Today we’re launching our annual LinkedIn Top Voices list, a look at the UK members whose posts, articles, videos and comments are driving engaging conversations in their industries and countries. These are the professionals who, by sharing their unique insights, spark the kind of conversations that make everyone better informed.
To compile the list, our editors partnered with the LinkedIn Flagship Relevance team to uncover today’s most engaged – and engaging – members around the world in key segments. It’s no easy task, considering the competition: over 2 million posts, videos and articles a day and tens of thousands of comments every hour – all generating tens of millions more shares and likes.
To find standout voices, we use a combination of data and editorial signals. We screen for engagement among professionals sharing in their area of expertise, looking at what kind of conversations – measured by engagement, including comments and re-shares – their original content is creating. We track relative follower growth, too: are these professionals attracting dedicated fans in their particular sector? Finally, we emphasize quality and diversity; the list should reflect the world we work in. All activity measured took place over a 12-month period, from mid-September 2017 to mid-September 2018, and as with all LinkedIn Lists, we excluded LinkedIn and Microsoft employees from consideration.
Every year new voices rise to the top – and there’s nothing stopping you from turning your own ideas into powerful conversations. Use these Top Voices as guides. Ask a question, share a quick thought, post an interesting statistic or show people what’s inspiring you. There’s a community out there ready to give their own perspectives; all you have to do is put yourself out there to connect.
Here are this year’s 25 #LinkedInTopVoices in the UK:
Lucy Adams | CEO, Disruptive HR
What she talks about: As a human resources professional for a number of major companies, Adams grew so frustrated with the lack of innovation in the industry that she started her own firm. Her articles and posts offer solutions and fresh thinking for HR.
Favourite conversation starter: In July, Adams launched a one-woman war against HR jargon under the hashtag #nobullshithr. One term she’d like to ban? Talent acquisition. “Everyone knows what ‘recruiting’ means, so why do we feel the need to jazz it up?”
Her favourite book: In her two-part series on books to disrupt your (HR) thinking, Adams cites ten works, two of them by Yuval Noah Harari – Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind.
See more by Lucy Adams.
Somi Arian | Founder, Smart Cookie Media
What she talks about: Arian’s insights are a must for everyone, from marketers to retailers, struggling to understand what millennials want. Using posts, articles and (as of this year) a documentary, she explores the culture clash between established brands and the millennial generation.
Favourite conversation starter: Whether watchers agree or disagree, Arian’s videos tend to get people talking. But what she really likes is to change a viewer’s mind: “When you can see that they had a lightbulb moment – that's the most satisfying.”
How she comes up with ideas: Arian takes inspiration from a myriad of sources – including her five years as a TV producer, her two masters degrees (in political science and philosophy), and whatever she’s currently reading. The last book she read? Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio.
See more by Somi Arian.
Roger Atkins | Founder, Electric Vehicles Outlook
What he talks about: Atkins writes on electric vehicles – and the technology, innovation and development that fuel them. His work takes him around the world, and his dispatches from Europe, the US and China keep his 250,000 followers informed about all the latest news on EVs.
Favourite conversation starter: Last December, Atkins flew to Beijing to report on the launch of the NIO electric SUV for the domestic Chinese market. A robust debate on the merits of EV battery swapping ensued.
His top tip for creating great content: Atkins thinks of his articles as a package: “I always work on three key things – an interesting title, a great image, and then the story.” His best ideas come when walking his dogs, Hendrix and Presley, and while working in his garden office.
See more by Roger Atkins.
Yuval Atsmon | Chief Customer Officer, Globality
What he talks about: Atsmon’s almost 95,000 followers flock to his posts to learn about how companies can unlock growth potential and what change and disruption mean for the world of work. In the past year, he’s tackled topics ranging from unconscious bias to Usain Bolt.
Favourite conversation starter: One of the articles that resonated most with readers was on his decision to leave consultancy giant McKinsey (after 15 years) to join a startup. His piece also took aim at what he branded “the (mostly implicit) exploitation of insecure overachievers.”
When he does his best writing: It may not be most people’s idea of a peaceful writing environment, but Atsmon feels most creative when he flies. “Long haul, going west, in daylight hours,” he says.
See more by Yuval Atsmon.
Steve Blakeman | Managing Director, Global Accounts, OMD
What he talks about: Blakeman’s output runs the gamut, with articles covering everything from the best business-related April Fool’s Day pranks to dating on Facebook. In 2016, his article ‘Which Business Bullshit Phrases Annoy You the Most’ received so many replies it ultimately led to his first book.
Favourite conversation starter: In March 2018, Blakeman published a series of interviews with female business leaders and entrepreneurs to celebrate International Women's Day. “The ideas and thoughts on the topic of gender parity generated huge engagement from the LinkedIn community,” he says.
How he comes up with ideas: He reads “a lot.” Blakeman has taken to heart the advice of prolific writer Stephen King: “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.”
See more by Steve Blakeman.
John Bird | Founder, The Big Issue
What he talks about: Lord Bird served time in a young offenders institution and slept rough before he founded world-famous magazine The Big Issue and was ennobled into the House of Lords. He is now one the UK’s leading voices on dismantling poverty in Britain.
Favourite conversation starter: In August, Lord Bird wrote an article about what it will take to tackle homelessness. “We live in a mucky society, where incredible innovation and wealth exists in the same world where poverty is the norm for many,” he wrote. “We need to recognise that we need a revolution.”
What he does when he’s not writing: A classical music fanatic, Lord Bird was recently a guest on BBC Radio 3’s Private Passions, speaking about, amongst other things, his love for the music of Wagner.
See more by John Bird.
Duena Blomstrom | Co-Founder, Emotional Banking and PeopleNotTech
What she talks about: With two decades in strategy and consulting for the telecommunications and fintech industries, Blomstrom is on a crusade to get banks to take customers’ feelings seriously – an initiative she calls “emotional banking”.
Favourite conversation starter: Blomstrom’s article ‘You can't have WOW without the WOT’ argues that ‘Ways of Thinking’ have to change before ‘Ways of Working’ could. “It has generated a lot of response,” she says. “People have approached me about it on email, called about it and still remind me about the topic months later.”
The last good book she read: Her own, because the more she learns, the more she changes her mind: “I've come to debate my own points and shift my perspective.”
See more by Duena Blomstrom.
Simon Chan | Founder, DigiVue Consulting
What he talks about: Digital technology isn’t just changing the way we do business, but the way we live. What excites Chan is how such change transcends boundaries and affects not just this generation, but the next.
Favourite conversation starter: A January piece, ‘What the HECK is digital transformation?’, drew almost 200 comments and over 500 shares. “The term is confusing. I wanted to write a definition that anyone in business could understand,” he says.
His best feedback: It’s not just Chan’s articles and posts that have earned him an enthusiastic following – they’re also keeping an eye out for his insights below the line. “One of my followers mentioned, ‘I am here just for Simon Chan's comments’. For me that was a huge compliment. That people also follow my comments too!”
See more by Simon Chan.
Jane Frankland | Managing Director, Cyber Security Capital
What she talks about: While many cybersecurity experts write primarily about tech, Frankland focuses on people – how they can be better supported in an evolving, dynamic and challenging environment. Of particular interest: challenges facing women in the industry.
Favourite conversation starter: After being trolled on Twitter, Frankland wrote a heartfelt article on the continued harassment and abuse suffered by women at security events. Her writing on the subject lead to the publication of her best-selling book, ‘IN Security: why a failure to attract and retain women in cybersecurity is making us all less safe'.
The story she’ll be following in 2019: Frankland believes the data breach at British Airways, although addressed quickly, will have repercussions both for the company and the wider industry. “I'm watching to see what happens, as this will be a test case for the new regulation.”
See more by Jane Frankland.
Alexandra Galviz | Co-Founder, LocalX
What she talks about: At the ripe old age of 25, Galviz quit her high-flying office job and retired in 2016. After a few weeks backpacking around Asia, she embarked on a new mission as LinkedIn blogger Authentic Alex, tackling issues from mental health and work-life balance to social media branding and launching your career.
Favourite conversation starter: For International Women’s Day, she posted about how women can help each other out – and prompted a “wonderful discussion not just with women but men too!”
When she does her best work: Galviz does her best writing on the go, so her iPhone’s note app has been invaluable. “I frequently have a long list of notes with half finished ideas, thoughts or ramblings,” she says.
See more by Alexandra Galviz.
Lynda Gratton | Professor of Management Practice, London Business School
What she talks about: As a professor of management practice at London Business School and author of six books, Gratton specialises in the transformation of organisations. Her articles cover everything from robotics and AI to ageism.
Favourite conversation starter: Gratton’s book on ‘the 100 year life’ tackled the fact that a child born today has a more than 50% chance of living beyond the age of 100. The book was recently published in Japan – in manga format.
Her big issue for 2019: Gratton writes regularly on stress and the impact it has on the modern workforce. “Stress causes losses of £26 billion a year in the UK alone,” she writes.”Employers must invest in vitality so that employees remain positive and healthy to avoid the risk of burnout.”
See more by Lynda Gratton.
Harriet Green | Head of Asia Pac, IBM
What she talks about: A graduate of Harvard Business School and top executive at IBM, Green has a global perspective on business, technology and the future of work. “Most of my posts are reflections of what I personally see, feel and do in my life.”
Favourite conversation starter: In July, Green wrote a deeply personal article about her experience as a witness of racism. “My followers really shared their own feelings, sometimes frustration, but most often a courage to face tough moments.”
The news story she’ll be following in 2019: Earlier this year, Green shared her perspective on the #MeToo movement: “Can we, collectively, sustain our outrage long enough to ensure that these types of behaviours are never tolerated again?”
See more by Harriet Green.
Mark Gregory | Chief Economist, EY UK
What he talks about: Gregory has two main goals on LinkedIn: making economics accessible to the business community and building stronger links between business and government. He’s particularly drawn to analysing different regions in the UK and the economic challenges facing small towns.
Favourite conversation starter: Gregory’s post on gender pay gap reporting looked at how businesses were working on new ways to drive change. “The post moved the debate from petty arguments about the numbers to more insightful consideration of how to drive change drawing on examples of real business practice.”
His favourite off-topic topic to write about: As well as macroeconomics, Gregory – a passionate Stoke City fan – loves to write on the economics of sport. “Especially football,” he says, “trying to build a wider understanding.”
See more by Mark Gregory.
David Hunt | CEO and founder, Hyperion Executive Search
What he talks about: Hunt is passionate about the technologies and business models driving the clean-energy and electric-mobility revolutions. As CEO of Liverpool-based Hyperion, a clean-energy recruitment firm, Hunt is particularly interested in talent and diversity in the environmental sector.
Favourite conversation starter: His 2017 article ‘Never mind the Lithium, what about the talent?’ led to a stimulating debate around diversity and the ethics of mining, while a 2018 article on the cleanliness of electric vehicles garnered 67 high-quality comments on the merits of the EV industry.
His big issue for 2019: Hunt, who recently read Lucy Siegle’s Turning the Tide on Plastic, sees plastic pollution as a major challenge going forward – and is pleased to see it being taken seriously. “These are things that I have been passionate about – and built businesses around – and are finally becoming mainstream.”
See more by David Hunt.
Leena Nair | Chief Human Resources Office, Unilever
What she talks about: Nair’s mission: to use her experience and stories from others to “ignite the human spark”, getting to the heart of what makes businesses and people better. Her #LeenaLifeLessons draw not only from her upbringing in rural India, but from her 26 years at consumer-goods giant Unilever.
Favourite conversation starter: In June, Nair explained how one of her first acts as Unilever’s HR chief was to do away with lists, labels and boxes to classify and calibrate staff – and replace these metrics with person-to-person conversations. Her post prompted 154 comments and over 2,000 likes.
Her most unusual skill: As well as being a corporate powerhouse and prolific writer, Nair is also “the Best Bollywood dancer Unilever has ever seen!”
See more by Leena Nair.
Danielle Newnham | Co-founder, F Equals
What she talks about: Newnham has co-founded two companies since leaving the public relations industry in 2006, and wrote her first book – the Mad Men of Mobile – in 2012. She often writes on inspirational female founders and innovators.
Favourite conversation starter: One reader recently commented that Newnham’s content had not just inspired him, but his young daughter. “Sometimes we forget how far we can reach with our stories,” she says.
Her most unusual skill: Newnham is adept at so-called ‘mirror writing’ (writing backwards) – which is relatively rare, but puts her in good company: “It is a talent shared by Leonardo da Vinci, no less.”
See more by Danielle Newnham.
Sharon O’Dea | Co-founder, Lithos Partners
What she talks about: As well as tackling the intersection between tech, media and culture, O’Dea likes to “nerd out” on enterprise and collaboration technology (such as messaging apps).
Favourite conversation starter: O’Dea was an early fan of Nike’s ‘Believe in Something’ campaign, and her post on the topic ended up being more controversial than she had expected. “But I was delighted to see so many thoughtful, considered comments – even from people who disagreed with me.”
Her big idea for 2019: O’Dea recently took part in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations ‘AI in Public Relations’ panel. “It feels like we're at an inflection point where these technologies are being incorporated into more of the tools and platforms we use every day. I'll certainly be keeping an eye on this one in 2019.”
See more by Sharon O'Dea.
Adam Rubins | CEO, Way to Blue
What he talks about: Rubins draws from over 20 years in the entertainment and communications industries (including a decade at Walt Disney) to analyse and comment on the agency landscape. His posts also tackle mental health and fostering a fulfilling workplace culture.
Favourite conversation starter: In February, Rubins penned an article on Netflix and Hulu, particularly the merits and challenges of the streaming era. “It got some great engagement and is a subject I am very passionate about.”
When he does his best writing: He doesn’t spend days or weeks crafting a post: “I will have the nucleus of an idea and then suddenly I find myself sitting down and writing the whole thing in one go,” he says. “I can write an article in around 10-15 minutes – it usually pours out!”
See more by Adam Rubins.
Lex Sokolin | Global Director, Fintech Strategy
What he talks about: For the self-described “futurist”, the intersection of fintech, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence is the next frontier. Using his weekly bulletins, Sokolin pushes out data and analysis to more than 300,000 followers, illustrating his posts with modern and abstract art.
Favourite conversation starter: At a time when there seems to be a new Initial Coin Offering (ICO) every week, Sokolin builds out statistics on new and existing currencies. “Some of the most controversial and engaging discussions this year were when these ICO metrics turned south,” he says. “It brought out a lot of philosophical debate.”
When he does his best work: He won’t start writing until he has a cup of coffee on his desk, and he likes to finish before the coffee is. “I drink a lot of cold coffee,” he jokes.
See more by Lex Sokolin.
Carol Stewart | Executive, Abounding Solutions
What she talks about: With a focus on gender and racial inequality, Stewart gives practical advice to introverted business leaders one week and calls out politicians for unconscious bias the next. She also coaches women and those from minority backgrounds on progressing in their careers.
Favourite conversation starter: When Starbucks came under fire after two black men were reported to police by an employee and subsequently arrested, Stewart linked the incident with the treatment of Britain’s Windrush Generation and received, on the whole, positive feedback.
Her favourite news story of 2018: Like many in the UK, Stewart was engrossed in the Royal Wedding. “With so much doom and gloom going on in the world, it gave the country a bit of a feel good factor, which lifted the mood and was really nice to see and be part of.”
See more by Carol Stewart.
Sue Unerman | Chief Transformation Officer, MediaCom
What she talks about: Media strategist Sue Unerman believes – like Charles Darwin – that it isn’t the strongest that survive, but the most adaptable. Her latest book, The Glass Wall, has been called 2018’s most significant addition to the debate over gender diversity at work.
Favourite conversation starter: Unerman’s March article about networking generated hundreds of comments and shares. “Networking isn't easy for lots of people,” she says. Her solution? Do your prep and make sure your network is as weird as it is wide.
When she does her best writing: The most important part of a blog isn’t the writing, but the editing. “I never immediately post. I always email a draft to myself and think it through the next day, ideally bouncing it off a colleague before I go live.”
See more by Sue Unerman.
Lisa Unwin | Founder and CEO, She’s Back
What she talks about: After 20 years in consulting and communications, Unwin struck out on her own in 2014 to launch She’s Back, which offers advice and support to organisations that want to hire women returning to work after a career break. Unwin’s work on women in the workplace led to her 2017 book, She’s Back: Your Guide to Returning to Work.
Favourite conversation starter: Unwin was pleased with the response to her August article, ‘Why "I'm a mum. I'm looking for part time work" is the wrong way to start’. “Many women told me they found it extremely useful and empowering,” she says. “It gave them practical advice on what to do to find work.”
What she does when she’s not writing: When Unwin took up cycling at 45, she went all in. “I completely love it. I've cycled up Mont Ventoux, done Prudential Ride London and recently completed the Rapha Women's 100 ride.”
See more by Lisa Unwin.
Tendayi Viki | Managing Partner, Benneli Jacobs
What he talks about: Viki, who holds a PhD in psychology and an MBA, has authored three books and writes prolifically on innovation – what it is, where it is needed, why it succeeds and why it fails. He draws from over a decade’s experience working with major firms at Benneli Jacobs and Company.
Favourite conversation starter: In September, Viki’s article ‘The Myth Of The Innovation Lab’ took aim at the accepted wisdom that sticky notes, whiteboards and bean bags were the key to innovative products. “The challenges raised in the article seemed to resonate with a lot of corporate innovators.”
The story or trend he’s watching in 2019: That’s easy, says Viki: Brexit. “What will the impact be for companies in the UK and Europe?”
See more by Tendayi Viki.
Jonathan A.J. Wilson | Professor, GSM London and Hult International Business School
What he talks about: For Wilson, it’s all about the ABCDs – Advertising, Branding, Communications and Digital. But he’s also been known to wade into debates over race, religion and female empowerment, punctuating his views with quips, rhymes and emojis.
Favourite conversation starter: Wilson’s latest book, Halal Branding, was launched via three posts on LinkedIn. He was buoyed by the response: “It was a boost to see how many people liked/commented and how diverse they were – both of which I didn’t expect.”
What he doesn’t tell you on his LinkedIn profile: Very little: Wilson has no less than 32 positions listed. And while many of them are for time spent as a lecturer and consultant, others are more unusual – such as the three years he spent writing songs and doing voices for the video-game Grand Theft Auto I, II and III.
See more by Jonathan A. J. Wilson.
Jan Zijderveld | CEO, Avon
What he talks about: As CEO of major beauty brand Avon, Zijderveld writes on the beauty industry, telling stories ranging from entrepreneurs selling beauty products from boats on the Amazon to the inner workings of multi-million pound businesses.
Favourite conversation starter: Zijderveld wrote recently on the five principles of change management, which generated conversation both off and online. “The premise that every single person has to contribute to make change management effective seemed to really resonate.”
What he does when he’s not writing: As well as running Avon, Zijderveld is self-confessed “petrol-head”: “I love vintage cars. My Jaguar E-Type is one of my prized possessions; it’s a true icon of the motoring world!”
See more by Jan Zijderveld.
You’ve caught up on the top member voices of 2018. Now check out the Influencers who made this year’s #LinkedInTopVoices in the UK.
Reported by: Orlando Crowcroft. Photo credits: Mark Gregory: Premier League Enterprise Challenge supported by Sport Relief
