10 LinkedIn Articles Not to Miss from December 2019

As I had the opportunity to highlight in my LinkedIn article regarding the concept of #LinkedInFF, the new and improved LinkedIn algorithm enables consumption of much more diverse content than before. However, in order to keep up the effort of unearthing the gems that LinkedIn has to offer in terms of content, I have decided to feature 10 of the most intriguing pieces of content I chance upon in my feed each month.

As the year comes to an end, it is time to reflect on lessons learned from the past year and resolutions for the upcoming decade. In this spirit, I present to you this month's selection of articles to close year 2019 ! Hope you will enjoy reading and wish you all the best for 2020 ...

1) 10 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE, by Katya Andresen (click here)

This month begins with a late entry from November – an article by Katya Andresen (SVP of Customer Experience, Capital One) on the art of influence. This is part ten of a twelve-part blog regarding the best lessons she has learnt so far in life. Katya argues that influence is the art of seeking collective alignment, because great movements are made with collective action. Thus, she brings together all the pointers she has learnt on how to proceed when no one seems to be listening.

2) TAKE ACTION: HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT GENDER EQUALITY IN THE U.S.,by Melinda Gates (click here) 

Melinda Gates answers a question she is often asked in context of her vision to expand women’s influence and power – ‘what can I do to help?’. She urges individuals to leverage their multiple roles as members of society with nine concise suggestions, applicable not only to the USA but to proactive citizens worldwide. 

3) THE CYBERSECURITY OF BANKING AND FINANCE, by Daniel Burrus (click here)

It would come as no surprise that banks in possession of sensitive data of their customers must do their best to protect this information. In this article, technology futurist Daniel Burrus traces the evolution of banking transactions and explores the grave consequences of cyber attacks on banks today as he makes a case for exactly why anticipatory cybersecurity measures need to be elevated at financial institutions. 

4) HOW CHINA IS SPEEDING PAST THE WEST IN BLOCKCHAIN, by Don Tapscott (click here)

Don Tapscott (Chairman of the Blockchain Research Institute) follows up on last month’s intriguing article with an analysis of the scope of his native Canada’s blockchain ecosystem. He compares this to China’s quick and innovative action in this field, and raises questions on Canadian roadblocks to innovators. The article is interesting to understand within the larger framework of global development in the forging of a new era of the digital economy. 

5) WHY THE AWAY STORY IS A WAKE-UP CALL FOR EVERY BUSINESS LEADER, by Arianna Huffington (click here)

Founder and CEO of Thrive, Arianna Huffington tackles toxic workplace cultures in this article, in the context of recent revelations regarding travel and lifestyle brand Away. She challenges the idea that disruptive companies must grow at any cost, including driving its employees to high stress and burnout. Arianna proves through this article that companies in it for the long haul should ideally invest in building a healthy and sustainable work culture.

6) THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM 2019: THE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE INVESTING, GREEN BONDS AND FINTECH, by Nishika Bajaj ((click here)

Financial communications and fundraising expert Nishika Bajaj reflects on the sustainability of current economic models in view of the predictions regarding climate change and global warming from top bodies. To this end, she identifies three areas of hope that indicate a change towards a greener and hopefully brighter future. 

7) FOOLS, FANATICS AND YOU , by David Katz (click here)

Inspired by this quote from Bertrand Rusell, David Katz (founder and President of True Health Initiative) questions why a large section of individuals seem to believe that a person’s expertise is only worth respect and consideration when it happens to agree with their own, regardless of their education and qualifications. With the example of Greta Thunberg’s rise in influence, he questions absolute certainty most people display when faced by perspectives different from their own, definitely a fascinating read in the context of social media debates today.  

8) 8 FINTECH AND CRYPTO PREDICTIONS FOR 2020, by Henri Arslanian (click here)

PwC Global Crypto Leader and Asia FinTech Leader Henri Arslanian presents his predictions for the coming year with an intriguing list: from the growing role of voice enabled technologies to evolving regulations on crypto assets. 

9) BEATING BURNOUT WITH OPTIMISM, by Renee Thompson (click here)

Often, being surrounded by negativity can influence the thoughts of even the most positive person. Founder of The Healthy Workforce Renee Thompson presents an inspirational end of the year reminder on how to build optimism within oneself even when working within a potentially negative workspace. 

10) HOW TO MANAGE A BRAND CRISIS IN 2020, by Shama Hyder (click here)

The internet brings with it a plethora of challenges: from social media trolls to online misinformation. Shama Hyder (LinkedIn Top Voice 2018 in Marketing) begins with an analysis of what hasn’t changed, moving on toward strategies each brand needs to both avoid and deal with crises. 

This concludes the selection for the month of December. I wish you happy and restful holidays and will see you next year with the selection for January 2020!