Someone once told me that posting regularly on social media would lead to growth and being noticed where you weren’t before. They also warned me I shouldn’t have any particular expectation about what this attention would look like, but to be aware that it would happen.
Well, a few weeks ago, I decided to run an experiment. I would post regularly about climate change, paleontology, and science communication on LinkedIn. I even started a newsletter there, From the Lab to the World, where I share my favorite stories.
I soon found that the warning I received was completely true. Within a week, I gained 1,000 LinkedIn followers and was invited to give a Guest Lecture at UC Irvine by a professor who’s worked hand in hand with the United Nations for decades.
That was unexpected!
After talking to Dr. Bermudez over Zoom, we narrowed down the topic of my talk. I would cover the intersection between globalization and climate change and how often those who suffer the consequences the most are those who did the least to cause it.
“Easy,” I thought.
But Dr. Bermudez had a special request. Her students seem to come to class with a very pessimistic attitude, making them feel like nothing can be done to create a better world. Could I highlight how people their age are making a difference?
The talk was a success, and the students asked meaningful questions afterward. Dr. Bermudez wrote me later that evening, telling me that students had loved the topic and were eager to connect with me, so I gave them my website.
I believe this is a topic that can inspire others, so here’s a summary of the talk I gave.
Read the full story in the link below |