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The Top 10 LinkedIn Thought Leaders You Need To Follow

Sam Cook • February 13, 2025

LinkedIn is shaping up to be the largest go-to space for industry insights, professional growth, and high-value conversations. But with millions of users posting daily, how do you cut through the noise?


More specifically — who’s worth your attention?


You’re in luck. We’ve narrowed your choices down to ten.


Follow these ten thought leaders on LinkedIn and prepare yourself for some solid insights that can change your perspective and how you build your brand on the platform.


Neil Patel (Digital Marketing)

Neil Patel is a powerhouse of insights on SEO, content marketing, and audience growth. His LinkedIn feed is packed with real-world case studies, data-driven strategies, and straight-shooting advice that cuts through the usual marketing fluff. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, Patel’s expertise is invaluable.


Patel frequently shares his own experiments and case studies, providing concrete examples of what works and what doesn’t in digital marketing. His transparency and willingness to share behind-the-scenes insights set him apart from others in the field.


Richard van der Blom (LinkedIn Strategies)

If we had to give someone the J&S Digital Seal of Approval, there’s nobody more deserving than Richard van der Blom. Richard’s insights into LinkedIn growth strategies are sharp, no-nonsense, and practical. He covers everything from optimizing your profile to crafting posts that get real engagement — not just likes but meaningful interactions.


If you’re serious about building a LinkedIn presence that generates business, Richard should be in your feed.


Whitney Johnson (Leadership, Development, and Growth Mindset)

Whitney Johnson shares powerful insights on personal and professional development, encouraging leaders to think beyond the traditional playbook. Her posts challenge conventional thinking while offering real strategies for career and business growth.

Johnson frequently discusses the importance of resilience and continuous learning. She provides actionable advice for professionals looking to advance their careers while maintaining a growth-oriented mindset.


Gary Vaynerchuk (Branding and Business)

Love him or hate him, Gary Vee knows about branding on LinkedIn and beyond.


His relentless energy, no-excuses attitude, and raw business advice make him one of the most influential voices on LinkedIn. Whether you’re in marketing, sales, or entrepreneurship, his content will push you to think bigger and take action.

One of Vaynerchuk’s core messages is the importance of consistency and patience.


 He frequently emphasizes that success doesn’t happen overnight and that long-term effort is the key to building a strong personal brand.


Jon Belsher M.D. (Healthcare Technology)

Are you running a business in the healthcare and health technology niche? If so, you can’t go wrong with dropping Jon Belsher a follow.

As a thought leader in healthcare technology, he dives into everything from AI’s role in patient care to the latest trends in telemedicine. His LinkedIn presence is a goldmine for professionals navigating the intersection of technology and healthcare, making complex topics digestible and relevant.


Beyond discussing industry trends, Belsher also highlights the ethical considerations of healthcare technology. He regularly shares insights on patient privacy, data security, and the responsible use of AI in medicine. His expertise makes him an invaluable resource for anyone working in or interested in healthcare innovation.


Clemence Sop (Philanthropy and Impact)

Is making a positive impact one of your resolutions for 2025? If so, you and your brand will be in good hands with Clemence Sop’s insights.


Clemence is one of the top voices when it comes to leveraging business for social good. Whether she’s highlighting powerful nonprofit initiatives or discussing how companies can integrate social responsibility into their strategy, her insights are both inspiring and actionable.


If you want to see how your business can drive change, Clemence is a must-follow.


Andrew Ng (Machine Learning and AI)

AI is taking over. As machine learning and artificial intelligence evolve at a break-neck pace, who better to unpack all of the latest developments than Andrew Ng?


As the founder of DeepLearning AI, Andrew Ng is a must-follow if you want to stay ahead of the curve in AI and machine learning. Ng shares deep insights on AI’s impact on industries, workforce automation, and the ethical considerations of machine learning.

His content is a mix of technical expertise and forward-thinking discussions that challenge conventional perspectives. Andrew Ng is undoubtedly one of the best thought leaders on LinkedIn to follow for groundbreaking insights into AI, machine learning, and how it can affect your business.


Adam Grant (Organizational Psychology & Leadership)

Great businesses aren’t just built on products — they’re built on people.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, dives into workplace culture, motivation, and leadership. His research-backed insights help business owners and teams rethink the way they work, making his content both engaging and deeply useful.

He uses research studies to back up his insights while making them accessible to a broad audience. Whether you’re a manager, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking to improve workplace dynamics, his content will give you a fresh perspective.


Jorge Chavez (Sales Consulting)

Sales is all about strategy, relationships, and long-term growth, but let’s be honest — the trade can seem like a moving target at times.

Jorge Chavez breaks down complex sales concepts into bite-sized, practical insights. Whether he’s talking about refining outreach strategies or leveraging data-driven sales techniques, his content is direct, insightful, and immediately useful.


What makes Chavez stand out is his no-nonsense approach to sales consulting. He doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of selling, nor does he offer vague motivational advice. Instead, he provides tangible strategies you can apply to your own sales process. If your business relies on sales (and let’s be honest, whose doesn’t?), Chavez is your guy.


Rand Fishkin (SEO and Startups)

SEO and startup growth are constantly evolving, and Rand Fishkin is one of the sharpest minds in both spaces. His LinkedIn content is brutally honest, data-driven, and packed with value, covering everything from search trends to startup strategies.

If you want unfiltered, high-value insights on digital growth, Fishkin delivers.


Make the Most of LinkedIn Thought Leadership

Following these experts is just the beginning. The real value comes from engaging — commenting on posts, sharing insights, and applying what you learn to your own business. After all, LinkedIn isn’t about passive scrolling. It’s about meaningful conversations.

Start by following these leaders, then take it a step further. Publish your own insights, connect with like-minded professionals, and build a presence that adds value.



Are you looking for a team who can level up your LinkedIn strategy? Let’s talk.

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