Imperfection is the new influence

For decades, Francis Kong hosted a radio segment, enjoying every moment of it. Complaints about his voice, however, were constant. Some listeners found his delivery irritating and believed his presentation needed improvement. Despite his efforts, he never fully addressed the issue. Now, Kong shares many short video clips online, and the internet's transparency keeps him grounded.

One day, a TikTok comment under one of his clips read, "Why is Francis Kong swallowing his words? It's so hard to understand. Just close your eyes, don't look at the captions." The commenter ended with, "Just positive feedback." Kong replied, "Thank you. Will try to improve on it."

Interestingly, when he received such comments on the radio, they would have troubled him. However, today, he found himself smiling at the notion. Something has changed in the world, and now Kong's imperfect delivery seems to fit right in. Millennials once disliked the "airbrush," while today's youth have turned against the "filter."

But now, people desire imperfection. They appreciate raw images and unpolished captions, seeing mistakes as a reflection of authenticity. According to a 2024 Gen Z report by Rival Technologies and Reach3 Insights, nearly half of young respondents (47.5%) were "not very likely" or "not likely at all" to purchase what an influencer recommended.

Only 12% trusted influencers, while 42% trusted independent sources. What they sought instead were "normal people with normal incomes and lives," not celebrities with perfect appearances and sponsored teeth. This reality has led companies to shift away from mega-influencers toward micro-influencers, everyday people with smaller but loyal followings.

Micro-influencers on Instagram average a 3.86% engagement rate, while mega-influencers reach only 1.21%.

This shift may also explain why Kong recently received invitations to promote products and become a "brand ambassador." Despite having a large following across several platforms, Kong has not monetized his influence and has never considered himself an "influencer." He uses these platforms to share thoughts and ideas that may help people improve various aspects of their lives, such as relationships, careers, and businesses.

With his imperfections out in the open, it appears a new career may be starting for him. Kong believes in the enduring virtues of credibility, track record, integrity, and character, emphasizing that no filter can fake them or any algorithm create them. Trust is built on a proven track record, and young people are not rejecting influence but rejecting counterfeit, searching for real people.

For entrepreneurs, leaders, young professionals, and anyone striving for success, Kong advises against trying to appear bigger than they are. Being small may be a strength, not a weakness, and can be a source of credibility. Leaders must remain vigilant, as their teams can easily spot fake promises. Young professionals should protect their reputations, as it is the only asset that grows in value even while they sleep.

The tools, pace, and platforms have changed, but trust remains the most important thing—trust that can only be earned. Kong concludes by inviting readers to join him for his upcoming seminar, "Level Up Leadership: Agile. Able. Adaptive," on September 24, 2026, where he will share practical insights for leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals seeking greater clarity, confidence, courage, and competence in a disrupted world.