What is an expert? A new definition

The definition of an expert is undergoing a significant transformation, in my work. 

Traditionally, experts have been viewed through a narrow lens, often characterised by academic achievements and masculine traits such as competitiveness and ego. 

In this article, I am looking at how we can redefine what it means to be an expert, particularly for impact-driven women. 

Our mission is to challenge outdated notions and shift the definition, empowering women to leave a legacy, make a difference, and connect their work to a deeper sense of purpose. 

Through research, interviews, and personal insights, we explore the qualities that truly define an expert in today's world and provide actionable steps to help you become the expert you aspire to be.

What is an expert? 

After conducting extensive research on the concept of expertise, it is evident that academic literature defines experts as individuals who are at the pinnacle of their field. This includes elite athletes, chess players, and influential figures like Brené Brown. The traditional view often emphasizes a masculine perspective, highlighting competitive sports and the drive for achievement. 

This, to me, expresses that experts are seen as individuals with a strong ego and doesn't align with what I think being an expert is about. 

However, from the research I have done, it is evident that women who want to be experts strive to leave a legacy for future generations and contribute to making the world a better place, thus connecting their work to a deeper sense of meaning. 

Why are we defining expert? 

I’ve redefined my bold quest and decided it’s now to help 1 million impact-driven women redefine what it looks like to be an expert.

So that we can shift these disturbing statistics: 

• That women only make up around 20% of expert news sources
• According toBloomberg, only 30% are conference speakers

I want to provide the evidence-backed skills and platform for women to start living the impact they seek.

As you may or may not know I’m currently undertaking a qualitative research project to understand: 

What purpose-driven women need to become sought-after experts in their field of passion.

I’ve done many interviews since beginning this quest and what I’ve found so far is hugely insightful and exciting. 

When we look to the peer reviewed research on experts…That’s scientific journal articles around what one is and what it takes to become one it doesn’t speak to how I hear women define what it means to them to be an expert (as mentioned above). 

Now I know for a fact that if we can’t see it we can’t be it.

 What kind of expert do you want to be?

This is an opportunity for you to define the type of expert you want to be.

 

What does it look and feel like? 

Gaining this clarity puts a stake in the ground that you can work towards. It’s very hard to realise the impact you seek if you are not clear on how you will know when you arrive there.

I firmly believe the tide is turning and self-proclaimed experts who lack substance are on the way out.

Building trust and credibility over time trumps empty promises that we often see on socials.

So, let me start by sharing with you the types of themes that are coming through so far in how women are defining what it means to them to be an expert.

What is an impact driven expert?…

• They’re passionate and it shows.
• They’reengaging because they have avalue-based connection to what they deliver.
• They haveconviction. They believe in themselves and what they are doing.
• Theystand in their power even when it feels uncomfortable.
• They’reconsistent.
• They’reconscious of who they are and what they’re trying to achieve.
• Someone who iswilling to question things.
• They’reflexible. Open to re-evaluating what they are delivering which enables them to evolve and learn.
• They haveevidence of impact. TV, radio, podcasts, a book, speaking on stages.
• Theyplay a long game which translates into lived experience beyond the 5 minute Insta Influencer. 
• They areliving what they teach.
• They’vemade mistakes and are happy to share what they’ve learnt from it.
• They’releading the conversation in a different direction, saying you need to look at things in a different way. 
• They boldlychallenging the status quo.

 

I wonder if this resonates and whether it’s helpful to you in defining what being an expert means to you on your terms?

Because I can tell you I’m yet to find any research that speaks to this definition of an expert. I like to think of it as the fexpert. A feminine style of expert that I feel we can own and lean toward. 

When I started my journey to becoming an expert over 9 years ago, I had no idea what I was doing or how to make it happen. I wasn’t even clear on what it was that I wanted to be an expert in. There was no road map for an ex-corporate exec on how to solidify yourself as an impact expert in an industry you are totally new in. 

There was one thing I knew to be true though and that was that in order to become an expert in the domain of knowledge workers you needed purpose, credibility, a platform and credentials…

So that’s where I started. Experimenting my way to becoming an expert and look at where it has landed me! In a space I love to work, positively impacting the lives of others and doing it by being me in all my imperfections.

My definition of an expert 

When I look at my own definition of what it means to me to be an expert one that I wrote down before I started this research in my journal I defined the kind of expert I wanted to be as…

• Driven by a clear purpose. 
• Authentic and real. I’m respected even if I’m not always agreed with.
• Evidence backed with a blend of intuition and heart.
• Someone one has a solid blend of lived experience and credentials.
• NO BS.
• Someone who consistently applies new knowledge rather than waiting for it to be perfect or right or to be an expert in it. I firmly believe. expertise come from application.
• Someone who was continually adapting in the service of impact on my own and the lives of others.
• Someone who is visible and sought after by soul aligned clients and prospects.
• Someone who is brave enough to consistently ask for what they want and in doing so is rewarded with opportunities. 
• Someone who makes it safe for other women to rise into their power.

How to define the type of expert you are 

So, if you’re still with me and becoming a purpose driven expert is important to you here are 3 steps you can take right now to move yourself closer to the impact you seek. 

1. When I say to you impact expert who do you think of. Write it down and make sure you list doesn’t just include the Brene Brown’s of the world. Who are the impact experts closer to home who perhaps aren’t on a global stage yet but are doing good through their work, credible and have a platform.
2. Now you’ve got that list write down what it is about those experts that you value. What connects with you in terms of their behaviour, their mindset and their expertise? Write it down.
3. Now I want you to answer the question: What kind of expert do I want to be? What would it look and feel like in terms of how I show up, the opportunities, the impact. How will you know when you’ve arrived at expert status! Write it down and then allow it to marinade before the next episode. Feel free to send me a message onInstagram or drop me an email at:Penny@hackinghappy.co I’d love to hear and ad your thoughts into my research.

Final thoughts 

Acknowledge your progress as you journey with me every step you take regardless of the outcome is a step toward the impact you seek. 

If you’re looking for a coach to help you elevate your impact and realise your expert status…download my how to find the right coach for you check list.

If you're in need of further inspiration, listen to this podcast episode“what kind of expert do you want to be?”.