In the ideal world, credentials would be awarded to all experts, and withdrawn from all charlatans.
But they don’t always line up as neatly as that.
An expert is someone who can keep a promise. Point to the results that demonstrate your skill and understanding and commitment and we’ll treat you as an expert.
Credentials, on the other hand, are awarded to folks who are good at being awarded credentials. The place you went to school or the number of followers you have online are credentials. If they help you create value, that’s great. But they’re not the same as expertise.
