thought leader

American  

[thawt lee-der] / ˈθɔt ˌli dər /

noun

1. a person or organization that is a recognized authority in a particular field and whose innovative ideas influence and guide others.

   He is a thought leader in education reform and his insights represent the latest thinking on the topic.

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Other Word Forms

• thought leadership noun

Etymology

Origin of thought leader

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

He sees himself as a thought leader and a visionary, and he really wanted that word removed.

From Slate

Yes, Gay is an esteemed writer, thought leader and philanthropist, Woodson says, “but she is also out and funny and beyond brilliant. In all these ways, she’s showing young people that there are so many roads to becoming and living one’s true self.”

From Los Angeles Times

What’s the real value in trying to become a “thought leader” with pieces like this?

From Slate

Which isn’t to say that Lukather, Toto’s intellectual thought leader, is without his share of older-rock-star grievances.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s by some counts the richest person on Earth; his tweets move markets; he is an immensely powerful businessman, cultural figure and thought leader.

From Los Angeles Times