The Power of the #PlusOnePledge

The flight was thankfully uneventful. Upon arrival in Nashville, we taxied to the gate, a short *ding* signaled that it was safe to rise, we gathered our belongings, and passengers slowly zippered our way off the plane and into the terminal. As an experienced traveler, I immediately opened my favorite ridesharing app and requested a car for the ride home.

I had just returned from Talent Connect 2019, LinkedIn's annual gathering of talent and HR professionals. As a 25+ year veteran of the industry, I was thrilled to attend and connect with friends and colleagues, many of whom I had not seen in several years. And that's what this story is about -- the unbelievable power of human connection.

During Talent Connect, LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner announced an exciting new initiative intended to close "the network gap". It acknowledged that although equal talent should have equal access to opportunities, this is not always the case. Certain individuals simply lack the network and community to thrive, and LinkedIn intended to do something about it.

In an Oprah-like moment, Jeff asked all 4,000+ attendees to look under their chairs. Taped beneath we found an envelop containing three free premium passes for LinkedIn, and we were all encouraged to provide these to individuals who may benefit from our support and connectivity. In doing so, we'd be taking the Plus One Pledge, and the energy and excitement of truly helping others was palpable.

Back in Nashville, I quickly walked to the garage and was promptly greeted by a friendly young rideshare driver by the name of Michael. He exited his car, waved, smiled, and I entered the back seat of his very clean car, the radio serving as a nice reminder that I was home. Settling in, we headed toward the freeway and I began to learn about someone I will never forget.

Michael Carter is a proud member of the Night Stalkers, the 160th Special Operation Aviation Segment that organizes, equips, resources, and employs US Army special ops aviation forces worldwide. As an automated logistical specialist, Michael helps to ensure everyone and everything gets to the right place at the right time in support of these critical and time sensitive missions. Michael is also a PhD candidate in criminal justice and preparing for life post-service, a challenging task for the hundreds of thousands of women and men who honorably serve our nation every day. It took no time at all to reach into my bag, extract the unopened envelope, and hand Michael a free premium pass as part of my #PlusOnePledge.

We talked about Michael's time in the service and what might come next. With a transition date of January 20, 2020, Michael is seeking near-term employment in private sector logistics, yet eventually desires a career in law enforcement. This driven, intelligent, hard-working service member deserves more than our thanks, he deserves the opportunity to thrive. And here's where you come in -- let's spread the word and do everything we can to help Michael land that perfect career.

Beyond this one individual, I know there is so much work ahead. So I ask you, is there someone who can benefit from your network? Could you lend your personal or professional voice to someone -- anyone -- this holiday season? Could a simple, singular act of selflessness change the course of that individual's career? This is the foundation of the Plus One Pledge, and I for one hope you'll join me in giving back.

I know you will.