The Future Leader Forum

Want to go viral on LinkedIn™? Their editor-in-chief has a message for you: Try that somewhere else. "When things go viral on LinkedIn™, usually that's a sign to us that we need to look into this, because that's not celebrated internally," says Dan Roth, LinkedIn™ editor-in-chief. So what is celebrated? That answer has changed over the past several months, as LinkedIn™ made significant updates to the way its feed works. As a result, content is differently rewarded by the new algorithm, and reach has declined by more than half for most content creators. https://lnkd.in/dtMisyyU

The fastest way to advance your #career --- this is how Bronwyn Pretorius CM(SA), today the Chief Marketing Officer at South Africa's leading retailer Ackermans, accelerated her career by saying YES anytime she was asked to "help the business be better" Episode 39 of the LinkedIn #Leadership Series "Africa's Leading Women" Hosted by The Future Leader Forum

Following the highly successful 1st and 2nd editions of the Future of Leadership Summit™, which were hosted in partnership with Brand South Africa and addressed by The Presidency of South Africa, the Premier of Gauteng, the MEC Finance of Gauteng, the MMC Finance City of Joburg and attended by 250 prominent leaders from South Africa’s leading Brands (including PPS, ABSA, INVESTEC, FNB, MTN, Liberty, Vodacom, Nedbank, NYDA, Momentum, Old Mutual, GIFS, Discovery, Transunion, Africonology), The 2025 Future of Jobs Summit™ will bring together 200 prominent South African Leaders to co-create an Implementation Roadmap to equipping South Africa’s Youth with the Skills of the Future and enabling the Jobs of the Future. This prestigious event will discuss solutions to South Africa’s Youth Unemployment, and in particular the following areas (in alignment with South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 and the 7th Administration’s Strategic Priority of driving Inclusive Growth & Job Creation): • The use of Artificial Intelligence & Technology to grow South Africa’s Economy (#AI4Jobs) • Growing Jobs at Scale in South Africa’s TOP10 Growth Industries of the Future • Making South Africa the World’s Premier Destination for Business Tourism  • Propelling South Africa into the TOP10 Business Destinations by 2030 • Attracting & Retaining South Africa’s TOP Talent & Critical Skills • Making South Africa financially and economically inclusive The outcome of the 2025 Future of Jobs Summit™ will be South Africa’s Inaugural Future of Jobs Report which will be tabled to The Presidency, Parliament and the SETA’s (please see the 2024 Report titled “South Africa’s Brain Gain Report” at https://lnkd.in/dT3-D9UK )

The Future of Jobs is no longer a distant concept - it is happening now. With every passing year, the forces shaping global labor markets gain momentum, demanding that we not only adapt but also anticipate what lies ahead. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 offers critical insights into these changes, which we’ll explore in this article, while tying them into the upcoming Future of Jobs Summit 2025. This event will not only amplify these findings but also serve as a platform for action. Key Drivers Shaping the Future of Jobs #thefuturejobs #leadership

When you take a step back, to move your #career forward in a different direction: this is how 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗯𝗲𝘀𝗲, today an Executive at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and Advisor to the Deputy President of South Africa, took her career to the next level... Episode 38 of the LinkedIn #Leadership Series "Africa's Leading Women" Hosted by The Future Leader Forum

In today’s world, #leadership is not defined by the number of people who follow you, but by the depth of the #trust you build within those relationships. Trust is the foundation upon which every great leader is built, and in our fast-paced, results-driven society, the need for trust-based leadership has never been more urgent. I’m excited to announce the launch of my latest book, "The Trusted Leader: How to Build Relationships That Last". This book is a culmination of twenty years of experience, research, and deep conversations with leaders across industries, all of whom shared a common concern: how to lead in a way that not only inspires others but also cultivates relationships that are meaningful and enduring. Why Trust is the Heart of Leadership As a leader, you’re constantly tasked with making decisions, guiding teams, and driving results. But what sets apart the truly great leaders from the rest is their ability to inspire trust. Trust is not something that is given lightly, nor is it something that can be demanded. It is something that must be earned, consistently demonstrated, and nurtured. Without trust, even the most competent leader will struggle to build a lasting impact. Trust is what drives engagement, collaboration, and loyalty. It’s the bedrock upon which strong teams are built and high-performing cultures are created. Without it, everything else in leadership becomes tenuous, fragile, and short-lived... #leadership

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, leadership is no longer just about making decisions—it's about building trust, forging authentic relationships, and inspiring loyalty that endures. The Trusted Leader: How to Build Relationships that Last offers a transformative approach to leadership, showing you how to become the kind of leader others not only follow but trust deeply. This book is a roadmap to developing a leadership style rooted in transparency, empathy, empowerment, and consistency. By focusing on the foundational elements of trust, Dr. Nik reveals how to unlock the potential in yourself and your team, creating lasting bonds that foster success. Inside this book, you’ll discover: ...

7 signs it’s time to detox your leadership today: 1. Don’t expect loyalty when trust is broken. ☑ Leadership isn’t a title; it’s a responsibility. ☑ Teams follow leaders they trust—not fear. ☑ Celebrate transparency, not authority. 2. Stop managing, start empowering. ☑ Micromanagement kills innovation. ☑ Autonomy builds accountability. ☑ Trust your team to rise to the occasion. 3. Address the elephant in the room. ☑ Toxic cultures thrive on silence. ☑ Speak openly about challenges. ☑ Feedback is a gift—accept it humbly. 4. Be consistent in your values, not just your actions. ☑ Walk your talk—integrity builds respect. ☑ Values are non-negotiable, even under pressure. ☑ Set the example you want mirrored. 5. Recognize people, not just results. ☑ Celebrate individual contributions. ☑ Acknowledge effort, not just outcomes. ☑ Remember: happy teams achieve more. 6. Learn to listen, not just respond. ☑ Leadership is a two-way street. ☑ Listen to understand, not to reply. ☑ Your team’s insights are your greatest asset. 7. Prioritize growth over control. ☑ Stifling potential drives good people away. ☑ Invest in development—not dominance. ☑ Let your team’s success become your legacy. Let’s simplify it—own your part: ✔ Self-awareness is the antidote to toxicity. ✔ Apologize when you’re wrong—it’s not weakness, it’s strength. ✔ Lead with humility to earn respect, not demand it. Here’s your challenge: For 30 days, Schedule time to mentor, not manage. Hold open forums for honest feedback. Celebrate a win from someone else every day. You can’t change others without changing yourself first. ♻️ Repost this to help someone in your network detox their leadership. PS: I’m drafting an entire article on leadership detox for free—stay tuned!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻™? Here's what #coauthorstudio has to say about mine - in case you are looking to establish yourself as an #IndustryLeader in 2025, here are three essential steps to guide you: 𝟭. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 In 2025, differentiation is the name of the game. Your audience doesn’t need another echo - they’re looking for authentic insights, fresh perspectives, and ideas that challenge the status quo. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀: ❶ Identify your niche within your industry - what do you want to be known for? ❷ Align your expertise with what your audience values most. ❸ Share stories that reflect your unique journey and purpose. 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Your leadership brand thrives on authenticity. Don’t shy away from sharing personal experiences that shaped your professional outlook. 𝟮. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 Consistency builds credibility. In a noisy digital landscape, the leaders who stand out are the ones who show up regularly, offering value without asking for anything in return. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀: ❶ Post at least 2-3 times a week on LinkedIn. Share thought-provoking content, valuable tips, or success stories that your audience can relate to. ❷ Engage actively - comment on posts, answer questions, and participate in industry discussions. ❸ Use a mix of formats: videos, articles, and short-form posts to keep your audience engaged. 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Remember, consistency doesn’t just mean frequency—it also means maintaining the same high quality in everything you share. 𝟯. 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 True leaders lift others as they rise. In 2025, the most respected industry leaders will be those who prioritize collaboration over competition and give generously to their network. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀: ❶ Shine the spotlight on others in your industry—celebrate their achievements, share their insights, and support their initiatives. ❷ Offer mentorship or guidance to aspiring professionals in your field. ❸ Create opportunities for others to succeed, whether through partnerships, introductions, or thought leadership events. 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽: By elevating others, you position yourself as a trusted and respected leader who inspires loyalty and goodwill. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 Building your Industry Leadership Brand in 2025 isn’t just about visibility - it’s about creating value, fostering trust, and making a meaningful impact in your industry. So, how will you take the first step toward becoming a recognized industry leader in 2025? Let me know in the comments below

𝟱 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻™ 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: How to Stay Ahead of the Game To make the most of LinkedIn™ in 2025, here are five trends shaping how you can best connect, engage, and grow: 𝟭. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 The days of generic posts are behind us. In 2025, storytelling will reign supreme. People resonate with authenticity, vulnerability, and narratives that inspire. Whether it’s sharing lessons learned, personal milestones, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, the human element in your posts will set you apart. 𝟮. 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 Short-form videos are dominating the feed and LinkedIn™ have even created a menu item next to the home page for short videos that are on topic. Whether it’s thought leadership snippets, interviews, or Q&A sessions, video content offers an unmatched way to build trust and showcase expertise. 𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 LinkedIn™ is increasingly becoming a space for communities, not just individual connections. Collaborative efforts like webinars and summits are gaining momentum. The focus is shifting from numbers to meaningful, value-driven networks. Build or join micro-communities that align with your goals to deepen relationships. 𝟰. 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻™ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Upskilling remains crucial, and LinkedIn™ Learning is taking center stage. Professionals are prioritizing certifications and bite-sized courses to stay relevant in fast-changing industries. Sharing these learning journeys on your profile can enhance your credibility. Share takeaways from your latest courses and encourage your network to do the same. 𝟱. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Thought leadership is moving beyond expertise. It’s about offering fresh perspectives on industry challenges, fostering dialogue, and being a consistent source of inspiration. Your audience is looking for more than what you know - they want to see how you think. Write long-form posts that showcase your unique views on emerging industry trends. LinkedIn™ in 2025 isn’t just about being seen - it’s about being remembered. Whether you’re building your personal brand, growing your business, or fostering meaningful connections, these trends can help you stay ahead. #linkedIn #leadership #2025trends