Thought leadership needs to be seen and demonstrated not just at the individual layer but at the organizational layer. One component of that is conducting fundamental research to better the industry. Another component is having the employees share this content in a helpful, not salesy way while building trust in their ecosystem. The individuals in your team need to work together and be in-sync and their goals. Nirvana is to be recognized by your clients and the industry as a thought partner - someone who clients include in their initial thinking process.
BEing Seen and BEing Heard as a Thought Leader is what individuals and businesses need to do to survive the transition from the industrial age to the social age... and not just survive, but succeed with a vengeance.