Leading in a digital era demands more than technical savvy; it requires empathy, adaptability and a clear vision. In this video, Dr Karen Sutherland shares insights on becoming a digital leader who inspires teams and builds community. Below you’ll find a summary and commentary to help you develop your leadership skills online.

## What is a Digital Leader?
A digital leader understands how technology shapes communication and culture. They leverage social platforms to engage, educate and empower their audience, while maintaining authenticity and human connection.

## Lessons from the Video
– **Model transparency:** Share successes and failures openly. People connect with leaders who are honest about their journey.
– **Build communities:** Use platforms to bring people together around shared interests or goals. Encourage participation and give credit to contributors.
– **Keep learning:** The digital landscape evolves quickly. Stay curious and experiment with new tools and trends to remain relevant.
– **Empower others:** Amplify voices within your team or network. Recognize achievements publicly and offer support when challenges arise.

## Next Steps
To refresh your understanding of social media essentials, revisit [Social Media Basics](/social-media-basics/). If you’re still fine‑tuning your brand, see [Protecting Your Digital Brand](/protecting-your-digital-brand/) for tips on maintaining your reputation. For aligning leadership with business goals, read [Use Social Media Strategically](/use-social-media-strategically/). And for a forward‑looking perspective on AI tools, check out [The Issue with Google Gemini’s AI Image Generator](/issue-with-google-geminis-ai-image-generator/).

Digital leadership doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a practice. Stay engaged, be genuine and nurture relationships built on trust rather than automation.