I Don’t Want to Be an Influencer — I Want to Be an Authority

You Don’t Have to Go Viral to Be Valuable

There’s something about the word “influencer” that doesn’t sit right with me.

Maybe it’s the algorithm. The performance. The constant need to keep showing up with polished takes and perfect timing. Maybe it’s how much of it feels like noise instead of signal.

Maybe it’s because every time someone calls themselves an influencer, I cringe and wonder just how deep the “fakeness” goes, and how much they really are lying for views and reads.

Or maybe it’s because influence has never been my goal.

You know what I really want?

Authority.

Not in the “I know better than you” kind of way. But in the “I’ve been there. I’ve built things. I’ve struggled. I have something useful to share.”

I’m Not Here for the Clout

I don’t show up on LinkedIn or Medium or anywhere else to rack up likes or go viral.

If a post gets shared, great.

If it helps one person think differently, even better.

But I’m not building a content engine to get famous.

I’m building a life, and I’m doing it out loud.

What I share isn’t manufactured. It’s not a reality crafted by AI (although AI is a big part of my process). It’s not part of some long game to get brand deals or book speaking gigs.

I’m here because writing helps me think, helps me process, helps me connect. It’s how I teach. It’s how I build trust. It’s how I earn attention, not demand it.

Influence Chases the Spotlight, Authority Builds the Foundation

Influencers want to be seen. Authorities want to be understood.

Influencers chase attention. Authorities build something people return to.

Influencers perform. Authorities serve.

That’s not to knock influence, it can be powerful when paired with purpose. But I’ve seen enough surface-level thought leadership to know that isn’t my lane.

I don’t want followers who just like my voice. I want readers who trust what I say — because I’ve done the work and lived the mess.

What I’m Actually Trying to Do

• I want to build a brand that reflects who I am, not just who I’m trying to impress.
• I want to write essays that feel like conversations, not lectures.
• I want to help people step into their second act — with clarity, courage, and creativity.
• I want to connect with builders, dreamers, and late bloomers who are still figuring it out.

Because I’m still figuring it out too.

And I think that’s what real authority looks like. Not pretending to have all the answers, but showing up with honesty and consistency, even when things are messy.

The Difference Between Loud and Lasting

There’s a reason most viral content disappears. It’s built to grab, not to hold.

Authority is different. Authority is what happens when someone hears your name and knows exactly what you stand for. What you’ve built. What you’ve earned.

I don’t want to trend for a week. I want my work to matter for years.

That means showing up even when no one’s watching. That means sharing what’s real, not just what’s polished. That means being useful over being popular.

Love him or hate him, Gary Vaynerchuk has authority. When he talks, people listen — because everything he says makes sense. You may hate all the f-bombs, but he speaks from experience and a deep knowledge of marketing and life.

Writing Is My Way In

Some people build authority by leading teams. Some do it by speaking on stages. Some build products.

I do it by writing.

Writing is how I figure things out. It’s how I create value. It’s how I leave a trail of what I’ve learned so far.

And if someone else can use that to build something of their own — to step into the next version of their life — then I’ve done what I came here to do.

Authority Feels Like Home

Influence feels like a chase. Authority feels like a home base.

It’s rooted. It’s earned. It’s not about being everywhere all the time. It’s about showing up in the same place with the same purpose long enough that people start to trust you.

And I’m okay with that taking time. Because I’m not in a rush.

I’ve already had a lifetime of false starts. I’ve already spent years stuck in survival mode. Now, in this second act, I want to build slow. I want to build right.

So No, I’m Not an Influencer

I’m not here for brand deals.
I’m not trying to go viral.
I’m not here to impress the algorithm.

I’m here to:

• Build trust with real people
• Share stories that matter
• Show others what’s possible after 40, 50, or 60 years old
• Create work that outlives me

If that resonates with you — great. Stick around.

If it doesn’t, that’s okay too. I’m not for everyone.

But I’ll be here either way. Writing. Building. Earning my voice.

Because authority isn’t given. It’s built.

One honest post at a time.