8th Annual Top 100 HR Influencers

I'm excited and honored to share that I've been named one of Engagedly Inc 's Top 100 HR Influencers for 2024 in the Diversity & Inclusion category!

Thank you, God! | Gratitude for the Journey

This is my second year in a row receiving this recognition, and it's a humbling reminder of the incredible journey I’ve been on in leadership, culture-building, and DEI over the past eight years. I Follow the Leader officially turns 8 on September 19, 2024! I’m immensely grateful to God for the journey from blog to business, which began during a time when diversity in nonprofit leadership—my MPA project paper-winning topic—wasn’t widely discussed or supported.

Being recognized for promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion is particularly meaningful to me. For nearly a decade, I’ve dedicated my work to advancing inclusive leadership and fostering courageous conversations, even in times like today when these values are not always prioritized and often vilified. What makes this recognition even more special is the authenticity of Engagedly's process—it's rooted in a data-driven evaluation of thought leadership, innovation, and impact. For a data enthusiast like me, this transparent approach resonates deeply.

Behind the Scenes | Hard Work and Hidden Wins

I didn’t set out to receive awards or accolades when I started this journey. If you’ve followed my work, you know that last year, I even removed the pursuit of external validation, like '40 under 40' awards, from my goals. I realized that titles or lists don’t measure true impact. Impact should be measured by the transformations you help create, the barriers you break, and the leaders you encourage to be courageous in their own right by shining their light. You can read more about my thoughts on accolades in the LinkedIn newsletter when I was named to the 7th Annual List.

When I opened my email and saw, '8th Annual Top 100 HR Influencers: You made the list,' my heart swelled, not because of the accolade itself, but because it affirmed the many hidden decisions and intentional work behind the scenes. This recognition wasn’t tied to any event, partnership, or donation. I don't even know who submitted me for consideration—it was a complete and beautiful surprise.

When recognition like this comes from a genuine place, it’s a beautiful affirmation of the work that often happens behind the scenes. I’ve witnessed the hard work my team has put in, and knowing that this acknowledgment is based on tangible contributions, it is a God wink, reminding me that I’m on the right path, even in a year when I’ve had to intentionally adjust my pace for sustainability and wellbeing.

Don't DIY your DEI | Performative Culture-Building Hurts More than Helps

Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed leaders who use words like 'belonging' and 'equity' but don’t uphold or invest in those values when they aren’t trending. This charade/masquerade can be discouraging, but seeing recognition come from genuine contributions reminds me why so many intentional CEOs, HR leaders, and I are committed to this work. Before I went to bed, I was strategizing an innovative solution for a long-term client who is on the verge of a significant breakthrough, and I believe our firm can help them make that sustainable shift. I LOVE helping individuals and cultures reach new heights—sustainably. Far too many people are operating at a pace that cannot last.

What Sets IFL Apart | Limited Partnerships with Intentional Leaders

At I Follow the Leader, we believe organizational culture isn't something that can be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality or as a quick fix. It’s about taking strategic, measurable, and sustainable action that creates lasting change. This is why we partner with a limited number of leaders and organizations each year—those who are truly committed to lasting change.

We prioritize working with leaders who are ready to go beyond performative actions and invest in building courageous, equitable, and inclusive cultures. If you're ready to make that kind of commitment, we’d love to connect and explore how we can support your journey. Please reach out or contact our team to schedule a needs assessment call whether you're interested in cultural audits, strategy consultation, training, or speaking engagements.

Thank you Engagedly Inc & Shout Out to the other Leaders

"As the HR industry continues to adapt to new challenges and embrace technology, Engagedly recognizes the HR leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of work."

I’m particularly proud to be named alongside seven other incredible leaders in the Diversity & Inclusion space!

• Congratulations to the other D&I Leaders named: Erika Broadwater Deaver , Netta Jenkins CEO, Aerodei , Melonie Parker , Dr. Shirley Davis, Hall of Fame Speaker , B?rí A. Williams , DK Bartley , & Ashley T Brundage
• Also honored to be named alongside leaders I admire like: Simon Sinek , Angela Duckworth , and Mel Robbins

Courage Candy Conclusion | Encouragement for your Journey

Promoting equity, inclusion, and belonging remains at the heart of sustainable and impactful leadership, especially in 2024! This recognition serves as fuel for me to keep pushing forward, advocating for leaders who are ready to build equitable workplaces filled with courage, care, and intentional change.

To anyone who has felt unseen in their efforts, I want to remind you: If you never get validated publicly for the meaningful work you do privately, may you have the courage to keep going.

Lack of recognition doesn't diminish your impact!

The world may not always give you a stage or acknowledge what you post on a platform, but that doesn't make your impact any less significant. It’s about the ripple effects—a decision, an action, or an encouragement from 8 years ago could influence generations. If you're willing to be a caring and courageous change agent for even one person, you’re already building a legacy. Keep planting seeds of hope and courage—you never know how far they will grow.

Let’s continue to push the pace of progress and cultivate work environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated to help each individual and organization reach their highest potential. The world needs YOU now more than ever.

Media Links:

• Press Release: https://engagedly.com/blog/engagedly-announces-the-top-100-global-hr-influencers-of-2024/
• List on Engagedly's Website: https://engagedly.com/resources/top-100-human-resources-influencers/top-100-hr-influencers-follow-2024/

Here are a few ways to connect...

• To sign up for my "Caring Courageous Change Agents" text community, text 'courage' to 919-647-7450. You will receive?a #couragecandy text message bi-monthly Monday-Friday. They are messages to inspire, encourage, and teach you how to develop and employ courage effectively. Every other week, we have a new topic. If you'd also like to receive faith fuel texts featuring scriptures from the Bible and prayers on the weekly topic, text 'Courage + Sunday'.
• If you're not a subscriber to this "Courage Candy" LinkedIn newsletter yet, subscribe here.

As seen in the New York Times and Diversity, Inc., Antoinetta Mosley is a courage curator, keynote speaker, and culture strategist on a mission to help individuals and organizations consistently cultivate courage to reach their highest potential.

She is a culture strategist at I Follow the Leader, a strategic consulting firm she founded in 2016 that specializes in culture-building strategy, initiatives, and education. She also serves as the Chief Encouragement Officer at Courage Candy Co., a sweet new venture that is helping to develop more courageous change agents.

Antoinetta has collaborated on projects with organizations of all sizes, from small to global nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. She travels the country as a sought-after speaker on courage cultivation, courageous conversations, and courageous leadership. Her commitment to her field has earned her recognition as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers by Engagedly in 2023 and 2024. Antoinetta is the author of "6 Months of Courage Candy: Consistently Cultivate Courage to Reach Your Highest Potential," a book filled with daily inspirational messages designed to help readers increase their courage consciousness over six months.

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• Our team would love to connect with you to explore how we can help you build a more inclusive culture and partner with experts. Learn More.