You must stay up to speed with the latest human resources (HR) practices so you can more effectively manage talent and set your company up for success. One of the best ways to remain informed about new HR trends involves following industry leaders and HR influencers.
The world's top HR leadership professionals frequently share insights about career development, talent acquisition, and the global talent market. Not sure which members of the HR profession are worth watching and connecting with? Here's a list of the top human resource management pros and influencers you should follow in 2024.
Why should you follow HR industry leaders on LinkedIn?
Hitting the "follow" button on the profile of an experienced chief human resources officer and other thought leaders in HR will help you adapt to the future of work. You'll learn new concepts about employee engagement and talent management that guide your own leadership strategies.
These professionals discuss HR and leadership topics, provide updates on exciting HR technology, and have a proven track record in the industry. A reputable influencer often has a significant audience and may be able to provide great networking opportunities.
What is the sign of a good HR influencer?
Any HR influencer you follow should have deep experience in the industry.
This doesn't mean they need to have held a CHRO or even HR manager role. However, having experience as a recruiter, benefits coordinator, generalist, or another member of the team is key, as it shows they understand the challenges of HR and have proven ideas, which lends credibility to their content.
Additionally, a good HR influencer should have an authentic voice. In addition to a proven track record in the industry, they should be thought leaders who offer innovative ideas and practical solutions.
HR influencers should share original thoughts and perspectives on the industry. Valuable content doesn't just echo your current sentiment — it pushes you to think beyond it. Don't just look to the person who knows how to use industry buzzwords. Make sure you're following those who bring unique insight to the space.
A good human resources influencer consistently provides valuable content and engages with their audience. HR changes at a rapid clip. An influencer who's consistently in the mix offering insight is one you know is keeping up with trends and thinking about how they affect today's HR professionals.
At the same time, you should see that the influencer you want to follow regularly engages in the comments. Authentic influence is about building relationships, and that's what consistent engagement accomplishes. Engagement ensures that the influencer views themselves as a part of the broader HR community.
According to Gartner, optimizing HR technology is a huge focal point for HR leaders in 2025 and beyond. Over half of HR leaders don't have the technology to meet business needs. Showing how technology can improve HR is a critical gap influencers need to fill.
Consequently, you should look for individuals who are connected to the world of HR technology as well. Individuals on our list regularly attend HR technology conferences and make sure they are up to date on the latest developments in the field.
Finally, the most reputable social media personalities will have also been recognized by their peers for their contributions.
You don't only have to follow those who have held leadership roles at major Fortune 500 companies or won awards in the HR space. However, there should be some evidence that the information they provide is sound and resonates with the community.
The right credentials can signal that an influencer’s content is trustworthy. They can also promise that taking the person’s advice will prove beneficial for your organization.
Here's a list of HR professionals you should follow:
There are tons of personalities on social platforms. All the noise can make it tough to decide who to follow, so we've compiled a list that includes big names, up-and-comers, and trailblazers to help you connect with the influencers who best align with your goals and preferences.
Thought leaders in Tech & Data
1. Daniel Huerta
Daniel Huerta has established himself as an HR technology genius. He spent nearly a decade in the human resources tech space before transitioning to a more consultative role. He specializes in helping businesses improve the employee experience through the power of HR software. Huerta can help your business undergo a digital transformation while simultaneously keeping people at the center of your mission and vision.
The latest tech will help you unlock valuable insights about the employee experience. People analytics tools reveal causal factors behind attrition, dissatisfaction, and performance shortcomings. Using these tools will give you a competitive edge and help you hire and retain top talent.
2. Ben Eubanks
Ben Eubanks, another HR leader who has leaned into the evolution of technology, has published a book about using artificial intelligence for human resources and provides detailed insights about how AI can support a successful workforce.
He frequently posts about the impact of AI on talent management and workforce planning. His forward-thinking approach makes Eubanks an essential follow for anyone interested in the future of HR.
3. Jacob Morgan
Jacob Morgan, a best-selling author and keynote speaker, describes himself as a "futurist" whose eagerness to embrace the next generation of work sets him apart from other influencers. He frequently provides insights into workplace trends and can translate complete data into digestible information.
Morgan's LinkedIn posts cover a wide range of topics, including employee engagement, leadership, and the impact of technology. His forward-looking approach can help broaden your field of view.
4. William Tincup
William Tincup is the president of RecruitingDaily and a renowned HR influencer. He has a wealth of expertise in HR tech, employee engagement, and recruitment. Tincup's LinkedIn posts encourage his followers to examine old problems from a fresh perspective.
His innovative approaches to recruitment are making an undeniable impact on the talent acquisition space. His extensive experience and thought leadership in the human resources technology space make him a valuable resource for HR pros. Follow Tincup's LinkedIn profile and get a glimpse into his unique way of thinking. You can also subscribe to RecruitingDaily for even more news.
5. Josh Bersin
Josh Bersin has embraced the concept of data-driven HR. He became renowned for his work as an HR analyst who uses data collection and analysis to guide strategic leadership efforts. His company frequently publishes actionable insights that can provide a deep understanding of the future workplace experience.
Don't worry. Bersin and his team don't just bombard you with boring graphs and endless streams of numbers. They connect real-world data to specific actions so you can create more innovative strategies. You can apply these insights to your workplace goals. Whether you want to make work more exciting or you need help improving employee well-being, his company's insights can help.
6. Brigette Hyacinth
Brigette Hyacinth is a world-renowned expert and thought leader on all things leadership and human resources. Her top-ranked book, "The Future of Leadership: Rise of Automation, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence," showcases her keen insight into the AI and digital transformation space.
As the CEO and founder of Leadership EQ, Hyacinth's focus goes beyond merely pointing out how you can use technology to improve operational efficiency. Instead, she emphasizes the human side of digital transformation.
Whether providing the option of remote or hybrid work or helping employees become more efficient, Hyacinth pushes ideas that help companies use technology as a way to move toward human-centered practices that build trust, empathy, and loyalty among the workforce.
Thought leaders in DEI
7. Tara Furiani
Tara Furiani has built a brand around her moniker "No the HR Lady." Bold and outspoken, Furiani has committed her life to challenging traditional human resources practices and advocating for more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Her content often addresses difficult topics such as workplace discrimination, mental health, and employee advocacy. Her candid approach and commitment to driving positive change in HR make Furiani an inspiring figure to follow.
8. Kathleen Hogan
Kathleen Hogan, the Chief People Officer at Microsoft and a respected leader in the human resources community, has transformed organizational culture and driven diversity. Her inclusion initiatives have positioned her as a supporter of inclusivity.
Hogan frequently shares her experiences and insights on LinkedIn. You'll find valuable advice on leadership and building inclusive workplaces. She also provides tips for boosting employee engagement. Check out her profile and open yourself up to all sorts of innovative ideas and insights that will help you become a better leader.
Thought leaders in Talent Management
9. Meghan Biro
Meghan Biro, the founder of TalentCulture and an influential HR tech analyst, has showcased her skills as a writer and speaker. She has developed a reputation for providing actionable insights on talent management.
Biro's LinkedIn posts often highlight emerging trends in HR and offer practical advice for leveraging tech in your day-to-day workflows. Her thought leadership and extensive industry knowledge make her a must-follow for HR professionals.
10. Hebba Youssef
Want to learn more from a dynamic leader who specializes in talent management? Follow Hebba Youssef. Youssef has developed a reputation for connecting with employees and helping businesses build better workplace cultures. She has a rich background in corporate and consulting roles.
The "I Hate It Here" podcast and newsletter represent two of Youssef's most well-known achievements. During the weekly show, Youssef provides practical tips to help you reduce stress in the workplace. Use her tips to improve employee relations and promote organizational development.
11. Gautam Ghost
Gautam Ghost, an HR and social media expert with a deep understanding of the Indian human resources landscape, provides valuable insights on talent management and employer branding. Ghost also helps business leaders leverage social media to attract and nurture top talent.
Ghost's LinkedIn profile is a rich source of information on human resources best practices and the latest trends in the industry. His global perspective makes him an essential follow.
12. Katrina Kibben
Katrina Kibben is yet another influencer shouting from the rooftops about human-centered practices, particularly when it comes to the candidate experience. As the founder of Three Ears Media and the very first member of Monster.com's social media team, Katrina knows — and shares — what it takes to attract the right talent.
Yes, Kibben is well-known for helping companies craft job postings that attract the right applicants and reduce time-to-fill. She did work for Monster.com, after all. However, she also encourages HR leaders to go beyond that, creating consistent hiring processes that make things efficient and equitable for everyone involved.
13. Chad Sowash and Joel Cheeseman
If you're looking to hear about HR through an unfiltered lens, Chad Sowash and Joel Cheeseman are the guys to turn to.
These up-and-comers are the hosts of "The Chad and Cheese Podcast," also known as "HR's Most Dangerous Podcast." On their platform, Sowash and Cheeseman offer a brash and snarky take on everything "people and workforce," from recruitment marketing to talent management to the economics of hiring.
Fortunately, these seasoned hosts are offering more than just no-holds-barred opinions on the industry.
Sowash has provided HR consulting services to Fortune 500 companies for over 20 years, while Cheeseman has been recruiting in tech since the late 90s. They're here to give you the scoop on the latest HR news and trends and help you get real about how to apply them to your organization.
Thought leaders in Career and Talent Development
14. Adam Weber
Adam Weber's "Lead Like a Human" motto speaks to his commitment to doing things differently. His executive coaching firm, 15Five, encourages workers to create psychologically safe workspaces. He also emphasizes the importance of honesty, transparency, and integrity in the workplace. By making these concepts a part of your organizational culture, you can create a better environment that promotes innovation.
Weber offers a variety of consultative services. He can help with team building, leadership development, or simply refocusing your company's culture.
15. Trish Steed
Trish Steed, also known as Trish McFarlane, has used her position as the CEO of H3 HR Advisors to build a reputation as a prominent HR consultant. She's an expert in human resources strategy and leadership development. Steed also hosts the HR Happy Hour podcast, in which she and a guest discuss current HR trends and best practices with industry experts.
Check out her podcast during your daily commute. The short, snappy episodes can help jumpstart your day or give you a few fresh ideas to use in the coming week.
16. Laurie Reuttimann
Laurie Reuttimann, an HR consultant, author, and speaker known for her no-nonsense approach to human resources, has developed quite a following. Her book "Betting on You" provides career advice and encourages readers to steer the trajectory of their careers. It's about taking control over where your professional journey leads you instead of just going along for the ride.
What should you do with advice from HR influencers?
Ultimately, HR influencers are there to help you think differently about your practices. As such, their content should help you learn new ideas and trends. You don't have to take every piece of advice an influencer offers. However, you might happen upon a few golden nuggets of wisdom that are worth incorporating into your work.
Still, it's vital that you think strategically about how to implement an influencer's advice. Here's how you can make use of influencer content while ensuring that you're doing what's right for your organization:
Align advice with business strategy
If you're following the influencers on this list, you'll likely end up with more good insight and advice than you know what to do with. Many of them are experts with decades of experience, lending serious weight to their recommendations.
It's a good idea to stay informed about all aspects of HR. However, when it comes to implementing advice from influencers, stick with what aligns best with your organization's goals and objectives. In a world where information is super-abundant, a narrower filter will help keep you focused on what matters most.
Start small
With so many ideas put forth by the influencers you follow, it's easy to get stoked about revolutionizing your own HR strategy. Whatever area you decide to focus on first, avoid trying to implement everything you're learning at the same time.
Starting small will help you steer clear of overwhelm, which can easily sabotage your efforts. When you take incremental steps, it can also make it easier to measure your progress and make the necessary tweaks before moving on to the next idea or strategy.
Personalize, don't generalize
Many influencers are or were top leaders at some of the world's most prominent organizations. They aren't just pulling ideas out of thin air — they've used the advice they're offering to build renowned companies.
You might understandably be eager to implement their advice, hoping that it will yield similar results. However, it's important to remember that every business is different. Even if you use the same strategies, you may not see the same outcomes.
Be open to the idea that your results may be different than what you expected and that every idea — no matter how great — may not be right for you. Take the advice that works and forget the rest.
The Takeaway
Following HR leaders can help you gain perspective on your own business, learn new strategies, and inspire you to make your company a better place to work. These HR professionals can help you do just that and provide tips to cultivate an engaging company culture. Add these influencers to your LinkedIn page and diversify your talent management strategy.
Want to become an HR influencer with Confetti? Join our community of HR experts in shaping the future of remote work and bring your unique expertise to the table on important topics such as leadership, employee engagement, and more.
