Top 21 Career Influencers to Follow in 2021: Actionable Advice for Navigating a Rapidly Changing Workforce

Table of Contents#

1. Career Strategy & Leadership
2. Tech & Remote Work
3. Entrepreneurship & Side Hustles
4. Diversity & Inclusion
5. Freelancing & Gig Economy
6. Soft Skills & Mindset
7. Conclusion
8. References

1. Career Strategy & Leadership#

This category features experts who help you build long-term career plans, lead effectively, and thrive in any workplace.

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1. Adam Grant – Organizational Psychologist & Leadership Expert#

Handle: @AdamMGrant (Twitter), adamgrant.net
Niche: Career strategy, leadership, rethinking work culture
Why Follow Him: Adam Grant (a Wharton professor) combines academic rigor with actionable advice for building effective teams. His research on "givers," "takers," and "matchers" redefined how we think about success.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Hoarding credit to advance (taker behavior).
• Best: Sharing credit and supporting others (giver behavior)—givers are most successful long-term.
  Example Usage: In a team meeting, publicly acknowledge a colleague’s idea before sharing your own. This builds trust and makes others more likely to support you.
  Key Advice: "Givers are the most successful people in the long run."
  Must-Consume: Give and Take (Book), TED Talk "Are You a Giver or a Taker?"

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2. Susan Cain – Introvert Leadership Advocate#

Handle: @SusanCain (Twitter), quietrev.com
Niche: Introvert empowerment, quiet leadership, workplace inclusion
Why Follow Her: Susan Cain’s Quiet (2012) revolutionized how we value introversion. In 2021, her advice helped introverts thrive in remote work—without feeling pressured to "act extroverted."
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Forcing introverts to lead "like extroverts" (e.g., group brainstorming).
• Best: Leveraging introverts’ strengths—deep listening, focused work—with "quiet-friendly" environments.
  Example Usage: If you’re an introverted manager, schedule 1:1 check-ins instead of group meetings to let team members share ideas comfortably.
  Key Advice: "Introverts’ superpowers are deep listening and thoughtful decision-making."
  Must-Consume: Quiet (Book), TED Talk "The Power of Introverts"

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3. Simon Sinek – Purpose-Driven Leadership Expert#

Handle: @simonsinek (Twitter), simonsinek.com
Niche: Purpose-driven leadership, team motivation, "Start With Why"
Why Follow Him: Simon Sinek’s "Golden Circle" framework—Why (purpose) → How (process) → What (product)—helped leaders connect their work to meaning. In 2021, this was critical for motivating remote teams.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Leading with "what we do" (e.g., "We sell software").
• Best: Leading with "why we do it" (e.g., "We help small businesses grow").
  Example Usage: In a team kickoff, start with your team’s "why" (e.g., "We exist to make healthcare accessible") before diving into tasks.
  Key Advice: "People don’t buy what you do—they buy why you do it."
  Must-Consume: Start With Why (Book), TED Talk "How Great Leaders Inspire Action"

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4. Liz Ryan – Career Transition & Workplace Culture Guru#

Handle: @lizryan (Twitter), lizryan.com
Niche: Career transitions, toxic workplaces, "human-centered" HR
Why Follow Her: Liz Ryan (a former HR executive) helps people leave toxic jobs and find roles that align with their values. In 2021, her advice was a lifeline for workers quitting the "Great Resignation."
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Staying in a toxic job because of "job security."
• Best: Prioritizing your well-being—toxic workplaces harm your mental health and career.
  Example Usage: If your boss ignores your boundaries (e.g., texting at 10 PM), draft a polite response: "I’ll get back to you first thing tomorrow."
  Key Advice: "Your career is a journey, not a prison."
  Must-Consume: Reinventing Work (Book), Forbes Column

2. Tech & Remote Work#

This category features experts who help you thrive in remote work, master tech skills, and lead tech teams.

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5. Cal Newport – Deep Work & Remote Productivity Expert#

Handle: @CalNewport (Twitter), calnewport.com
Niche: Remote productivity, deep focus, avoiding digital distraction
Why Follow Him: Cal Newport’s Deep Work (2016) became the bible for remote workers in 2021. His framework—focused, uninterrupted work—was an antidote to "always-on" culture.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Multitasking (e.g., checking Slack while writing a report).
• Best: Scheduling 2-3 hour "deep work" blocks—no notifications, no interruptions.
  Example Usage: Use "time blocking" to schedule deep work in the morning (when energy is high) and shallow work (emails) in the afternoon.
  Key Advice: "Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task."
  Must-Consume: Deep Work (Book), Podcast "Deep Questions"

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6. Anne Helen Petersen – Remote Work Culture & Burnout Specialist#

Handle: @annehelen (Twitter), annehelenpetersen.com
Niche: Remote work burnout, millennial work culture, "hustle culture" critique
Why Follow Her: Anne Helen Petersen’s Can’t Even (2021) exposed the "burnout generation"—remote workers drowning in blurred work-life boundaries. Her advice on "setting hard stops" was game-changing.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Working 12-hour days because "remote work means always being available."
• Best: Setting a "hard stop" (e.g., 6 PM) and logging out—burnout kills productivity.
  Example Usage: Add a calendar event titled "END OF DAY" at 6 PM. When it pops up, close your laptop and do something non-work-related.
  Key Advice: "Burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systemic problem."
  Must-Consume: Can’t Even (Book), Vox Column

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7. Sarah Drasner – Tech Leadership & Frontend Development Maven#

Handle: @sarah_edo (Twitter), sarahdrasnerdesign.com
Niche: Frontend development, tech leadership, remote work for engineers
Why Follow Her: Sarah Drasner (a former Netflix engineer) helps women and underrepresented groups thrive in tech. In 2021, her advice on "remote-friendly coding practices" was invaluable for distributed teams.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Writing code without documentation (e.g., "I’ll remember how this works").
• Best: Documenting code and processes—remote teams rely on clear documentation.
  Example Usage: Use tools like Confluence to write "runbooks" for common tasks (e.g., "How to deploy a new feature").
  Key Advice: "Documentation is love for your future self—and your team."
  Must-Consume: SVG Animations (Book), CSS-Tricks Column

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8. Jeff Weiner – LinkedIn CEO & Career Growth Visionary#

Handle: @jeffweiner (Twitter), LinkedIn
Niche: Career growth, LinkedIn strategy, "compassionate leadership"
Why Follow Him: Jeff Weiner (former LinkedIn CEO) popularized "compassionate leadership"—leading with empathy while driving results. His LinkedIn advice helped job seekers stand out in a competitive market.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Using LinkedIn as a "resume repository."
• Best: Building a "personal brand" by sharing insights (e.g., "5 Lessons I Learned Leading Remote Teams").
  Example Usage: Post a short article on LinkedIn about a challenge you overcame (e.g., "How I Learned to Delegate as a New Manager").
  Key Advice: "Compassionate leadership isn’t soft—it’s smart."
  Must-Consume: Podcast "The LinkedIn Playbook", The Lean Startup (Foreword)

3. Entrepreneurship & Side Hustles#

This category features experts who help you build side hustles, launch businesses, and create passive income.

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9. Pat Flynn – Passive Income & Side Hustle Expert#

Handle: @patflynn (Twitter), smartpassiveincome.com
Niche: Passive income, side hustles, online business
Why Follow Him: Pat Flynn’s Smart Passive Income podcast (over 10 years running) shares actionable tips for building income streams that don’t require constant work. In 2021, this was critical for financial security.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Starting a side hustle without validating demand (e.g., "I’ll sell handmade candles—everyone loves candles!").
• Best: Validating demand first (e.g., surveying 100 people: "Would you buy this?").
  Example Usage: Use Google Forms to survey your audience about a potential side hustle (e.g., "Do you need help with social media management?").
  Key Advice: "Passive income isn’t ‘get rich quick’—it’s ‘work hard now, earn later.’"
  Must-Consume: Smart Passive Income (Podcast), Will It Fly? (Book)

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10. Ali Abdaal – Student & Young Professional Productivity Guru#

Handle: @aliabdaal (Twitter), YouTube
Niche: Student productivity, side hustles, "12-week year" framework
Why Follow Him: Ali Abdaal (a former doctor turned YouTuber) helps young professionals balance work, study, and side hustles. His "12-week year" method—breaking annual goals into 12-week chunks—was a hit in 2021.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Setting vague annual goals (e.g., "Learn Python").
• Best: Breaking goals into 12-week "sprints" (e.g., "Learn Python basics in 12 weeks").
  Example Usage: If your goal is to start a blog, set a 12-week sprint: "Publish 12 blog posts, grow email list to 100 subscribers."
  Key Advice: "The 12-week year turns ‘someday’ into ‘today.’"
  Must-Consume: YouTube Channel "Ali Abdaal", The 12 Week Year (Book, co-authored by Brian P. Moran)

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11. Marie Forleo – Entrepreneurship & Personal Development Coach#

Handle: @marieforleo (Twitter), marieforleo.com
Niche: Entrepreneurship, personal development, "Everything Is Figureoutable"
Why Follow Her: Marie Forleo’s Everything Is Figureoutable (2019) became the anthem for entrepreneurs in 2021. Her "problem-solving muscle" advice helped founders overcome imposter syndrome.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Giving up on a business idea because "I don’t know how to do X."
• Best: Using the "figureoutable" mindset—research, ask for help, and iterate.
  Example Usage: If you don’t know how to build a website, use Squarespace (no code) or hire a freelancer on Upwork.
  Key Advice: "Everything is figureoutable—you just have to be willing to learn."
  Must-Consume: Everything Is Figureoutable (Book), YouTube Channel "MarieTV"

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12. Naval Ravikant – Angel Investing & Wealth-Building Philosopher#

Handle: @naval (Twitter), nav.al
Niche: Angel investing, wealth building, "escape the rat race"
Why Follow Him: Naval Ravikant’s "Twitter threads" on wealth (e.g., "How to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky") went viral in 2021. His advice on "leveraging your strengths" helped entrepreneurs build scalable businesses.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Chasing "hot trends" (e.g., NFTs) instead of building on your strengths.
• Best: Focusing on what you’re good at (e.g., "I’m great at writing—so I’ll start a newsletter").
  Example Usage: Make a list of your top 3 strengths (e.g., writing, teaching, coding). Build a business around one of them.
  Key Advice: "Wealth is not about money—it’s about freedom."
  Must-Consume: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant (Book), Twitter Thread "How to Get Rich"

4. Diversity & Inclusion#

This category features experts who help you build inclusive workplaces, advocate for equity, and amplify marginalized voices.

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13. Vernā Myers – D&I Strategy & Unconscious Bias Expert#

Handle: @VernaMyers (Twitter), vernamyers.com
Niche: Diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), unconscious bias, organizational change
Why Follow Her: Vernā Myers (a former Netflix DEI leader) helps companies move from "check-the-box" DEI to "inclusive culture." Her "Who’s Missing?" framework was critical in 2021.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Hiring one "diverse" employee and calling it "inclusion."
• Best: Asking "Who’s missing?" in every meeting, project, or hiring decision.
  Example Usage: In a team brainstorm, say: "We have 8 people here—all from marketing. Who from sales or customer support should join?"
  Key Advice: "Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance."
  Must-Consume: What If I Say the Wrong Thing? (Book), TED Talk "How to Overcome Our Biases? Walk Boldly Toward Them"

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14. Tarana Burke – Equity & MeToo Movement Founder#

Handle: @TaranaBurke (Twitter), tarana.org
Niche: Sexual harassment, survivor advocacy, "MeToo" movement
Why Follow Her: Tarana Burke founded the MeToo movement in 2006—years before it went viral in 2017. In 2021, her advice on "believing survivors" and "systemic change" helped workplaces become safer.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Ignoring survivor complaints (e.g., "She’s just overreacting").
• Best: Believing survivors and investigating complaints promptly.
  Example Usage: If an employee reports harassment, say: "I believe you. We’ll investigate this immediately."
  Key Advice: "MeToo is about healing—not just calling out."
  Must-Consume: TED Talk "MeToo: It’s Not Just a Hashtag, It’s a Movement"

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15. Ruchika Tulshyan – Inclusion in Tech & Global Workplaces#

Handle: @RuchikaTulshyan (Twitter), ruchikatulshyan.com
Niche: Global inclusion, tech diversity, women in leadership
Why Follow Her: Ruchika Tulshyan’s Inclusive Talent Management (2021) helped global companies manage diverse teams. Her advice on "cultural humility" was essential for remote teams.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Assuming "one size fits all" (e.g., scheduling meetings at 9 AM for a team in 3 time zones).
• Best: Practicing "cultural humility"—asking team members what works for them.
  Example Usage: Send a poll to your team: "What time works best for weekly check-ins?" Use the most popular time.
  Key Advice: "Inclusion isn’t about being ‘perfect’—it’s about being curious."
  Must-Consume: Inclusive Talent Management (Book), Harvard Business Review Column

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16. Ijeoma Oluo – Race, Equity & Social Justice Advocate#

Handle: @ijeomaoluo (Twitter), ijeomaoluo.com
Niche: Race, equity, anti-racism, social justice
Why Follow Her: Ijeoma Oluo’s Mediocre (2021) exposed how white male mediocrity holds back progress. Her advice on "calling in" instead of "calling out" helped allies advocate effectively.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: "Calling out" colleagues for microaggressions (e.g., "That’s racist!").
• Best: "Calling in"—approaching with curiosity (e.g., "Can you help me understand what you meant by that?").
  Example Usage: If a colleague says, "You’re so articulate for a Black woman," respond: "What do you mean by that? I’ve worked hard to develop my communication skills."
  Key Advice: "Anti-racism isn’t a destination—it’s a journey."
  Must-Consume: Mediocre (Book), So You Want to Talk About Race (Book)

5. Freelancing & Gig Economy#

This category features experts who help you build successful freelancing careers, land clients, and thrive in the gig economy.

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17. Matt Mullenweg – Remote Freelancing & Open-Source Pioneer#

Handle: @photomatt (Twitter), ma.tt
Niche: Remote freelancing, open-source software, WordPress
Why Follow Him: Matt Mullenweg (founder of WordPress) is a lifelong remote worker and freelancer. His "remote-first" advice helped freelancers build scalable businesses in 2021.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Working with clients who don’t respect your boundaries (e.g., "Can you finish this tonight?").
• Best: Setting clear expectations upfront (e.g., "I only work 9-5 PST—so deadlines must be by 5 PM").
  Example Usage: Add a "Work Policy" section to your website: "I respond to emails within 24 hours. Rush projects cost 50% extra."
  Key Advice: "Remote work isn’t about where you work—it’s about how you work."
  Must-Consume: WordPress (Platform), Blog "Matt Mullenweg"

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18. Joanna Wiebe – Freelance Copywriting & Client Success Expert#

Handle: @copyhackers (Twitter), copyhackers.com
Niche: Freelance copywriting, client acquisition, "conversion copywriting"
Why Follow Her: Joanna Wiebe’s "Copyhackers" method helps freelancers write copy that converts—and land high-paying clients. Her advice on "portfolio projects" was critical for new freelancers.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Applying to jobs with a "generic portfolio" (e.g., "I wrote a blog post about cats").
• Best: Building a "targeted portfolio" (e.g., "I wrote 3 case studies for SaaS companies").
  Example Usage: If you want to write for SaaS companies, create 2-3 sample case studies (even if they’re "fake"). Add them to your portfolio.
  Key Advice: "Copywriting isn’t about being ‘clever’—it’s about solving problems."
  Must-Consume: Copyhackers (Blog), Course "Conversion Copywriting"

6. Soft Skills & Mindset#

This category features experts who help you build the mindset and soft skills (e.g., vulnerability, grit) that drive long-term success.

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19. Brené Brown – Vulnerability & Courageous Leadership Expert#

Handle: @brenebrown (Twitter), brenebrown.com
Niche: Vulnerability, courage, leadership, shame resilience
Why Follow Her: Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead (2018) redefined leadership—vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s courage. Her advice on "leading with heart" helped managers connect with remote teams.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Hiding mistakes (e.g., "I messed up—but I’ll never tell my team").
• Best: Admitting mistakes (e.g., "I made a wrong call—let’s fix it together").
  Example Usage: In a team meeting, say: "I messed up the timeline for this project. Here’s what I’ll do differently next time."
  Key Advice: "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change."
  Must-Consume: Dare to Lead (Book), TED Talk "The Power of Vulnerability"

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20. Carol Dweck – Growth Mindset & Learning Advocate#

Handle: @mindsetworks (Twitter), mindsetonline.com
Niche: Growth mindset, learning, student success
Why Follow Her: Carol Dweck’s Mindset (2006) introduced the "growth mindset"—the belief that abilities can be developed through effort. In 2021, this was critical for upskilling.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Saying "I’m bad at math" (fixed mindset).
• Best: Saying "I’m not good at math yet" (growth mindset).
  Example Usage: When you struggle with a new skill (e.g., coding), replace "I’m bad at this" with "I’m learning this."
  Key Advice: "The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life."
  Must-Consume: Mindset (Book), Website "Mindset Works"

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21. Angela Duckworth – Grit & Perseverance Researcher#

Handle: @angeladuckworth (Twitter), angeladuckworth.com
Niche: Grit (perseverance + passion), motivation, student success
Why Follow Her: Angela Duckworth’s Grit (2016) found that grit—not IQ or talent—is the best predictor of success. Her advice on "deliberate practice" helped workers master new skills.
Common Practice vs. Best Practice:

• Common: Quitting a skill because "it’s too hard" (e.g., "I’ll never learn Spanish").
• Best: Practicing deliberately (e.g., 15 minutes/day of focused Spanish practice).
  Example Usage: If you want to learn Spanish, use Duolingo for 15 minutes/day. Track your progress weekly.
  Key Advice: "Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint."
  Must-Consume: Grit (Book), TED Talk "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance"

Conclusion: Building a Resilient Career in 2021 and Beyond#

The 21 influencers featured here share one common thread: actionable, evidence-based advice for navigating a rapidly changing workforce. Whether you’re an introvert, a remote worker, an entrepreneur, or an ally, these voices will help you build a career that’s both successful and fulfilling.

Here are three key takeaways:

1. Depth Over Breadth: From Cal Newport’s deep work to Susan Cain’s quiet leadership, focus and intentionality beat "hustle culture."
2. Inclusion Is Non-Negotiable: Vernā Myers, Ijeoma Oluo, and Tarana Burke remind us—diverse teams are more innovative and fairer. Small actions (e.g., "Who’s Missing?") have big impact.
3. Mindset Matters: Carol Dweck’s growth mindset and Angela Duckworth’s grit are the foundation of long-term success. Your abilities aren’t fixed—they’re developed through effort.

In 2021, career success wasn’t about being the "best"—it was about being adaptable, intentional, and kind. These influencers will help you embody those traits.

References#

Here are links to each influencer’s key work and platforms:

1. Adam Grant: Website, Give and Take (Book)
2. Susan Cain: Website, Quiet (Book)
3. Simon Sinek: Website, Start With Why (Book)
4. Liz Ryan: Website, Reinventing Work (Book)
5. Cal Newport: Website, Deep Work (Book)
6. Anne Helen Petersen: Website, Can’t Even (Book)
7. Sarah Drasner: Website, SVG Animations (Book)
8. Jeff Weiner: LinkedIn, The LinkedIn Playbook (Podcast)
9. Pat Flynn: Website, Smart Passive Income (Podcast)
10. Ali Abdaal: YouTube, The 12 Week Year (Book)
11. Marie Forleo: Website, Everything Is Figureoutable (Book)
12. Naval Ravikant: Twitter, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant (Book)
13. Vernā Myers: Website, What If I Say the Wrong Thing? (Book)
14. Tarana Burke: Website, MeToo Movement (Initiative)
15. Ruchika Tulshyan: Website, Inclusive Talent Management (Book)
16. Ijeoma Oluo: Website, Mediocre (Book)
17. Matt Mullenweg: Website, WordPress (Platform)
18. Joanna Wiebe: Website, Copyhackers (Blog)
19. Brené Brown: Website, Dare to Lead (Book)
20. Carol Dweck: Website, Mindset (Book)
21. Angela Duckworth: Website, Grit (Book)