Unleash Your Authority: How to Go From Expert to Industry Go-To

Being great at what you do used to be enough. These days? It barely gets you in the room.

In a market where everyone claims to be an expert, the people who rise to the top are those who step into authority. That’s the difference between being “good” and being the one they call. And it’s exactly what digital content futurist and five-time author Lisa Apolinski broke down on this episode of the Growth Department podcast.

If you’re a founder, consultant, or corporate leader looking to build visibility, attract right-fit clients, and claim your space in a crowded industry, this conversation is your blueprint.

Listen to the full episode here

Expertise Gets You In. Authority Gets You Hired.

Lisa makes the distinction clear. Expertise means you know your stuff. Authority means others recognize that you know your stuff, and they trust you enough to lead them forward.

She puts it this way: “I can be an expert in personal branding. But if I’m an authority, I’m writing the future of how we use branding.”

In addition to mastering your craft, authority is about being recognized as someone who sets the standard, leads the conversation, and offers the clearest path to results.

The Signs You’re Almost an Authority

Think you might be on the cusp of becoming a go-to in your space? Many folks who are at the top or near the top in their field hesitate with the thought "am I good enough?". You may be one of those folks wondering if you have what it takes to become an authority.

Lisa shared a few telltale signs:

• You’re solving the same problem over and over, in a way no one else does (because you are the only you!)

• Clients or teammates say they wish they’d found you sooner.

• People ask how to work with you before they even know your full offer.

  
  

If any of those sound familiar, you might be standing at the edge of your authority era. But crossing that line takes more than just confidence. It requires clarity.

Find Your Area of Genius (It’s Probably Right Under Your Nose)

Most people overlook the thing they’re best at. Why? Because it comes so naturally, it doesn’t even feel special.

Lisa sees this constantly with clients. They’ll describe what they do in an offhand comment — “Oh, I just do XYZ” — and completely miss the impact it has. But to the right person, that skill is game-changing.

To find your own area of genius, Lisa recommends asking one question:

What’s the one problem your clients constantly complain about, and if you solved it, it would unlock everything else?

Often, it’s something you’ve gotten so good at, you forget how valuable it is. But that’s the sweet spot. That’s where authority lives. When you double down on solving that core issue — hang tight...not ten problems, just one — you create a powerful message, a targeted offer, and a magnetic pull for the people who need you most.

Narrowing Your Focus Creates More Opportunities

It feels counterintuitive, but Lisa insists: going narrow actually opens more doors.

When you’re known for solving one thing exceptionally well, you make it easier for people to refer you, hire you, and trust you. Authority comes from doing less, better.

This focused clarity also helps you attract better-fit clients. The ones who show up prepared, pay on time, and want to get to the finish line with you. As Lisa puts it, “Work becomes fun again. You’re not stuck taking anything that comes your way just to pay the bills.”

The Authority Difference: Lower Risk, Higher Trust

At its core, authority reduces risk.

When someone is shopping around for help (whether that’s a consultant, coach, or agency) they’re scared. They don’t want to make the wrong choice. Resources are tight. The pressure is high. They need a sure thing.

Experts sound capable. Authorities feel reliable.

As Lisa explained, “When I’m working with an authority, I know they’ll get me across the finish line. That confidence lowers the risk of saying yes.” When you position yourself as the safest bet in the room, people stop shopping. They start signing.

Want to Build Authority? Start Here

You don’t need a million followers, a media team, or daily videos to build authority. According to Lisa, the secret is consistency and sustainability.

Start with what feels most natural:

• If you’re a writer, publish blog posts or articles on LinkedIn.

• If you like to talk, guest on podcasts (or host your own).

• If you’re comfortable on camera, record short videos that share your POV.

The format doesn’t matter nearly as much as showing up consistently with a clear message. Lisa herself prefers guesting on shows, then sharing those clips. It builds her presence without creating pressure to produce constant original content.

No matter the medium, she recommends one power move: start every podcast or interview by clearly stating who you are and what you're known for. Example? “I’m Chelsey Reynolds, aka The Silo Slayer.” It helps AI (and people) associate your name with your niche — and that’s how you start owning the narrative.

A Climb With No Summit

Lisa describes authority as “a climb with no summit.” No matter how far you’ve come, there’s always more to grow into.

That perspective can feel freeing. You don’t have to be perfect to start. You just have to keep moving. Lisa reminds us that every person with a huge platform started with one follower. Every leader once had to make their first post, first offer, first ask.

Each step you take toward visibility, consistency, and clarity builds momentum. And before you know it, others start calling you the go-to.

The Final Takeaways

Lisa left us with two powerful insights every leader should remember:

1. You have an area of genius. This can be found in how you solve a meaningful problem in a way that feels obvious to you and transformative to others. Find it. Own it. Lead with it.

2. There’s no summit, only progress. You don’t need a book deal or a speaking tour to get started. Share your story. Claim your space. Let your community reflect back your value. Developing authority isn't an instant flip of the switch or singular moment, but a journey. You've got this!

   
   

When you show up with authority, opportunities multiply.

The right people find you. Work gets better. Confidence is built along the way. And most importantly, you have even more fun at work. Want to learn more?

You can reach out to Lisa directly and find her books on her website here.

You can also listen to the full episode anywhere you get your podcasts!