Executive presence on LinkedIn: Lessons from the Editorial Team

LinkedIn is rapidly ascending as the primary stage for executive communication and organizational thought leadership.

At a recent SocialHP-hosted panel at The Battery in San Francisco, more than 80 communications leaders gathered to discuss how the platform is reshaping executive presence and business discourse.

With executive content and strategic visibility at the forefront, this event provided invaluable insights from LinkedIn’s own editorial team into how today’s leaders can leverage the platform for maximum organizational impact.

This blog distills the actionable lessons from the panel, focusing on the importance of authenticity, timely content, and tactical engagement for executives seeking to grow influence and trust on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn’s New Role in Executive Visibility

Over the past few years, LinkedIn has transitioned from a static resume repository into a global forum for real-time executive communication.

The turnout of 80+ communications leaders at SocialHP’s panel is a clear indicator of the increasing emphasis on executive visibility in digital spaces. Attendees heard directly from Devin Banerjee, Senior Managing Editor and Head of News Growth at LinkedIn News, who underscored a pivotal shift in how organizations approach executive communication.

Core takeaway: To build a compelling executive presence on LinkedIn, authenticity and timeliness are more essential than polish and production value.

Executive Presence on LinkedIn Is Accelerating

The data shows a significant surge in executive activity and audience engagement on the platform:

• CEO posts on LinkedIn have risen by 52% in just two years
• Executives' follower growth has increased by 39% over the past year

Even within conventionally conservative industries, leaders are moving away from overly produced content in favor of direct, selfie-style videos and candid reflections.

For instance, financial services executives now frequently use mobile-shot videos to share authentic insights, breaking away from traditional communication norms.

“Authenticity is paramount for the goals you’re trying to achieve with social content.”

– Devin Banerjee, Senior Managing Editor, LinkedIn

These changes highlight a demand for transparent, relatable communication from organizational leaders.

Why Authentic, Direct Communication Is a Strategic Imperative

The trend toward open executive communication isn’t just a stylistic choice. It is fundamentally strategic.

According to a recent FTI Consulting report, 92% of professionals trust leaders more when they have an active social presence.

This trust is rooted in the transparency that executive-led communication brings, providing stakeholders with timely, unfiltered access to the organization’s priorities and leadership thinking.

A visible, consistent executive voice on LinkedIn can:

• Enhance company credibility and thought leadership
• Build alignment among internal and external audiences
• Foster a deeper sense of organizational trust

Consistent, timely leadership communication is now a key lever for competitive differentiation in the digital age.

Two Trends Every Executive Needs to Act On

LinkedIn’s editorial team and evolving algorithm are rewarding two distinct content behaviors from organizational leaders:

1. Timely News Content

Executives are increasingly using LinkedIn to break news and share insights before official press releases go live. Content that is “first, early, or only on LinkedIn” routinely earns greater reach and engagement, as it positions the executive and the company as industry thought leaders.

Actionable Tip:

• Share your company’s updates, commentary, or data insights as close to real-time as possible.
• Make LinkedIn the first destination for authoritative news from your leadership team.

2. Short-Form Vertical Video

Short, vertical videos shot on mobile devices (30–90 seconds) are now the fastest-growing content format on LinkedIn.

These clips don’t require high production values; instead, their strength lies in authenticity and immediacy. Add captions to improve accessibility and engagement.

Example: Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, received over 15,000 likes for his first selfie-style video, demonstrating the outsized impact of approachable, leader-led content.

“The best-performing videos we see are short, raw, vertical, often shot with an iPhone. That kind of authenticity wins.”

– Devin Banerjee, Senior Managing Editor, LinkedIn

Behind the Scenes with LinkedIn’s Editorial Team

LinkedIn’s editorial engine is a force multiplier for executive communication:

• 235-person team curates, surfaces, and shapes dozens of global business stories each day.
• Editorial notifications enable targeted, industry-specific news to reach key professional audiences.
• Comms teams can proactively collaborate with LinkedIn’s editorial resources to increase the reach and relevance of executive-led content.

This means that effective executive communication strategies are not just about being on LinkedIn, but about working with the platform to amplify your message.

Pro Tips from LinkedIn's Editorial Pros

To help executives maximize their communication impact, LinkedIn’s editorial team offers practical, data-driven advice:

Use AI Thoughtfully

• AI tools are useful for creating first drafts and organizing content ideas.
• However, all executive posts should be revised for clarity, tone, and authenticity. The “human touch” is critical for building trust and resonance.

Prompt Audience Engagement

• Always include a clear call to action, such as “What’s your take?” or “Join the conversation below.”
• Engagement drives both the visibility of executive posts and their perceived accessibility.

Consistency, Timeliness, and Alignment

• Maintain a cadence of regular, timely updates aligned with company values and objectives.
• Focus on content that showcases leadership insights, authentic perspectives, and transparent decision-making.

LinkedIn Is No Longer Optional for Executives

LinkedIn has clearly established itself as the essential stage for executive visibility in organizational thought leadership. The opportunity is significant but it requires a strategic approach built on authenticity, speed, and direct engagement.

Key message: You don’t need a production team. You need a voice.

For strategic marketers and communication leaders, the call to action is clear. Rethink how you’re enabling and scaling your organization’s executive presence. Consider solutions like Exec Comms to simplify executive content creation and distribution, helping your leadership team stay authentic and accessible in the spotlight.