Back in 2017, I was 3 years out of my decade long recruitment business and still trying (without success) to get into the HR tech space. I had been trying to break into that world for months, knocking on doors that seemed perpetually closed. Little did I know that a single moment of curiosity would completely transform my career trajectory.

In case you may be wondering my motivation, it came from decade long experience of dealing with (sales) people. Most of them are prima donnas and as an introvert business owner, it got to me real bad. I told myself I prefer to deal with tech than people and hence the journey to lean towards something more

The Spark That Started It All

One ordinary day, I stumbled upon a HR Tech market map by CB Insights. The visual was fascinating—a comprehensive overview of all the major players in the HR technology landscape. As I studied it, a thought struck me: where was the Asian version? Where was the local Singapore perspective?

I searched high and low but came up empty-handed. That's when something clicked. If I couldn't find what I was looking for, why not create it myself?

From 17 Names to 70: The Power of Collaborative Research

Armed with nothing but determination and a basic Google Sheet, I started with the 17 HR tech companies I knew. But here's where the magic happened. Instead of keeping this list to myself, I reached out to each company individually. I told them about my project and asked a simple question: "Who am I missing?"

The response was incredible. Over time, that modest list of 17 companies grew to 70 names! Each conversation led to new discoveries, new connections, and a deeper understanding of the ecosystem I was trying to map.

The Visual Transformation

Now, let me be brutally honest: I got an F in art class, and there was no Canva back then to save me. My Excel spreadsheet looked exactly like what it was: a functional but uninspiring list of names. But I was so energised by this pet project that I made a decision that would change everything.

I hired a professional designer - an award-winning one who didn't come cheap. I paid him $1,500 (a significant sum for me at the time) to transform my data into a stunning infographic. The result was breathtaking. Even years later, with newer versions released, people still fondly remember that first design.

The Viral Hack That Changed Everything

Around the same time, I observed something interesting. A friend who had started a financial consultancy for startups created a lead magnet—a valuable resource that he gated behind a simple engagement mechanic. Only people who commented on his LinkedIn post would receive a DM with access to the resource when it launched.

His post exploded.

My HR tech map was ready for release, and I thought, "Why not try the same approach?" So I did. I created a LinkedIn post announcing my intent to do the map but ONLY if I see demand in the form of interactions to my post.

Again, I need to point out that my map was already done then.

The post went viral. Or perhaps it was just easier to go viral back in those days. But regardless, the impact was immediate and profound.

The Reputation Snowball Effect

That single post transformed my professional reputation overnight. I went from being an unknown HR professional to being recognized as the "HR Tech guru" in Singapore. The credibility I gained was exponential compared to the effort I had invested.

The success was so significant that the following year, Adecco Group X commissioned me to create country-specific versions of the map.

What started as a personal curiosity project had become a recognized industry resource.

It even got me onto the 65+ Global Influencers in HR Tech to Follow in 2021 by AIHR.

The "Authority Catalyst" Strategy

Let me give this viral approach a name: the Authority Catalyst Strategy. It's the practice of creating valuable, comprehensive resources that position you as the definitive expert in your niche, then using strategic content distribution to amplify your reach exponentially.

The beauty of this approach is that it goes far beyond daily LinkedIn posts. While consistent posting has its place, today's "flight to quality" means audiences are increasingly discerning. They want substantial value, not just regular content.

Why This Approach Works: The Psychology of Authority and Recognition

Here's the uncomfortable truth: this strategy works because it feeds into fundamental human psychology around authority, validation, and ego.

Seeking validation is an innate human tendency, as individuals often crave attention and recognition from others to validate their worth and identity. When you create something comprehensive and valuable, you're not just providing information, but you're offering people a way to feel recognised and important by association.

The psychological mechanisms at play are powerful:

The Halo Effect: The Halo effect is a cognitive bias in impression formation whereby the general evaluation of individuals' attributes is based on the evaluation of a single attribute. When you create something that positions you as an expert in one area, people automatically assume you're competent in related areas. My HR tech map didn't just make me the "mapping guy"—it made me the "HR tech expert."

Authority Bias: People are naturally drawn to and influenced by those perceived as authorities. According to Dr. Karen Hall, validation is the "recognition and acceptance" of someone else's experience. When you create a definitive resource, you're essentially validating others' experiences and knowledge while positioning yourself as the authority who can provide that validation.

The Validation Loop: To seek external validation is to seek some sort of confirmation from others that we are fine or belong somewhere. This is a basic human need to feel safe, to feel seen, and to be accepted. When people share or reference your resource, they're not just sharing information—they're seeking validation that they're "in the know" and connected to quality insights.

The genius of the Authority Catalyst Strategy is that it creates a win-win validation loop. You get recognition as an expert, while your audience gets to feel smart and connected by sharing valuable resources. Everyone's ego gets fed, and genuine value gets created in the process.

Does this still work?

This strategy is very much alive today. Consider these examples:

OtterHalf's Award Strategy: They created awards for their clients across different categories, then ran campaigns for people to cast votes. This built momentum over an extended period and positioned them as industry authorities AND allowed them to associate their customers’ brand with theirs.

Visier's Top HR Leaders Campaign: For the past two years, Visier has run their "Top HR Leaders to Watch" campaign, featuring profiles of influential HR professionals and their insights on industry evolution. Each year, this campaign generates significant traffic and positions Visier as a thought leader in the HR space.

How You Can Apply the Authority Catalyst Strategy

Whether you're an executive coach, fractional CHRO, or a LMS vendor, here's how you can implement this approach:

For Executive Coaches:

• Top 25 CEOs Under 40 Worth Watching: Create a curated list of young, innovative CEOs, interview them about their leadership philosophies, and turn it into a shareable resource. People love being featured or knowing they're "in the know" about rising stars.

• The Coaching Hall of Fame: Develop a visual showcase of legendary coaches and their signature methodologies. Include both historical figures and contemporary leaders.

For Fractional CHROs:

• The Top 50 HR Disruptors List: Identify and feature HR professionals who are breaking traditional moulds. Interview them about their unconventional approaches and compile them into an annual report.

• The Remote Work Champions Directory: Create a comprehensive guide featuring companies that are absolutely crushing remote work culture, with specific examples and contact details for their HR leaders.

For LMS Vendors:

• The Learning Innovation Awards: Create your own awards recognising the most creative learning programs across different industries, featuring the L&D leaders behind them.

• The Corporate Learning Rebels: Profile 30 companies doing learning completely differently - from Netflix's no-training approach to companies using VR for onboarding.

The Secret Sauce: Making It Irresistible

The key to making your Authority Catalyst successful lies in three elements:

Comprehensive Value: Your resource should be so thorough and valuable that people feel compelled to save it and share it with others.

Visual Appeal: Invest in professional design. In our visually-driven world, presentation matters as much as content.

Strategic Distribution: Don't just post and hope. Create engagement mechanics that encourage sharing and discussion.

The Long Game

Remember, this isn't about quick wins or overnight success. The Authority Catalyst Strategy is about building genuine expertise and sharing it in a way that creates a lasting impact. My 2017 HR tech map wasn't just a marketing gimmick; it was a genuine contribution to the industry that people found valuable.

The reputation I built from that single project continues to open doors today. It's a reminder that sometimes the best career moves aren't about networking or self-promotion; they're about creating something genuinely useful and finding creative ways to get it into the right hands.

In today's noisy digital landscape, being an authority isn't just about what you know—it's about how effectively you can package and share that knowledge to serve others while building your reputation.

Are you ready to create your own authority catalyst?

🎧 Podcast

Tune in as Jason shares his captivating journey from studying in the United States to navigating the corporate world in China.

Hear about the jaw-dropping tale of firing a Deputy GM while dealing with the local mafia, and the rigorous challenges of running a startup.

This episode is jam-packed with insightful advice for companies looking to explore the Chinese market, especially regarding the importance of company seals, trademarks, and choosing the right partners.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business professional, you won't want to miss this one! 🔥

This episode is brought to you by Deel, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠deel.com/adriantan⁠.

Adrian Tan
Say hi 👋 on LinkedIn

WHENEVER YOU'RE READY, HERE ARE 4 WAYS I CAN HELP YOU:

Want to ruin my day? No problem! Unsubscribe below.

Do you want to share your journey or have feedback? Just hit reply - I'd love to hear from you!