NASHVILLE, TN — July 1, 2026 —

Captain of Influence (formerly Content Launch), a pioneer in content marketing and book production services for thought leaders, founders, and executives, today announced a comprehensive rebrand and a bold strategic pivot that repositions the company for the next chapter of its growth. The company’s doing-business-as name changes from Content Launch to Captain of Influence, effective immediately. Content Launch Solutions Inc. remains the parent legal entity.

The rebrand coincides with a fundamental transformation of the company’s flagship platform. The legacy content marketing system — which served thousands of clients across more than a decade — is being completely re-engineered for the artificial intelligence era and will relaunch as the first end-to-end, AI-enabled book production and promotion platform built specifically for thought leaders, executives, and subject matter experts. The platform is expected to enter beta in fall 2026.

“We built Content Launch from the ground up to help businesses tell their stories, establish their authority, and communicate with the audiences that matter most to them,”

 said Jon Wuebben, Founder and CEO of Captain of Influence. “Over the last 22 years, our content marketing platform and services served thousands of clients, and we are enormously proud of the role we played in helping companies across virtually every industry communicate their value, grow their audiences, and build real authority in their markets. That work was meaningful, and I’m grateful to every client who trusted us with their brand and their voice.

“But the world has changed profoundly, and we’ve changed with it. Artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed what’s possible in content creation, publishing, and distribution. The opportunity in front of us today is bigger than anything Content Launch was designed to pursue. Captain of Influence is built for this moment. We are going to become the book production and promotion platform of record for thought leaders worldwide — the infrastructure that ambitious leaders, founders, and experts rely on to turn their ideas into published books, and those books into careers, credibility, and impact. That’s the mission. And we’re just getting started.”

The new Captain of Influence platform will integrate AI tools natively throughout the book production workflow — from initial concept development and structured interviews to manuscript drafting, editorial refinement, interior design, cover creation, and full Amazon setup for both paperback and Kindle editions. The promotion infrastructure will also be AI-augmented, enabling thought leaders to launch books, pursue bestseller campaigns, pitch speaker bureaus, and generate media coverage with a level of efficiency and scale that was previously unavailable outside of major traditional publishing houses.

The company’s core ghostwriting and book production services will continue uninterrupted throughout the transition, with the platform layer enhancing rather than replacing the human expertise that has defined the firm’s reputation. Captain of Influence currently works with a select number of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives at any given time, producing books that become foundational to their personal brand, speaking business, and professional legacy.

Key Features of the Captain of Influence Platform (Beta, Fall 2026):

• AI-assisted interview-to-manuscript workflow that captures the author’s authentic voice and accelerates production
• Integrated editorial, interior design, and print-ready file production
• Amazon listing setup for paperback and Kindle editions, including ISBN, Library of Congress, and UPC registration
• AI-powered promotion infrastructure: bestseller campaigns, media pitching, speaker bureau outreach, and podcast placement
• A centralized dashboard giving authors full visibility into every phase of their book’s production and promotion lifecycle
• Built for thought leaders, executives, founders, and subject matter experts who want a professional publishing experience without the cost, and long production timeframes of a traditional publisher and who also want to keep 100% of their royalties and intellectual property

Captain of Influence is currently accepting early access inquiries from thought leaders and executives interested in joining the platform beta. Priority access will be extended to applicants who apply before September 1, 2026.

“A book is still the single most powerful credibility asset a thought leader can own,”

 Wuebben added. “Nothing else compresses your ideas, your expertise, and your story into a permanent, portable, shareable artifact the way a book does. We’ve spent 22 years helping people create that artifact. Now we’re building the platform that makes the entire process faster, smarter, and more accessible than it has ever been. The name change reflects who we’ve become. Captain of Influence is a declaration of intent.”

About Captain of Influence

Captain of Influence (formerly Content Launch) is a full-service book production and promotion firm serving thought leaders, executives, founders, and subject matter experts. Founded in 2004 by Jon Wuebben, the company has worked with clients across more than 70 industries in 7 countries, producing books and content marketing programs that have helped hundreds of business leaders establish authority, launch speaking careers, and build lasting professional legacies. The company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and serves clients nationwide and internationally. The Captain of Influence AI-enabled book production and promotion platform is expected to enter beta in fall 2026. Content Launch Solutions Inc. remains the company’s legal corporate entity.

Media Contact:
Jon Wuebben
Founder & CEO, Captain of Influence
(760) 859-5100
jon@captainofinfluence.com
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Crafting an effective marketing strategy is crucial for thought leaders looking to amplify their influence, build their personal brand, and engage with their target audience. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the best marketing strategy for a thought leader encompasses a combination of elements tailored to their unique expertise, audience, and goals.

Here’s a detailed exploration of the components of an optimal marketing strategy for a thought leader:

1. **Define Your Personal Brand:** Before diving into marketing tactics, it’s essential for a thought leader to define their personal brand. This involves clarifying their expertise, values, and unique perspectives. By articulating what sets them apart from others in their field, thought leaders can create a compelling narrative that resonates with their audience.
2. **Identify Your Target Audience:** Understanding your target audience is fundamental to developing an effective marketing strategy. Thought leaders should conduct research to identify the demographics, interests, and pain points of their audience. By gaining insights into their audience’s needs and preferences, thought leaders can tailor their messaging and content to resonate with them effectively.
3. **Create Compelling Content:** Content lies at the heart of any successful marketing strategy for a thought leader. Whether it’s blog posts, articles, videos, podcasts, or social media posts, thought leaders should produce high-quality content that showcases their expertise and provides value to their audience. Consistency, authenticity, and relevance are key to capturing and maintaining audience attention.
4. **Establish an Online Presence:** Thought leaders should leverage digital platforms to amplify their reach and engage with their audience. This includes creating a professional website, optimizing social media profiles, and participating in online communities relevant to their niche. Thought leaders should aim to be visible and active across various online channels where their target audience spends time.
5. **Develop Thought Leadership Partnerships:** Collaborating with other thought leaders, influencers, and industry experts can significantly enhance a thought leader’s visibility and credibility. Thought leaders should seek out opportunities for partnerships, guest appearances, and co-creation of content to expand their reach and tap into new audiences.
6. **Engage in Thought Leadership Activities:** Thought leaders should actively engage in thought leadership activities such as speaking engagements, webinars, panel discussions, and industry events. These opportunities not only allow thought leaders to showcase their expertise in front of a live audience but also provide networking opportunities and media exposure.
7. **Optimize for Search Engines:** Thought leaders should ensure that their content is easily discoverable by optimizing it for search engines. This involves conducting keyword research, optimizing meta tags and descriptions, and regularly publishing fresh, relevant content. By improving their search engine visibility, thought leaders can attract organic traffic and increase their online visibility.
8. **Build and Nurture Relationships:** Building meaningful relationships with their audience is essential for thought leaders. Thought leaders should engage with their audience by responding to comments, answering questions, and soliciting feedback. By fostering a sense of community and connection, thought leaders can cultivate a loyal following of supporters and advocates.
9. **Measure and Analyze Results:** A successful marketing strategy is data-driven and iterative. Thought leaders should regularly monitor and analyze key metrics such as website traffic, engagement rates, and conversion rates to gauge the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. By identifying areas for improvement and optimizing their strategy accordingly, thought leaders can continuously refine their approach and achieve their goals more effectively.
10. **Stay Authentic and Transparent:** Finally, authenticity and transparency are paramount for thought leaders. Audiences are drawn to thought leaders who are genuine, honest, and relatable. Thought leaders should strive to be authentic in their communication, share personal stories and experiences, and demonstrate integrity in all their interactions.

In conclusion, the best marketing strategy for a thought leader is one that combines a deep understanding of their audience, compelling content creation, strategic partnerships, active engagement, and continuous optimization.

By aligning their marketing efforts with their expertise, values, and goals, thought leaders can effectively position themselves as trusted authorities in their field and make a meaningful impact on their audience and industry.

Do you have a unique way of marketing yourself as a thought leader? What strategies and/or tactics have worked the best?

The post How Do Thought Leaders “Do” Their Marketing? appeared first on Captain of Influence.

Producing great content is indispensable for thought leaders seeking to establish credibility, influence, and authority in their respective fields. In an era defined by digital connectivity and information abundance, content serves as the primary vehicle through which thought leaders can share their expertise, insights, and perspectives with their audience.

Here are several reasons why producing great content is essential for a thought leader:

1. **Demonstrates Expertise and Knowledge:** Great content allows thought leaders to showcase their depth of knowledge, expertise, and experience in their field. By consistently delivering valuable insights, analysis, and advice, thought leaders establish themselves as credible authorities whose opinions and recommendations hold weight within their industry.
2. **Builds Trust and Credibility:** High-quality content plays a pivotal role in building trust and credibility with the audience. When thought leaders consistently deliver valuable and insightful content, they demonstrate their commitment to providing genuine value and helping their audience navigate complex issues or challenges. Over time, this fosters trust and confidence in the thought leader’s expertise and integrity.
3. **Attracts and Engages the Audience:** Great content has the power to capture the attention of the audience and engage them on a deeper level. Whether it’s through informative articles, thought-provoking videos, or interactive webinars, compelling content resonates with the audience’s interests, challenges, and aspirations, encouraging them to actively consume and interact with the content.
4. **Drives Thought Leadership and Innovation:** Thought leaders who produce great content have the opportunity to drive innovation, spark conversations, and shape industry discourse. By presenting fresh perspectives, groundbreaking research, or forward-thinking ideas, thought leaders can inspire new ways of thinking, challenge existing paradigms, and propel their field forward.
5. **Increases Visibility and Reach:** Producing great content is key to increasing visibility and expanding the thought leader’s reach within their target audience. Through strategic content distribution across various channels such as social media, blogs, industry publications, and speaking engagements, thought leaders can amplify their message, attract new followers, and extend their influence to a wider audience.
6. **Establishes Thought Leadership Positioning:** Thought leaders who consistently produce high-quality content establish themselves as go-to authorities and influencers within their niche or industry. By consistently delivering valuable insights and thought-provoking content, thought leaders differentiate themselves from competitors and position themselves as leaders who are at the forefront of innovation and change.
7. **Fosters Community and Engagement:** Great content has the power to foster community, facilitate meaningful discussions, and cultivate a loyal following of engaged supporters. Through interactive content formats, thought leaders can encourage audience participation, solicit feedback, and build a sense of belonging and camaraderie among their followers.
8. **Generates Opportunities for Collaboration and Partnership:** Producing great content opens doors to collaboration, partnership, and networking opportunities within the industry. As thought leaders gain recognition for their expertise and influence, they may attract opportunities to collaborate with other industry experts, participate in joint ventures, or engage in speaking engagements and panel discussions.
9. **Drives Business Growth and Revenue:** For thought leaders who operate businesses or offer services, great content can serve as a powerful marketing tool that drives business growth and generates revenue. By demonstrating thought leadership through content, thought leaders can attract new clients, secure speaking engagements, and enhance their reputation, ultimately leading to increased business opportunities and revenue streams.
10. **Leaves a Lasting Impact:** Ultimately, producing great content allows thought leaders to leave a lasting impact on their audience, industry, and society at large. Through their thought-provoking ideas, insights, and contributions, thought leaders can inspire change, drive innovation, and shape the future trajectory of their field, leaving behind a legacy that transcends their individual accomplishments.

In conclusion, producing great content is essential for thought leaders seeking to establish themselves as credible authorities, engage their audience, drive thought leadership, and make a meaningful impact in their industry. By consistently delivering valuable, insightful, and compelling content, thought leaders can build trust, expand their influence, and leave a lasting legacy that resonates with their audience for years to come.

How is your content helping you make an impact in your industry?

The post Why Producing Great Content is So Important for Any Thought Leader appeared first on Captain of Influence.

Establishing yourself as a thought leader requires more than just expertise in a particular field; it involves consistently producing valuable content that resonates with and engages your target audience.

Thought leadership content showcases your knowledge, insights, and unique perspectives, positioning you as an authority in your industry. To effectively establish thought leadership, it’s crucial to understand the types of content that resonate with your audience and contribute to building credibility and influence.

Here are several types of content that a thought leader should consider producing:

1. **Books:** THIS IS A “MUST HAVE”! Writing a book is a significant undertaking but can be a powerful way for thought leaders to establish credibility and influence in their field. Whether it’s a traditional print book or an e-book, publishing a book allows thought leaders to dive deep into their expertise, share their insights with a broader audience, and leave a lasting impact on their industry. Captain of Influence can help with your book!
2. **In-depth Articles and Blog Posts:** Thought leaders often share their expertise through long-form articles and blog posts. These pieces delve into specific topics, providing comprehensive analysis, insights, and actionable advice. By addressing relevant industry trends, challenges, and innovations, thought leaders demonstrate their depth of knowledge and offer valuable guidance to their audience.
3. **Whitepapers and Research Reports:** Thought leaders can showcase their expertise by publishing whitepapers and research reports that present original findings, data analysis, and thought-provoking insights. These documents contribute to thought leadership by offering a deeper understanding of complex issues, presenting solutions, and influencing industry discourse.
4. **Case Studies and Success Stories:** Sharing real-world examples of successful projects, campaigns, or initiatives can be highly impactful for thought leaders. Case studies highlight practical applications of expertise, demonstrating tangible results and showcasing the thought leader’s ability to drive positive outcomes. Success stories provide credibility and inspire confidence in the thought leader’s capabilities.
5. **Podcasts and Webinars:** Hosting podcasts or webinars allows thought leaders to engage with their audience in a more interactive format. These mediums provide opportunities for thought leaders to share insights, interview industry experts, and participate in discussions on relevant topics. Podcasts and webinars enable thought leaders to reach a broader audience and establish themselves as authorities in their field.
6. **Social Media Content:** Thought leaders can leverage social media platforms to share bite-sized content, including industry insights, quick tips, and thought-provoking questions. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram provide channels for thought leaders to engage directly with their audience, share updates, and participate in industry conversations.
7. **Thought Leadership Videos:** Creating video content allows thought leaders to convey their message in a dynamic and engaging format. Thought leadership videos can include interviews, presentations, panel discussions, or short educational videos. Video content enables thought leaders to showcase their personality, expertise, and passion for their subject matter.
8. **Op-Eds and Contributed Articles:** Thought leaders can amplify their voices and reach a wider audience by contributing op-eds and articles to industry publications, newspapers, and online platforms. These pieces provide thought leaders with a platform to share their opinions, insights, and commentary on relevant issues, further establishing their authority and influence.
9. **Interactive Content and Workshops:** Thought leaders can create interactive content such as quizzes, assessments, or workshops to engage their audience and provide value in a hands-on way. Interactive content encourages participation, fosters learning, and strengthens the thought leader’s connection with their audience.
10. **Thought Leadership Events and Speaking Engagements:** Thought leaders can solidify their position by speaking at industry conferences, seminars, and workshops. By sharing their expertise with live audiences, thought leaders can establish rapport, build credibility, and expand their network within their industry.

In conclusion, thought leaders should produce a diverse range of content that showcases their expertise, insights, and unique perspectives. By leveraging various mediums and formats, thought leaders can effectively engage with their audience, establish credibility, and position themselves as authorities in their field. Consistently producing high-quality content is key to building and sustaining thought leadership in today’s competitive landscape.

What types of content are you producing? And how is it helping?

The post What Types of Content Should a Thought Leader Produce? appeared first on Captain of Influence.