To say that the world of HR is constantly changing is an understatement. HR professionals all over the globe are finding innovative ways to keep up to date with HR changes. And this is why it’s more important than ever to focus on your HR goals so that your organization can combat future challenges that may come your way. The 12 HR influencers mentioned in this blog post will help you stay on top of the latest industry news and HR trends, allowing you to make a real impact.
Why should you follow HR influencers?
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of all things HR, there’s no better place to start than following the leading thought leaders in the industry. From HR podcasts to HR conferences, the HR influencers mentioned below are sure to help you keep up-to-date with the ever-changing demands of HR.
With thousands of HR experts on the scene, knowing which ones to follow can be overwhelming. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a comprehensive list featuring the top influencers in HR, and we’ve broken it down by niche for your convenience. Ready to up your HR game?
HR Tech Influencers
Josh Bersin
It goes without saying that Josh Bersin is probably one of the most notable thought leaders in the HR tech space. He’s a global industry analyst, researcher, educator, and technology analyst covering all aspects of corporate HR, training, talent management, recruiting, leadership, and workplace technology.
If that’s not enough to gain a following, he’s also a keynote speaker who advises HR teams and vendors worldwide in the HR industry. Josh aims to improve work-life globally by helping HR professionals. He is passionate about HR technology and its positive impact on the workplace.
You can find Josh on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
Steve Boese
Another big name in the HR tech industry is Steve Boese. Steve is the Co-Chair of the HR Technology Conference with H3 HR Advisors Inc, an award-winning blogger, author, speaker, and moderator. He’s also a technology editor and writer for the Human Resource Executive Magazine.
Steve co-hosts the weekly HR Happy Hour Show and Podcast, where he talks about HR, management, leadership, and workplace technology. And to top it off, he has over twenty years of experience implementing enterprise technologies for human resources.
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn and Twitter. You can also find out more on his website.
Jason Averbook
Next on the list of HR technology superstars is none other than Jason Averbook. Jason’s a leading analyst, thought leader, and consultant in human resources, the future of work, and the impact technology has on the future of work.
A great reason to follow Jason is that he’s constantly rethinking how to better design and deliver employee services that meet the workforce’s evolving expectations and business needs.
He has over twenty years of experience in the HR and technology industries and has collaborated with many industry-leading companies to transform their HR organizations. Pretty impressive, right?
Find Jason on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
DE&I Influencers
Verna Myers
First up on the DE&I influencer list is Vernå Myers. Vernå is the Vice President of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, a cultural innovator, and a social commentator. She’s well-known for her inspirational keynote speeches, valuable insights, and ability to help people bridge differences and connect more meaningfully.
Vernå currently leads a diverse team of talent in implementing strategies to integrate cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity into all aspects of Netflix’s global operations. Her DE&I training through her company helps organizations eradicate differences-based barriers.
She’s the author of two best-selling books, ‘Moving Diversity Forward’ and ‘What If I Say The Wrong Thing.’ Plus, her TED talk, ‘How to Overcome Our Biases? Walk Boldy Towards Them’ has been viewed more than four million times!
Find Vernå on LinkedIn, Twitter, and her website.
Leila McKenzie-Delis
Next on the DE&I influencer list is Leila McKenzie-Delis. As the Founder and CEO of DIAL (Diverse Inclusive Aspirational Leaders) Global and the Founder of the McKenzie Delis Foundation, Leila has proved to be a leading figure in diversity and inclusion.
She’s a keynote speaker with aims to inspire more than one hundred chief executives to sign the ‘CEO Activist and Moving the Dial on Diversity Pledge’ to take positive action in their companies.
Leila also co-created a movement to “put diversity and inclusion at the top of the corporate agenda.” In addition to this, she also hosts high-profile quarterly events, bringing together like-minded thought leaders from the industry to accelerate positive change in the workplace.
You can find Leila on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr
Last but not least on the DE&I influencer list, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. Johnny is the President and CEO of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Boasting over 300,000 members in 165 countries, SHRM is the largest HR trade association in the world, impacting the lives of 115 million employees every day.
Johnny is a global leader in the future of employment, culture, and leadership. He’s a respected voice on all matters affecting work, employees, and the workplace. He has over twenty years as a lawyer, human resources executive, and CEO for both the non-profit and for-profit space, and is the author of the weekly USA Today column, ‘Ask HR.’
Find out more about what Johnny does on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
Talent Management
Ben Eubanks
Ben Eubanks is a renowned speaker, researcher, and analyst covering HR, talent technology, and trends. He has over thirteen years of experience as an in-demand HR influencer.
Ben’s research covers technologies across talent, HR, and learning to understand differentiators, problems solved, and more. His talks with over 300 vendors a year provided the research for his book, ‘Artificial Intelligence for HR and Talent Scarcity.’
He also created the HR podcast, ‘We’re Only Human,’ which focuses on blending research and practical advice to help today’s HR, talent, and learning leaders improve business outcomes.
Find Ben on Linked In and on his website.
Dave Ulrich
Dave Ulrich was ranked as the number one management guru by Business Week, a top five coach on Forbes, and recognized on Thinkers50 as one of the world’s leading business leaders.
If that hasn’t impressed you enough, Dave uses his writing, teaching, and consulting to tackle HR’s biggest challenges. He has written over 300 books and over 200 articles, including ‘The Why of Work: How Great Leaders Build Abundant organizations That Win.’
Dave has helped to shape the HR profession and has been called the “father of HR” and “HR thought leader of the decade” by focusing on HR outcomes, governance, and best practices.
Follow Dave on LinkedIn.
Meghan M. Biro
Meghan M. Biro is a global talent management thought leader, influencer, author, speaker, and analyst. She uses her platform to engage the human connection between talent and recruiters, advocating for the improvement of work.
Meghan is the Founder and CEO of TalentCulture and the Founder of the #WorkTrends Community. She’s collaborated with hundreds of companies, helping them to recruit and empower top talent. Meghan has been voted as one of the top 50 Most Valuable Social Media Influencers by General Sentiment, top 100 on Twitter Business, Leadership, and Tech by Huffington Post, and top 25 HR Trendsetters by HR Examiner.
Find Meghan on LinkedIn, Twitter, and her website.
HR Analytics & Strategy
Brigette Hyacinth
Brigette Hyacinth is a best-selling author and an international keynote speaker on leadership, management, HR, digital transformation, and AI.
She’s been ranked as one of the top 100 Influencers (Learning and Development) and is the Founder of MBA Caribbean Organization, where she conducts sought-after seminars, workshops, and motivational speeches.
Brigette is the author of five books, including ‘Leading the Workforce of the Future: Inspiring a Mindset of Passion, Innovation and Growth.’
Find Brigette on LinkedIn, Twitter, and her website.
David Green
Next up on the list is people analytics influencer David Green. David is a globally respected writer, speaker, and executive consultant on people analytics, data-driven HR, and the future of work.
David is the Executive Director of Insight222, helping organizations create more value and a better employee experience through impactful people analytics. He’s also the Conference Co-Chair and Advisor at People Analytics and Future of Work.
You can find David on LinkedIn and his website.
Recommended For Further Reading
Joost Minnaar
Joost Minnaar is definitely an influencer you’ll want to follow. He travels worldwide, identifying, visiting, and researching pioneering organizations that have become successful by working in radically different ways.
Joost shares the unique stories from his in-depth research to inspire a global change towards more engaging workplaces.
You can find Joost on LinkedIn.
Your path to becoming an HR leader
As you can see, HR professionals can hugely benefit from following industry thought leaders passionate about HR and its impact on today’s organizations worldwide. Expanding your knowledge is a great way to develop your skills as a reputable HR leader, and what better way than staying informed from the best in the industry?
HR influencers are invaluable to keeping up to date with changes, challenges, and topics affecting the way people work. Their innovative ideas and impactful posts make learning a lot more interesting.
Be ahead of the game and take control of your path to becoming the HR leader you’re destined to be. We’ve got just the thing to help you on your way. Read our How to Become a Great HR Leader guide to discover key fundamentals that develop your HR leadership skills.
