Change Makers, Influencers, LinkedIn Leaders, Career Specialists & Trailblazers who inspire, give great advice & change lives every day #23

This is a very special Change-Maker series. I can't believe it is number #23. Wow, how time passes!This change-maker series is to recognize people doing GREAT things locally and globally to make the LinkedIn world a better place. With #23, close to 300 amazing people have been featured.

In this feature, not only can we all come together to celebrate International Women's Day 2020, I also want to recognize that the #decidetobekind campaign is fully underway and now entering into its third month. You can see some people wearing them in the featured photo.

#Decidetobekind wristbands have been travelling the world and the message is simple: We all have a choice and we choose to be KIND so LinkedIn remains a safe and AMAZING place to be! These people are part of the #kindclub

In this series, yet again, I will be introducing you to a some people who are true change-makers. Some of them are people I get to work with and know are creating positive change on a regular basis. The others, are people I have gotten to know on LinkedIn and they spread goodness around LinkedIn like confetti...

This time I am changing it up a bit and introducing you to these amazing people and how they are spreading kindness on and offline and I honestly feel so blessed to know them ??

Jacqueline Way : She began a charitable organization with her son Nic called @365give. (TEDx: How to Be Happy Every Day: It Will Change the World) The organization's vision is to "Change the World 1 Give, 1 Day at a Time." ?? #365give #Do1Give. Join today!

Randy McNeely: Author of - The Kindness Givers' Formula - Four Simple Steps for Making a Transformational Difference for Good #kindnessunleashed

Elaine Jacques "Leaders who are courageous enough to let their team know that they are willing to reach out for help, inspire their team to be willing to do the same." #leadershippresence

Michael Ray: "Be soooooo happy that when others see you they become happy too!!!!! BE THE REASON SOMEONE SMILES TODAY."

Oh my God, I love this guy and he brings so many smiles to others. This Smile Project evolved from the relationship he has with his non-verbal daughter Maddie who has Down Syndrome.

Steve Philip:  I originally know Steve from all the work he does with his approach to social selling on LinkedIn. But, just recently Steve came on board with the #decidetobekind campaign, In 2019 Steve lost his son Jordan to suicide and is now also the founder of The Jordan Legacy, a foundation set up in my son's memory to reduce the number completed suicides happening in the UK once every 107 minutes!

Susan Lucente Rizzo is the Co Founder/Creator The COMPASSionate Crew Educational Wellness Program for Children along with my super kind friend Tammy Vallieres. You can see from the pic that Susan is also sporting the #decidetobekind wristband because she is definitely part of the #kindclub

Jasmina Siderovski is the Author, CEO and Editor-in-Chief at eYs Magazine; A contemporary, humanitarian international magazine celebrating unsung heroes.She celebrates women making an impact around the world.

Doug Thompson has been a #decidetobekind advocate since the beginning of this movement and he is pure #awesomesauce. Every Friday, he has #fanaticalfriday and he introduces three people he is fanatical about! Thank you Doug for all you do!

Christina Yeoman: Christina talks openly about mental health and her messages are being spread far and wide. I also had to share this:

"I became brave one day and opened a LinkedIn account under my own name. I spent six months in the shadows, uncertain of how I might want to use this platform. Too timid to connect, I found myself hitting the follow button for people. As I followed more people, I began to fall in love with everything this platform was and made my first video of me reading a poem about the steps I had to take to get to that point. Now, here I am talking about it over a year later, knowing fully well that LinkedIn has changed my life in ways I could never directly equate."

Siobhan Brown - Calderbank: I won a Women of Inspiration Award 2019 with this inspiring lady last year! "When Courage meets Perseverance, the Path to Change becomes Achievable"

Jennifer Corcoran: I often find myself on the Meller #LinkedInRockstar list with this lovely lady. I feel like I have known her for awhile. She spread LinkedIn and career goodness around LinkedIn on a regular basis.

Janser Bob: I got to know Janser through the LinkedIn Learning Champion Program and I have to say, he is just as passionate about LinkedIn as I am. He is a real inspiration as he continuously shares his message about how LinkedIn helped him find opportunities and community when he moved to Toronto from Brazil!

At a recent #LinkedInLocalMississauga, hosted by Chi Odogwu----Janser, Alesana Pereira and I got to spread a lot of LinkedIn goodness around. And check it out-look at those #decidetobekind wristbands ??

Jennifer Catallo: I am so lucky to work with this lady as part of the team that spreads LinkedIn Learning goodness far and wide. Jennifer is someone who has gone above and beyond to make sure that LinkedIn Learning and the importance of building your skills finally takes priority. As a LinkedIn Learning Liaison between LinkedIn and University of Toronto, I am so amazed (and proud) how far this initiative has spread, how the community (too many to mention) has worked together, and how so many people have truly benefited from honing their skills, building their brand, and gaining confidence

Tammy Vallieres : This lady was born kind and it has only been growing ever since. When I am having a "bad" day I call Tammy and she puts always up with me because that is who she is #kind #giving #empathetic and truly a remarkable person... and I always appreciate her tough love! I don't know where to start when it comes to Tammy but she is known as the #1 Hero Intelligence Agent with the goal of empowering children to become their BEST selves. She is a mentor to many and her positive energy is contagious

Joel Lalgee: " I’ve been called:Freak, Weird, Crazy, Dumb, Bizarre, Loser

From a young age all I wanted was to be understood and accepted. But Why??? It was my insecurity, my desire to be close to others and my longing to belong.

Now I’m Free

I’m learning that it’s in our differences that true value is found.

Being unique isn’t a curse,

Being “one of a kind”, is an absolute gift!

If we all looked, thought and sounded the same;

We’d miss out on so many amazing innovations, beautiful art and incredible music.

Please embrace your differences,

No matter the rejection you face.

I can’t promise it will be easy,

I can promise you aren’t alone.

Your story is needed and it’s essential for the rest of us.

Please don’t ever forget your own value"

Jessica Hickman - Otherwise known as the The Bullyologist is someone I hope to meet one day. She is an advocate for positive change in the field of bullying and mental health in the workplace, schools and online environment.

So, with the #decidetobkind campaign in full swing, I really wanted to introduce you all to Jessica.

"Forgiveness is a powerful weapon. It removes fear and liberates the soul." Jessica Hickman

Vic Williams: "Today I choose to be me. Unbroken, unbowed, resilient, passionate, giving, caring. Not politically correct, not filled with hatred or animosity. Not driven by guilt, fear, rage or revenge.

I choose to be me, recognising that every day is a day in which I can become better in every area of life. Recognising there is always room for improvement and being determined to improve to be the best I can possibly be.

I choose to be me, whether you like me or not, whether you agree with me or not, with all of my faults, flaws and failures, because who I am and who I am becoming defines me. 

I choose my future and I choose to be me."

Stephanie “Stevie” Russell-Farnham: "Vitality! What do you do to replenish your mind, body, spirit?

?? Spend more quality time with the women who lift your spirits

?? Slow down! There is grace and strength in growing well. You have more time than you realise so stop rushing through life.

?? Indulge in daily nature play or beach therapy It’s good for the soul and Mother Nature’s complimentary stress antidote

?? Trust in the value and significance of timing... learn when to hang on, when to let go and when to pivot"

?? Invite women to your table... #kindness and #empowerment have a ripple effect!

So, how can you celebrate INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2020?---Start by celebrating others! Embrace those who give you a kickstart to your day, a reason to smile, and support and kindness when you need it.

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The  #DecidetobeKind Campaign is all about recognition and awareness; helping to ensure that LinkedIn a safe and positive space for everyone to tell their story.

“Bless those who stand up to bullies. You are the true masters of the universe.” Mandi Bishop

The #DecidetobeKind Wristband brings awareness to bullying on LinkedIn and help professionals stay united in a safe and productive space. Even though bullying on LinkedIn can be subtle, unexpected, and untraditional, it exists; therefore, making it an unsafe and unpleasant place for many people

By purchasing a #decidetobekind wristband you are making the choice to be a LinkedIn Superhero and deciding not only to be kind but to stand up against bullying on LinkedIn

On January 1st, 2021, a year to the day I started #DecidetobeKind, for every wristband sold, a donation will go to an anti-cyberbullying foundation to promote kindness, equality, diversity, community support, & inclusion both off and online

Buy 2 wristbands and get 1 free-since we must always pay kindness forward!

Snap a shot with your wristband and join this important movement! And don’t forget to put #DecidetobeKind #Kindclub

Let’s Be Kind Together! #Decidetobekind!

And in the words of Russ Johns- #Kindnessiscool!

Happy International Women's Day!

Love, Shelly