
A strong profile isn’t just a digital resume—it’s a trust-building tool that shapes first impressions.
Action:
Audit your profile today.
Include a professional headshot, a clear headline, and a summary that showcases your leadership value.
Check your privacy settings to ensure your profile is visible.
Navigating the Attention Economy
We’re in an attention economy where visibility drives success. Without a LinkedIn presence, leaders risk being overshadowed by competitors who actively share insights and engage with their networks.
For recruiters and HR leaders, LinkedIn is a magnet for top talent.
A CEO’s post about company culture can attract candidates.
A sales leader’s client success story can generate leads.
Tip:
Share one industry insight or company update weekly to stay top-of-mind.
Use LinkedIn analytics to see what resonates most with your audience.
Overcoming Generational Barriers
Engaging on LinkedIn can feel daunting, with challenges varying across generations:
Seasoned leaders often struggle with LinkedIn’s tech and miss the feedback loop of face-to-face interactions.
Younger professionals know the tech but may feel awkward initiating professional conversations online.
“Leaders must bridge this gap to stay relevant.” — Dean Seddon
Surprisingly, even in 2025, half of sales professionals in workshops still don’t use LinkedIn for sales, while new generations treat it as a default networking tool.
Solution:
Start small: comment on an industry post or share a leadership tip weekly.
Case Study:
A sales team Dean trained overcame tech reluctance and went on to outperform traditional sales channels within a year.
Practical Steps to Build Your LinkedIn Presence
Building a LinkedIn presence doesn’t demand hours a day. Here’s how to start:
Complete your profile: Use a professional headshot, a concise headline (e.g., “Driving Business Growth Through Strategic Leadership”), and a summary that highlights your expertise.
Post consistently: Share or repost leadership lessons, company milestones, or industry insights—always add your perspective.
Engage actively: Comment on others’ posts to increase visibility. Respond to comments on your own posts to build relationships.
Track progress: Use LinkedIn analytics to evaluate and refine your strategy.
Example:
A tech executive who posted weekly about digital transformation grew their following by 20% in six months, landing speaking invites and new partnerships.
Why It Matters for Your Leadership
Your LinkedIn presence influences how others perceive you and your organization.
Your activity reflects leadership style, values, and vision.
A CEO’s culture-driven posts can attract talent.
A sales leader’s success stories can generate leads.
By showing up consistently, you position your brand as relevant, human, and forward-thinking—a perfect match for The Career Establishment’s leadership coaching approach.
“Your profile is your digital handshake.” — Dean Seddon
Get Started Today
Don’t let competitors outshine you in the attention economy.
Audit your profile.
Post one leadership tip.
Comment on one article this week.
These small steps build momentum and position you as a trusted authority.
Need help crafting a standout LinkedIn strategy? Explore our Leadership Coaching at The Career Establishment to unlock your potential.
Series Navigation
Continue to Part 2: How to Craft an Optimized LinkedIn Profile for Leaders
Part 3: Building an Effective LinkedIn Content Strategy for Leaders
Part 4: Leveraging AI Tools for LinkedIn Client Acquisition
Part 5: Avoiding Common LinkedIn Mistakes for Leaders