2018 LinkedIn Top Voices - The Hidden Category: Inspiration

What is a Top Voice?

LinkedIn recently published its list of Top Voices 2018. These influential super-users are actively creating and promoting content within their space of expertise.

According to Daniel Roth, Editor and Chief at LinkedIn, LinkedIn's Top Voices are from a "...ranked list of the top 10 writers in eight different areas — finance, tech, marketing, healthcare, leadership, media, education, venture capital — who broke out from the crowd."

Top Voices are not to be confused with Influencers, to which have the most followers and activity on the platform. Top Voices are people who stand for something and actively share what they are most passionate about.

The problem here? There isn’t a category for the most important global topic.

The topic that shifts professionals from average to extraordinary. The topic that can save lives, transform futures, and build community.

Have you guessed what that topic is yet?

Inspiration & Motivation.

It was an inspirational book by Gary John Bishop that transformed my life. When I was struggling to find a career that would accommodate my Multiple Sclerosis challenges, I lacked hope to secure employment. I felt useless, limited, and weak. I sought inspiration. I found Bishop’s book and followed Michaela Alexis’ “Penniless to President” journey…

Through that inspiration I went from being jobless and insecure, unable to keep my head above my medical debt and transformed into an empowered entrepreneur, business owner, and Brand Sorceress! With this second chance, I intend to pass the torch forward and continue inspiring hearts and minds across the globe.

Inspiration changes lives.

Inspiration saves lives.

There are so many incredible powerhouse users on LinkedIn that spread hope and joy like wildfire and I’d love to showcase the best and brightest voices on the platform to give them the due recognition they deserve. Here is my list of ten of the most inspirational and authentic voices on LinkedIn.

*Note: This list is not endorsed by LinkedIn. These are our own personal thoughts based on continued community nominations and interaction from the following ten inspirational peers.

1. Michaela Alexis (Canada)

Michaela Alexis tops this list as being an inspiration to job seekers across the world. She has defined professional authenticity as she shared her career growth from a bartender and “can of beans” to President at Grade A Digital, and now, the Head Queen in Charge (I totally just made that up) of her own enterprise, as a LinkedIn Speaker, Trainer, Strategist and Creator.

2. Jay Shetty (USA)

Jay Shetty is another ridiculously inspiring character. He has created content for and partnered with Facebook, HuffPost, National Geographic, Snapchat and many more, “making wisdom go viral.” Jay’s inspiration was drawn from an encounter with a monk when he was just 18 years old, developing a hunger for service, impact and passion. His service to others is reflected in every heart he touches with his wisdom.

3. Brene Brown (USA)

Brene is the Goddess of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, proven in her five #1 New York Times bestsellers: Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, The Gifts of Imperfection, Braving the Wilderness, and the latest masterpiece, Dare to Lead. She included a LinkedIn read-along following the publishing of her book where she answered difficult questions from readers which displays the perfect example of inspiring the community directly.

4. Tima Elhajj (Australia)

Tima Elhajj is an unending source of inspiration and content creator on LinkedIn. She thrives on the fulfillment of others and encourages people around the world to understand that their potential is limitless. Her podcast, Deconstructed Entrepreneur, highlights professionals who have created something from nothing to inspire you to take action, too.

5. Barbara Louise Brennan (Ireland)

Barbara’s sweet and sincere nature will humble you instantly. Barbara is Ireland’s best kept secret as she advocates for mental health and wellbeing through whispers to roars across LinkedIn. She has coached and facilitated wellness programs for prominent corporations across the United Kingdom, including Boots, Coca-Cola, IBEC, and many more.

6. Gary Vaynerchuk (USA)

Gary Vanderchuck is as authentic and giving as entrepreneurs come. He continuously provides free expertise and support to the community in order to encourage people from across the world to chase their dreams and act on them. He’s realistic and living proof of the “American Dream” and we’re so excited to see his Royal Social Media Excellency deliver content on the LinkedIn Platform in addition to the other social media channels he has already mastered.

7. Ashley Horner (USA)

Ashley Horner is definitely no stranger to adversity. When Ashely began sharing content on LinkedIn, she shared many chapters of her life, enduring trauma and spoils nobody should ever have to endure. As she unwrapped her experiences for us on the platform, she shared motivation and inspiration. She’s a fire-starter of hope and encouragement with empathy and understanding for those fighting the good fight, seeking a better tomorrow built on diversity and inclusion.

8. Mehad Nasreldin (Sudan)

Mehad is a public figure in Sudan, committed to reorentate Sudanese youth built on inspiration and mental wellness. She’s a motivational speaker, trainer, social charity operation worker, coach and mentor to many. She has a remarkable speech on “Why Motivation is Essential in our Lives” on TEDx and is an unstoppable leader for our future generations.

9. Ms. Suchi (Singapore)

In just moments of spending time with Ms. Suchi’s content, you’ll be energized and happier. Ms. Suchi is a celebrity in Singapore as she spreads knowledge and awareness around what stress is and how to manage stress to be creative and productive. Ms. Suchi advocates for mental wellness as The Laughter Therapist, guiding professionals abroad to manage stress for a fulfilling, successful future and serves as Chair for the Asia Global Goodwill Ambassadors.

10. Brian Schulman (USA)

Brian is a Forbes Featured Entrepreneur, Advisor, and warrior who grew up with Tourrettes Syndrome and had to face adversity head-on as he grew up. He’s also the Founder & CEO of Voice Your Vibe, where he empowers intrapreneurs and organizations to harness the power of their vibes in terms of employee advocacy, diversity, and inclusion. Brian has a heart of gold and is a truly authentic powerhouse of inspiration.

Who else do you know that should have made this list? Please tag them in the comments so the list of inspirational resources can continue to grow!

As Daniel Roth said in his 2015 article, to be a Top Voice,

“it doesn’t take being a professional writer, it takes being fearless."

Thank you for reading and for encouraging a strong and supportive community.

Your Bubbly Brand Sorceress & Differently-Abled Advocate,

Chantel