Today, we will review the final stage of my thought leader journey.
Since we are only halfway through this decade, this list was a bit more interesting to create.
The Background
Like everyone reading this, the 2020s started different than we planned.
A year of lockdown.
Where and how we work experienced massive change.
My decade started navigating the new corporate waters at MRM.
And, by the end of 2022, I was out on my own – coaching and doing fractional projects.
On the home front, my daughter got married and my son finished college.
With a lot of change and new areas of focus, that shaped those I follow.
I am more interested in how work structures and models are changing.
I continue to dive deeper into the world of personal development.
Here are the thought leaders emerging so far this decade.
My Top 5 Thought Leaders
Daniel Pink – A leading voice on the future of work, motivation, and human behavior. I have seen his books throughout my career but had not previously picked them up. Ironically, the one I selected this past year was Free Agent Nation (from 2001) which predicted the rise of independent work and the gig economy. The ideas in the book are even more relevant today. His later books, including Drive, When, and The Power of Regret explore the science of motivation, timing, and how individuals can work more effectively in today’s evolving landscape.
Robert Snyder – Known for his work on positive psychology, Snyder’s The Psychology of Hope examines how hope influences resilience, well-being, and achievement. This book was written in 2003 and I’m not sure how I stumbled on it. His research highlights the role of goal setting, agency, and pathways thinking in fostering a mindset that drives success. Knowing that there is a formula to hope has shifted my thinking on how to support others in meeting their personal goals.
Jen Fisher – As a thought leader in workplace well-being, her book Work Better Together caught my attention emphasizing the importance of human connection in creating a healthy, thriving workplace. She advocates for well-being as a business strategy, offering insights on how relationships and collaboration drive engagement and productivity. I also enjoy her Work Well podcast.
Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis – Founders of the Squiggly Careers movement, Tupper and Ellis challenge traditional career paths and advocate for adaptability, self-awareness, and lifelong learning. I read their book and listen to their podcast which both carry the name Squiggly Careers. They provide practical advice on navigating career changes, developing skills, and embracing a non-linear approach to work.
Bruce Feiler – A thought leader on life transitions and personal reinvention. I first read his book The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World when it came out in 2023. From there, I read Life Is in the Transitions which explores how individuals navigate change and build meaningful lives. His books combine research, interviews, and storytelling to offer insights on resilience, adaptability, and embracing uncertainty.
Summary
So far, the 2020s appear to be focused on the evolution of “careers”.
The linear, corporate progress seems to be disappearing.
In its place we see squiggly, portfolio, and free-agent models emerging.
I’m not sure where the decade will go from here.
Yet, I know this list of authors are shaping my perspective.
Your Turn
Are you familiar with these thought leaders?
Are there any on the list that you want to explore further?
Who would you add to this list of thought leaders who shaped your perspective in the 2020s?