Five Thought Leaders to Follow in 2024

A thought leader, whether an individual or a firm, is recognized as an authority in a specific field, and their expertise is both sought after and rewarded. Beyond contributing to current conversations, thought leaders possess the foresight to anticipate future developments.

However, being a thought leader is not just about insightful thoughts; the leadership component is equally crucial. Thought leaders not only excel in generating ideas but also possess the ability to inspire and influence others. While leaders may have remarkable ideas, true thought leaders demonstrate the courage to express their thoughts and motivate others to take action.

If one of your New Year resolutions is to add more inspirational and thought-provoking people to your list of mentors, here are some thought leaders to consider.

Arthur Carmazzi

In 2023, Arthur Carmazzi significantly influenced the application of AI, metaverse, and work gamification technologies to facilitate rapid change transitions in organizational culture projects. His groundbreaking Wisdom City AI-powered Metaverse revolutionizes cultural fit assessments in hiring and dramatically enhances soft skill training implementation. Utilizing cloned AI avatars of trainers, coaches, and consultants, the metaverse mentors users in addressing real-world people-related challenges through trial-and-error scenario-based quests in a consequence-free environment, allowing for personalized success.

Furthermore, Arthur’s Squadli Work Gamification app has empowered organizations to embody their values, enhance KPI achievement, and boost engagement through practical behaviour gamification and enjoyable performance measurement. His AI systems guide digital transformation experiences, modernization efforts, and adaptive gamification by pinpointing root causes from team questions and linking them to individuals’ success in their organizational culture development journey.

Arthur’s Certified Organizational Culture Consultant program, aligned with the Saudi 2030 vision, has experienced exponential growth in Saudi Arabia. Certified consultants are now partnering with government and private sector organizations, delivering impactful and measurable results within an 80-day timeframe.

Garry Ridge

As the CEO of WD-40 Company since 1997, Garry Ridge has been instrumental in reigniting enthusiasm and cultivating cultures that foster breakthrough innovation across companies and workplaces spanning over 62 countries. Beyond his primary role at WD-40 Company, Garry extends his wealth of experience and insights through executive coaching, consulting, and speaking engagements.

Having successfully transformed a global brand with a market cap of $2.3 billion, Garry’s profound dedication to nurturing workplace cultures that support individual passions has garnered recognition from some of today’s most influential thought leaders. In 2016, Simon Sinek, author of “Start With Why” and “Leaders Eat Last,” named him Igniter of the Year. Inc.com placed him fourth on its list of Top 10 Global CEOs in 2017. His collaboration with Ken Blanchard on the book “Helping People Win at Work” further solidifies his impact.

Garry’s achievements also include receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in Freedom at Work from WorldBlu. His recent contribution to the Marshall Goldsmith/Frances Hesselbein book, “Work is Love Made Visible,” positions him among the world’s greatest thought leaders.

While Garry continues developing his own book projects, others highlight his work at WD-40 Company. Featured in books by Whitney Johnson, William Taylor, and Anthony Tjan, Garry’s contributions to revitalizing innovation are acknowledged. Furthermore, he serves as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, specializing in talent management & succession planning, showcasing his lifelong commitment to helping others learn and develop. Garry is also certified as a coach using the Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder-Centered Coaching model.

Monte Wyatt

Monte Wyatt, a relatable realist, advocates for intentional leadership, influence, and life and business management. With over three decades of profound leadership, business strategy, and personal development experience, he guides executives and business owners toward greater emotional connections within their organizations.

Rooted in a strong work ethic developed on an Iowa family farm, Monte transitioned from sowing corn to cultivating global success by leading, managing, and training teams.

Recognized as a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling Author for “Pulling Profits Out of a Hat,” Monte earned a spot in the 2022 Success 125 by Success Magazine and the Brainz 500 influencer list for 2021.

As the CEO of AddingZEROS Executive Development, Monte empowers organizations to not only retain but also grow their workforce strategically.

Tasha Eurich

Dr. Tasha Eurich, an organizational psychologist, researcher, and New York Times best-selling author, leverages scientific insights to guide leaders, from early-stage entrepreneurs to public company CEOs, toward impactful and measurable transformations. Specializing in executive coaching, executive team development, and leadership and high-potential development, she brings expertise cultivated through direct interactions with over 20,000 leaders and live engagements with audiences worldwide.

With clients ranging from Salesforce and the NBA to Walmart, KPMG, and the White House Leadership Development Program, Dr. Eurich’s global influence extends across continents, excluding Antarctica. Recognized in 2019 as one of the top 30 emerging management thinkers by Thinkers50 and named the #1 self-awareness coach worldwide by Marshall Goldsmith, her TEDxMileHigh talks have garnered over six million views.

Contributing to Harvard Business Review, Dr. Eurich’s thought leadership has been featured in esteemed outlets such as NPR, Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Her debut book, “Bankable Leadership,” secured the #8 spot on The New York Times best-seller list. Dr. Eurich’s latest book, “Insight,” explores the nexus between self-awareness and success, earning acclaim as a “bold, exhilarating take on self-improvement” by Success Magazine and a “fascinating read” by The Guardian. Famed Wharton Business School professor Adam Grant regards it as one of the three books he recommends most frequently.

Chester Elton

Chester Elton, a No. 1 bestselling business author and expert in organizational culture, employee engagement, and leadership, stands as one of today’s most influential voices in workplace trends. With a career spanning two decades, he has dedicated himself to assisting clients in engaging their employees for the effective execution of strategy, vision, and values.

In his talks, Chester Elton, known as the “apostle of appreciation” by Canada’s Globe and Mail, delivers provocative, inspiring, and entertaining insights. As a co-author of New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling leadership books such as “All In,” “The Carrot Principle,” and “The Best Team Wins,” Elton provides tangible solutions for leaders navigating change, driving innovation, and leading a multi-generational workforce.

Supported by research involving over 850,000 working adults, Elton unveils the proven secrets behind high-performance cultures and teams. His impact is acknowledged by major publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Global Gurus ranked him #15 among the world’s top leadership experts and #10 among organizational culture experts in 2017.

Beyond his authorship, Elton co-founded The Culture Works, a global training company, and serves on the board of Camp Corral, a non-profit for the children of wounded and fallen military heroes. As a leadership consultant for firms like American Express, AT&T, Avis Budget Group, and Procter & Gamble, he continues to contribute to shaping successful organizational cultures.

READ ALSO: The Art of Leading Through Crisis: Building Resilience in Uncertain Times