For those who think LinkedIn is just a place to post your resume and send connection requests, think again. Pulse, the platform’s publishing hub, has turned into a place where influential thought leaders share their thoughts on various industries, the latest news, best hiring practices, and so much much more.
Yes, that means these heavy hitters, or Influencers, as they’re known on the platform, are doling out free advice to you—all you have to do is follow them. As an avid reader of Pulse, and an employee at LinkedIn, I’ve identified the top 10 Influencers to follow, based on what you’re hoping to learn.
1. If You’re Interested in Introverts, Follow Susan Cain
Susan Cain is the author of the New York Times’ bestselling book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. She argues that introverts aren’t as clearly understood or highly valued as they should be. She started her career in corporate law and consulting, and later decided to become a writer. Cain focuses her articles on introversion and how anyone can unlock the value that introverts bring to the workplace.
Favorite Article: How to Overcome the Fear of “Putting Yourself Out There”
2. If You’re Interested in Work Psychology, Follow Adam Grant
Adam Grant is not only a bestselling author and writer for the New York Times, he’s also been Wharton’s top-rated professor for five straight years. Oh, and he’s only 34 years old. Grant regularly publishes on LinkedIn, covering a broad range of topics including creativity, generosity, career advice, gender bias, and leadership. His writing is always well-researched, while remaining engaging and fun.
Favorite Article: How to Pitch an Idea Like Mark Cuban and Reid Hoffman
3. If You’re Interested in Career Disruption, Follow Whitney Johnson
Whitney Johnson was an equity research analyst on Wall Street before co-founding an investment firm with Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen. Her most recent book, Disrupt Yourself: : Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work, takes the theory of disruptive innovation and applies it to the individual. Her LinkedIn articles help readers learn how to pivot their careers and accelerate growth. Johnson is recognized for helping companies innovate through applying personal disruption.
4. If You’re Interested in Leadership, Follow Joel Peterson
Joel Peterson’s a Stanford Business School professor, a private equity investor, and the Chairman of JetBlue Airways. He made noise earlier this year when he sparred with Jeffrey Pfeffer, one of his fellow Stanford professors, about their competing leadership philosophies. Peterson decries Pfeffer’s Machiavellian style of leadership and condones a moral, virtuous approach. In addition to leadership, Peterson’s articles focus on trust, organizational behavior, and career development.
Favorite Article: No, It Doesn’t Really “Pay to Be a Jerk”
5. If You’re Interested in Women and Leadership, Follow Sallie Krawcheck
Sallie Krawcheck served as CEO of several large financial institutions before leading the wealth management group of both Citi and Merrill Lynch. Over the last few years, Krawcheck’s efforts have focused on helping women in the workplace. She’s the Chairman of Ellevate, a women’s professional network, and recently founded a company, Ellevest, with the goal of redefining how women invest. Krawcheck has over one million followers on LinkedIn, and her advice is always worth reading.
Favorite Article: How I Take Career Risks
6. If You’re Interested in Entrepreneurship, Follow James Altucher
James Altucher is about as unconventional as LinkedIn Influencer’s come. He’s a successful entrepreneur, chess master, venture capitalist, and author of many books including, Choose Yourself. Altucher looks for the most painful and embarrassing situations in his life, then writes about them. His Pulse articles are personal and sometimes uncomfortable, but they invite readers to view the world differently.
Favorite Article: How To Quit Your Job the Right Way
7. If You're Interested in Data, Follow Bernard Marr
Bernard Marr is the CEO of Advanced Performance Institute and a respected voice when it comes to data in business. His articles range from big data, analytics, and enterprise performance to career and leadership advice. Many have argued that the big data movement is overhyped, but Marr is out to prove these naysayers wrong.
Favorite Article: Things Science Says Will Make You More Likeable
8. If You’re Interested in Education, Follow Katya Andresen
Over the last 25 years, Katya Andresen has led corporate strategy and growth at several companies. She is now the CEO of Cricket Media, a company that provides educational media for children, families, and teachers. She offers advice on a variety of fronts including marketing, entrepreneurship, and self-development.
Favorite Article: The Best Mentors for Your Career Growth–and How to Find Them
9. If You’re Interested in HR, Follow Laszlo Bock
As the Head of People Operations at Google, and a former HR executive at GE, Laszlo Bock knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in today’s workplace. Last year, Bock published the book Work Rules! Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead about what makes Google successful and outlines what companies (and employees) can do to thrive. He writes about interview best practices, resume mistakes to avoid, and tips for earning your next promotion.
Favorite Article: The Biggest Mistakes I See on Resumes, and How to Correct Them
10. If You’re Interested in Happiness, Follow Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin is the author of several books, but she’s best known for her New York Times bestselling book, The Happiness Project. She’s emerged as one of the most influential speakers and writers on the topics of habits and happiness. In addition, she’s a prolific writer on LinkedIn, publishing several Pulse articles a week. If you’re striving to feel better at work or home, Rubin is a must-follow.
Favorite Article: What's the Secret to Changing Habits?
As President Harry S. Truman once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Even if you struggle to find time to read the latest career books, I know you have time for a quick, useful article (case in point: You’ve read this far!). So, follow some or all of these Influencers and let me know who you’re favorites are on Twitter.