Jeff Weiner

“Personally, Jeff, has impacted my journey so much during his tenure as CEO of LinkedIn. In so doing, he has shown me the true personification of servant leadership. Jeff has showed up for me in ways that have changed the trajectory of my career and life, and he did so without knowing me, initially. While I was searching for an internship in 2017, Jeff showed up (commented on my LinkedIn post) and said “Akosua, would be surprised if something doesn’t materialize.” This played a massive part in where I am in my career at Microsoft today. He showed up to support my first LinkedIn Live stream as a beta tester for the feature. I told him the day and time. I was nervous, had never beta tested anything before. I asked the audience “can anyone see and hear me?” and he showed up, saying, “can hear and see you perfectly”. His support is incredible. When I wrote my first article documenting #theBOLDjourney, Jeff showed up - “This is just the beginning.” Again with the encouragement. To say the least, Jeff has used his power and platform as CEO of LinkedIn to not only empower me but, to uplift millions, globally. In addition, through the #plusonepledge he initiated during his tenure, he ensured that others show up for one another, as well. Jeff, thank you for always showing up. And for embodying the true meaning of the Ngoni Bantu word, “Ubuntu” (I am, because we are).”

“While I was at Yahoo!, I had the honor of working for Jeff on the Yahoo! Teachers social networking product. Jeff was our executive sponsor on this project and he was our strongest and most passionate advocate. His knowledge of the consumer Internet and youth media space was invaluable and his strategic eye was instrumental in moving our product from a hack day idea into a full beta. On this project Jeff also demonstrated his deep and unwavering commitment to social responsibility. Jeff is a doer. Throughout his tenure on this project he was always more than willing to channel the many resources at Yahoo!, as well as his many connections, to help improve public education in this country. Jeff is a truly exceptional, visionary and inspiring leader. It was a true pleasure to have had the opportunity to work for Jeff Weiner. It was, and continues to be, a highlight of my career.”