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Follow the Changemakers Driving Change in the World of Work

We’re all dealing with a world that is very different than it was even a few weeks ago. Never has our generation experienced such levels of change and global uncertainty, not knowing what the next week will bring. But the one thing we can try to control is how we react and adapt to these changes.

COVID-19 has seen organisations and professionals come together to support one another. Social media has played a key role in making this happen, allowing us to both give and get help from our phones and computer screens. On LinkedIn, we’ve seen countless examples of professionals using their platform to help make this new world of work a safer, more inclusive, and ultimately better place.

Today we’re shining a spotlight on seven UK LinkedIn members who are changemakers within their respective fields. Issues such as mental health, work-life balance, and being inclusive of marginalised communities were some of the most discussed topics on LinkedIn in the UK before the pandemic - and it could be argued they are now more important than ever.

Over the next twelve months, we’ll be following these seven changemakers who will be using LinkedIn to drive their causes forward - through sharing insightful content, connecting with others and opening up the conversations that are affecting the world of work.

Check out their stories below and click follow to stay up to date with their journeys!

Follow Ben West: [in] it because mental health matters

After losing his brother to suicide when he was just 15, Ben’s #WalkToTalk campaign gave him the opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister about making mental health training mandatory within schools. Now he’s turning his efforts to the workplace, where he hopes to inspire professionals to be more open about their mental health.

Follow Yassmin Abdel-Magied: [in] it to beat unconscious bias

Yassmin wears many hats - a writer, a mechanical engineer, and an award-winning social advocate to name a few. She’s working to beat unconscious bias amongst all professionals by working with senior leaders to influence change from the top down.

Follow John Adams: [in] it for the working parents and carers

Founder of dadbloguk.com and flexible working advocate, John wants to be the voice for all parents and carers who are seeking working hours that suit them - particularly supporting those who have suddenly found their worlds of work and family colliding.

Follow Shani Dhanda: [in] it to make work accessible for all

Shani is an award-winning disability specialist who wants to open up the conversation on LinkedIn around the issues that professionals with a disability face when it comes to getting hired and going to work. 

Follow Vee Kativhu: [in] it to help everyone get the best start in their career

Education YouTuber and BAME advocate Vee Kativhu wants to ensure no one’s career is dictated by their socio-economic background. She’ll be using LinkedIn to support students and graduates on making the most of their LinkedIn profiles as they prepare to enter the world of work.

Follow Lizzie Carr: [in] it for the planet

Adventurer, activist and founder of Plastic Patrol Lizzie Carr is supporting businesses in making small everyday decisions to reduce their plastic consumption, to make everyone more aware of the effect it has on our planet.

Follow Alexander Leon: [in] it to make the world of work more inclusive

LGBTQ+ activist Alexander Leon wants to ensure everyone in the workplace feels included and represented, no matter their race, background, gender or sexual orientation. He’s using LinkedIn to connect with leaders and work with them on how they can support their LGBTQ+ employees beyond Pride. 

Are you (or somebody you know) helping to drive real change in the world of work? We’re always looking for inspirational stories from our LinkedIn members. Tag your campaign or cause with #Changemaker on LinkedIn today.

LinkedIn members in our Changemaker programme receive support from the LinkedIn marketing team in creating content that can hopefully spark thoughtful conversations on the platform.