Most of what I follow on Twitter and LinkedIn are companies, news sources and industry info. Mixed in with this lot are a few of my modern day heroes. People I admire because of their successes and because they make a difference in the world they live in. The commonalities seem to be that they have a passion for their work, for sharing this passion with other people and positively impact the people around them.
With 1.2 million followers, Richard Branson is the most followed thought leader on LinkedIn. The Virgin companies seem to be a vocation for Branson. Having started with his first mail order company at 16, there has been an endless stream of innovating new companies. He has truly lived his dreams, both as an entrepreneur and adventurer. As well, he has used his influence and exposure to world leaders to become involved with issues on world peace and the environment. (Richard on LinkedIn Why you should treat 1 million people the same as 1 person)
Jamie Oliver is one of my favourite people in the world. Firstly, I love food and cooking, and feel in-tune with his cooking approach and style. When following Jamie, you can’t help but feel addicted to his enthusiasm for his work. Jamie is the complete package – from tv series, books, restaurants, website, twitter, u-tube. He embraces his audience in whatever format they want to see him. He also brings an authenticity to his approach in often revealing bits of his personal life. With projects that have tackled employment of youth at risk, healthy eating for kids at school, and exposing a society dependent on ready-meals to basic home cooking skills, he is a pioneer for change in our world.
I’ve recently had the pleasure to connect with Whitney Johnson by joining her Dare Dream Do tele-class online this past fall. Through serendipity I started following Whitney on twitter. Hearing what she had to say I purchased her book and joined the class. I am truly inspired by Whitney. Whitney’s desire to empower people with the skills and means to fulfill their life dreams and purpose (isn’t that one and the same for most) is infectious. Similar to disruptive innovation in product development, Whitney encourages us to apply this same innovative approach in our journeys to find our true callings and fulfill our dreams. Coincidently, doesn’t this approach seem to be working for my other two heroes who are living their passions?
