The Magnetic Method: Why Some CEO's Attract More Attention Than Others

What Makes CEOs Magnetic on LinkedIn? 5 Traits of Executives Everyone Wants to Follow

Let’s be honest: most executive profiles on LinkedIn are...forgettable.

A headshot with arms crossed. A bio that reads like a resume. The occasional repost of a Forbes article with a generic “Great read!” comment.

But then there are the ones who stop you mid-scroll.

You know the kind—those CEOs who don’t just have followers, they have fans. The ones whose posts spark real conversation, who make you think, or who just feel like people you’d actually want to work with (or buy from).

So what makes them magnetic? Is it their title? Their credentials? Their corporate success?

Nope. It’s how they show up.

And the good news? You don’t have to be a Fortune 500 leader to do it. Whether you're running a team of 2 or 200, these 5 traits will make any executive more followable on LinkedIn:

1. They’re radically real

The most magnetic CEOs don’t hide behind polished corporate lingo. They show up as humans first, leaders second.

They talk about mistakes they’ve made, hard decisions they’ve wrestled with, and what they’ve learned along the way. They’ll share behind-the-scenes moments from their day—not just business wins, but life wins. Maybe it’s a photo from their kid’s soccer game or a reflection on burnout and balance.

This kind of authenticity is what creates connection.

People don’t trust perfect. They trust real.

🔑 Try this: Post a story about a recent challenge, decision, or unexpected moment—and how it shaped your perspective as a leader.

2. They know how to make ideas simple and sticky

You know those leaders who take a complicated idea and explain it in two sentences? That’s magnetic.

They don’t speak in jargon or try to sound smart. Instead, they use plain language, personal stories, and relatable examples. They know that if it doesn’t land, it doesn’t matter.

These are the CEOs who can break down a business principle using a Starbucks order, or explain market shifts with a parenting analogy. They bring clarity—not confusion—to the conversation.

🔑 Try this: Next time you post, ditch the buzzwords. Speak how you talk. If your 12-year-old couldn’t understand your post, simplify it.

3. They make it about the audience—not themselves

Yes, magnetic executives share their stories—but they always tie it back to you. Their posts aren’t just “Look what I did.” They’re more like, “Here’s what I learned, and here’s how it might help you.”

They know that every post should offer value, insight, or emotion. Something that makes the reader feel seen, inspired, or understood.

People don’t follow CEOs because of titles. They follow them because of how they make them feel.

🔑 Try this: Before you hit “Post,” ask: What does someone else get out of this? Add that line at the end.

4. They create original content consistently

This is a big one.

Magnetic CEOs don’t just lurk on LinkedIn. They contribute. Regularly.

They post short videos, thoughtful carousels, and bite-sized reflections. They're not always promoting something. In fact, they rarely are. Instead, they're building thought leadership, trust, and visibility—brick by brick.

They understand that content isn’t just marketing—it’s reputation building at scale.

🔑 Try this: Commit to showing up 2-3 times a week. Don’t aim for perfection—aim for consistency. And if video intimidates you? That’s where we come in 😉

5. They show both vision and vulnerability

This is the secret sauce.

Anyone can talk about goals, growth, and success. But magnetic leaders balance that with heart. They talk about what scares them, what drives them, and why they care so deeply about what they do.

They blend future-thinking vision with present-moment truth.

And that mix? It’s irresistible.

Because people want to follow leaders who are going somewhere—but who haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be in the trenches.

🔑 Try this: Share your “why.” Why do you do what you do? Why does your company exist? What lights you up when no one’s watching?

Final Thought

At Executive Lens, we believe the most powerful brand you’ll ever build is your personal one.

Your leadership, your ideas, your voice—they deserve to be seen. Not just by your employees or your boardroom, but by the world.

Because when you show up with clarity, consistency, and a little courage, people don’t just follow you.

They believe in you.

Want help showing up like that on LinkedIn? From 60-second videos to content strategy and coaching, we’ve got you covered.

📩 Reach out to learn more or visit ExecutiveLens.co