Starring the CEO Maximising Leadership Videos
Seeing the human face behind a brand builds trust. That's why putting your CEO on video to engage audiences and staff makes sense in theory. However, unfocused CEO videos can feel disconnected from real company operations. This article will explore how to strategically optimise leadership video content to maximise authentic impact.
The Pitfalls of CEO Videos
Videos centred on the CEO risk pitfalls like over-the-top self-promotion, lack of charismatic on-camera presence, seeming disconnected from real-world experiences, relying on generic corporate talk, or coming across as inauthentically straining for virality. Executives overly focused on touting achievements may appear egotistical. Leaders not trained in public speaking may translate poorly on video with stilted delivery that undermines gravitas. Polished speeches from the boardroom can ring hollow and aloof from staff and customer realities. Scripted viral attempts often backfire as well, with CEOs miscast in branded content if not reflecting unique brand values with genuineness. Avoiding these traps by showcasing authentic leader personalities, grounded insights and specific organisational context is key.
With the right fit and framing, leadership videos can drive strategic impact while avoiding executive ego traps. Let's look at opportunities across different video formats.
Strategic CEO Video Content Types
- Company Announcements and Addresses
CEOs announcing major initiatives or delivering important messages show decisive direction-setting. However, stale single-camera speeches often fall flat. Bring energy through town hall formats with employee Q&As or even embedded reportage visiting impacted sites and teams - Behind-the-Scenes Leadership Insight Pulling the curtain back on the human side of the CEO role removes the mystery. Following their daily routines, calendar challenges and even work/life integration resonates. But keep it substantial, not PR fluff.
- Fireside Chats and Expert Interviews Intimate one-on-one formats position the CEO as relatable. Focus on the big picture industry or social issues, not self-celebration. Pair CEOs with internal or external subject experts to add substance and new perspectives.
- Employee and Customer Listening
Unscripted moments of the CEO attentively hearing people's voices across the business make them more approachable. But keep the exchanges authentic, not stacked with cherry-picked pet topics. - Leadership Development and Mentorship Content focused on nurturing emerging leaders, women CEOs or young talent casts the CEO as an enabler versus a hero. Share wisdom humbly. Explore their personal influences for inspiration.
- Brand Narrative Films Epic brand stories tracing the company's origins and evolution tend to feature CEOs naturally as stewards. But balance their role against other contributors to avoid over-focus.
- Company Values Content Videos bringing philanthropic initiatives or cultural values to life let the CEO role model behaviours authentically. Community service protects against self-importance.
- Investor Relations Content Shareholder and financial audiences expect CEO presence but aim for transparency, not spin. Conveying strategic clarity and rationales matters most.
- Social Media CEO Presence Curated use of social can make CEOs more relatable, but avoid heavy-handed attempts at virality. Share genuine unpolished moments highlighting humanity over executive ego.
True leadership shines by amplifying others, not self. Strategically produce CEO videos focused on transparency, purpose and compassion. Guide executives on authentic presence and vulnerable storytelling without pretence.
This thoughtful approach to executive video content will build stakeholder trust, employee engagement and brand reputation for the long term. Let sincerity steer the ship, and the impact will follow.
