Chris Donnelly

Founder (Business Acquired by Croud)

Penguin Random House

Upcoming book tentatively called "The Wake Up Call". 

A step by step guide to taking back control of your life and how to create time and freedom.

Signed to Hay House, part of Penguin Random House.

Author

Wake Up with Chris Donnelly

The world has changed. There's no going back. 

This show is here to help. 

This channel is your step by step guide to taking back control and creating time and freedom. 

My favourite thing is helping people achieve their potential. My second favourite thing is building businesses.  

Each week, I sit down with some of the most inspiring leaders, creators, and innovators to uncover their strategies, struggles, and unfiltered truths. It’s not just about hearing incredible stories, it’s about taking those stories and turning them into real, actionable steps.

Podcast Host

The Creator Accelerator by Chris Donnelly

The Creator Accelerator is new 10 week transformational program by Chris Donnelly. 

Through a blend of curriculum, hands on live coaching calls, coach led clinic's and community, you will learn to scale your personal brand, connect with your ICP, develop your business and create outsized opportunities.

Founder

Step By Step Newsletter

Join 500,000+ followers of Step By Step - who read actionable business & personal advice from someone who has actually done it.

Writer

Lottie

Lottie is a SAAS enabled marketplace that helps individuals looking for later life care.

Established the leading brand in the space, achieving a 9 figure valuation and raised $35m in VC funding from General Catalyst & Accel.

Co-Founder

Verb Brands

The Leading Performance & Creative Marketing Agency for Luxury & Premium Brands. 
---
In 2013, while at university, I bootstrapped VERB with the aim to build the leading agency for luxury brands.

In 2017, Verb Brands Limited acquired DBD Media Limited and merged the business into the wider Verb offering. DBD was a 30 people and one of the first SEO and PPC agencies, established in 2000.

December 2021, Verb Brands was acquired by Croud Inc and LDC in an 8 figure deal, giving Verb international scale and was rebranded Croud Luxe.

Founder & CEO

Follow for posts about startups, scale ups, AI & my entrepreneurial journey. Built & sold Verb Brands | Now scaling health tech Lottie.org

I decided to skip the corporate job & start a digital marketing agency at 21. Here is the journey so far: 

Age 21: Bootstrapped Adjust Media at university making websites 
Age 22: Left Uni and rebranded to Verb Brands
Age 27: Acquired DBD Media Ltd, their 20 staff & expanded to digital marketing
Age 28: Won Bugatti & recognised as leading luxury agency
Age 30: Sell entirety of Verb Brands to Croud & LDC in an 8-figure deal
Age 31: Founded Lottie Org w/ Will Donnelly (Grow revenue rapidly, raise $35m & hire 100 people).
Age 33: Launch my Media, Education and Investment business
Age 34: Running an 8-figure business again but with more personal time than before !

It’s been a journey. 

Today through my investment company, we support and invest into Entrepreneurs running incredible businesses, and with our experience as operators, help them scale. 

If you are a founder of a profitable and growing company with approximately $1m+ EBITDA, and you want to see if you can grow faster, reach out. 

If you are not at that level yet, I produce resources to help you get there. 

I run a podcast called Wake Up, and produce content on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram for free.

Commercial enquiries for speaking or brand deals: enquiries@chris-donnelly.co.uk

Found CRM by Lottie 

A cloud-based care home operation software, mapped and built specifically to the care and retirement industries unique customer journey and supports care homes with CRM, Occupancy, Administration and Finance

Found results in a higher conversion rate, better attribution of marketing spend, saved time and ultimately high occupancy.

9 Major Neuromarketing Concepts You MUST Know 👇

These will change the way you sell.

Awesome carousel from Tom Pestridge 🔥

1. The Framing Effect
↳ People perceive things differently depending on how you describe it. 

2. The Affordability Illusion
↳ Breaking down a large amount into smaller parts makes it more accessible. 

3. The Rule of 3
↳ No one will go for the cheapest option if there are three choices. 

4. The IKEA Effect
↳ People place higher value on things they have made an effort for.  

5. The Power of Free
↳ If something is free, people will want it more (even if they don't need it).  

6. The Contrast Effect
↳ People perceive things more favourably if placed next to an expensive alternative.  

7. The Paradox of Choice
↳ When faced with too many choices, buyers will have a harder time deciding.  

8. Anchoring Bias
↳ The first price you reveal will influence all feature perceived value. 

9. Endowment Effect
↳ People value things more when they feel they have ownership over them.  

Just because your product is out there, doesn't mean people will want to buy it. 

A great marketing strategy is part neuroscience, part psychology, 
And part in-depth understanding of customer motivations. 

To make buying feel like the natural next step. 

Do you agree? 
Let me know in the comments. 👇

♻️ Repost to help your network level up their marketing. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Tom was on cohort 1 ! What a journey 

P.S.
I am hosting:
“How To Design For LinkedIn - A Live Masterclass with Dora Vanourek & Chris”
For Free On Thursday 27th March at 5:30 pm GMT

We will cover how to design for LinkedIn yourself:
- How to use Canva
- How to create carousels
- How to create cheat sheets

Sign up here: 
https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

This will be a glimpse into how The Creator Accelerator works !

Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker & Investor. Follow for posts on business & personal growth. Host Of The Wake Up Podcast

9 Neuromarketing Concepts You Must Know

How do you explain marketing? 

Here's the breakdown: 

Credit to Tom Pestridge for this fantastic carousel 🔥 

Marketing is one of the most misunderstood concepts in business.
I often hear people mix it up with sales or advertising. 

It's not the same thing... even though it does include those elements. 

Let me break it down:

🪧 Advertising = Putting up a sign that says “Circus Coming to Town.”

🐘 Promotion = Walking an elephant down the street with that sign.

📰 Publicity = The elephant accidentally strolling through the mayor’s garden (and the press covering it).

😂 Public Relations = Getting the mayor to laugh about it instead of shutting the whole thing down.

💰 Sales = Convincing people at the ticket booth to buy a front-row seat.

What about marketing then? 
Marketing is the strategy behind it all.

A strong marketing strategy includes:

✅ Clear goals
↳ Where are you going, and why? The elephant parade needs to have a purpose.

✅ A defined audience
↳ Speak to the right people. The circus is for families, not business execs.

✅ A compelling offer
↳ Why you? A circus with elephants? People will pay to see that.

✅ A multi-channel approach
↳ You need signs, newspaper ads, and social buzz, not just one thing.

✅ Conversion-optimised pathways
↳ Make it easy for people to find and buy tickets to the show. 

✅ Data tracking & iteration
↳ If people aren’t showing up, you change the act.

Here’s what NOT to do:

🚫 Throw money randomly at marketing tactics without a strategy.
🚫 Focus only on ads and forget about the bigger picture.
🚫 Assume marketing is just “posting online” and hope for the best.

Because if you don’t have a solid plan...
You're standing with an elephant and no one’s showing up to see it.

What's your biggest marketing obstacle right now? 
Let me know in the comments. 👇

♻️ Repost to help your network achieve success.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

P.S.
Will McTighe & I are hosting:
"State of the Algorithm: A LinkedIn Growth Webinar"
For Free On Thursday 10th April at 5:30pm BST

We will teach you:

- How the algorithm decides who gets love (and who gets ghosted)
- How to make posts that get 11.2x more impressions
- The winning content formats in 2025 (and what's no longer working)
- 5+ practical tips you can implement in your content tomorrow

AND you will get access to our full 58-page algorithm report.

Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/ecXxBGTN

How To Explain Marketing 

99% of LinkedIn posts die at 500 views.

Yet some creators consistently reach 100,000.

Many will toss it up to luck or 'hacking' the algorithm.

But the reality is, there's a formula to follow.
You just need to know it first.

Here's what the data shows:
(Based on Will McTighe and I's 58-page algo report, more on that below)

📝 Written Content

1. Post length: 1,242-2,500 characters (optimal)
2. Use 14+ short paragraphs (avoid walls of text)
3. Write at grade 5-7 reading level (simpler words)
4. Include 1-8 emojis for better readability
5. Skip hashtags (they reduce reach by 81%)

🖼️ Visual Content

1. Use carousel posts (11.2x higher reach than text)
2. Create infographics with actionable information
3. Use portrait (vertical) images (93% better performance)
4. Film videos in 9:16 vertical format with captions
5. Show your face in first 3 seconds of videos

🏛️ Post Structure

1. Create a contrarian or unexpected hook
2. End with a specific question (72% better performance)
3. Add external links in first comment, or to the post later
4. Consider career development angles for best reach
5. Use short sentences (10-19 words per paragraph)

⏱️ Timing & Engagement

1. Post on Sundays (highest reach) or Saturdays
2. Best posting times: 11AM-1PM GMT
3. Leave 10-20 thoughtful comments on others' posts daily
4. Write comments >9 words with personal experiences
5. Maintain a consistent posting schedule
6. Reply to your own comments for 15-30 minutes after posting

The Most Overlooked Secret?
→ Consistency beats perfection
→ Simple beats clever
→ Data beats guessing

Simply put, LinkedIn, like life, is a game of resilience and adaptability.
The algorithm has changed an extreme amount in the last few months.

So, it's about being able to pivot to what works...
As opposed to being stuck in the past and what you like posting.

Want the full FREE 58-page algo report?
(That other people would usually charge $$$ for...) 

The data is objective, the sources and methodology are in the report. 
The annotation is of course the subjective view of Will and myself. 

👉 Follow me Chris Donnelly
♻️ Repost this to your network. 
💡 Sign up for our free webinar: https://lnkd.in/ecXxBGTN

We'll teach you what everyone else isn't.

One secret everyone should know much sooner:

The 20-minute walk rule: 

This completely changed how I work. 
And I know it will do the same for you. 

Forget powering through brain fog. 
Forget staring at the screen, hoping for a second wind.

Our brains aren't built for constant output.
They're built for rhythm, movement, and recovery. 

I came across a study recently that backed this up.

A simple 20-minute walk works on your: 

1. Memory 
2. Mood
3. Focus 

Which then leads to improved: 

✅ Mental clarity & performance
✅ Brain health
✅ Ageing (yes, I'm being serious) 

When you next get stuck or groggy during the day, 
Don’t push harder.

Move your body. 

Every time, you will come back clearer, more focused and switched on.

Not because you're avoiding the work, 
But because you're preparing your brain to do it better.

We’re taught to equate productivity with stillness.
Sit longer. Work harder. Push through.

But the science, and my experience, says otherwise.

Consider this:

💓 150 minutes of walking a week reduces the risk of heart disease.
🚶🏻‍♂️ Walking 2 miles a day can cut your risk of death by half.
💪 Regular walkers take significantly fewer sick days.

This isn’t just about physical health.
It’s a performance strategy.

One that costs nothing.
Requires zero talent.
And gives you a daily edge.

So if you’re spending 8+ hours at your desk, hoping for clarity...
Try stepping away. 

That 20-minute walk might just be the most productive part of your day.

Do you walk during your workday?
Let me know in the comments.👇

♻️ Repost to help your network achieve success.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

LinkedIn organic reach is down over 40% vs last year. 

However, this new report can help you grow:

The algorithm is constantly evolving, but these changes are some of the most extreme I've seen. 

Average impressions are down, 
But a select few are outperforming everyone.

How do we know? 

✅ 100+ hours of research.
✅ 100,000+ Saywhat posts analysed.
✅ One FREE 58-page report to break it all down.

Created in collaboration with Will McTighe!

Here’s the current state of LinkedIn in 2025:

(Check out the full sheet below for all algo updates 👇)

The State of LinkedIn™ 2025

1. Median impressions are down 13% since Q4 2024. 
2. Even the top 5% of posts are down 30% from Q4 2024. 
3. The top 1% of content is performing better than ever.
4. The gap between exceptional and good content is widening. 
5. Posts are living longer — so engage with them for longer. 

The Science of Comments

➡️ Posts with longer comments performed 302% better.
➡️ Active commenters see 29% higher impressions.
➡️ Adding spicy perspectives can increase reach of your comments. 
➡️ AI comments are damaging your online reputation. 

Choose the Right Post Format:

🔄 Carousels
↳ Use scroll-stopping titles that create fear or urgency.

🖼️ Infographics
↳ Use big titles and “do this, not that” formats.

📹 Videos
↳ Prioritise educational content over promotional.

📸 Images
↳ Use vertical images with high-contrast colours.

💻 Text Only
↳ Start with powerful lines that pattern interrupt and stop the scroll.

How To Improve Post Performance

➡️ 11.2x and 5.4x median impressions vs text posts
➡️ 1,242–2,500 characters perform best
➡️ 14+ paragraphs perform 85% better 
➡️ Words averaging 4–5 letters perform best
➡️ Lists/Frameworks get the highest impressions of all content styles.

Engagement Factors That Matter

♻️ Reposts: Makes readers look smart to their network
👋 Good Comments: LinkedIn rewards quality comments from topic experts
⏰ Dwell Time: Keeping people on-platform longer boosts algorithmic visibility
✅ Indicates content worth revisiting 
👍 Least important signal – more about visibility than algorithm impact

Telling people to ignore the algorithm is lazy advice.
If you’re serious about growth, you need to understand how the platform works.

Create exceptional content for your audience.
But don’t ignore the mechanics that decide whether anyone actually sees it.

The key is great content. 
But make it aerodynamic. 

Want the full FREE 58-page report?
(That other people would usually charge $$$ for...) 

The data is objective, the sources and methodology are in the report. 
The annotation is of course the subjective view of Will and myself. 

👉 Follow me Chris Donnelly.
♻️ Repost this to your network. 
💡 Sign up for our free webinar: https://lnkd.in/ecXxBGTN

We'll teach you what everyone else isn't.

7 TED Talks To Master Communication

(These changed how I speak for good) 

Being a naturally good communicator is rare. 

So many people fall into the trap of:

🚫 Not actively listening. 
🚫 Being unaware of their body language. 
🚫 Thinking they need to say more to be heard. 

Fortunately, all these skills can be taught. 
There is a science that goes into how we relate to other people. 

That’s why I keep coming back to TED Talks.
Not just for entertainment, but for education. 

These 7 talks rewired how I think about expressing ideas. 

🗣️ General Communication

1. Brittany Packnett – How to Build Your Confidence
↳ Communication without confidence lacks conviction.
↳ Build confidence that's rooted in competence.  

Watch: https://lnkd.in/ewfVm-aB

2. Julian Treasure – How to Speak so That People Want to Listen
↳ Learn how to avoid the common traps that turn people off.  
↳ Use HAIL to speak with clarity, intention, and impact.

Watch: https://lnkd.in/eNpuee-R

3. Lynne Franklin – Reading Minds Through Body Language
↳ Most people miss the importance of non-verbal communication. 
↳ Read the signals others miss and send the right ones yourself

Watch: https://lnkd.in/eMG5YgKK

🤲 Giving Feedback

4. Katherine Hampsten – How Miscommunication Happens (and How to Avoid It)
↳ Clarity isn’t about what you say; it’s about what others hear.
↳ A practical breakdown of why messages get lost. 

Watch: https://lnkd.in/es33hK9t

5. LeeAnn Renniger – The Secret to Giving Great Feedback
↳ Most feedback feels like criticism because it’s delivered poorly.
↳ This method blends neuroscience with communication. 

Watch: https://lnkd.in/ejgCfbhx

⚡️ Disagreements

6. Julia Dhar – How to Disagree Productively and Find Common Ground
↳ Disagreements don’t have to break trust. 
↳ Communicate through structured, respectful dialogue.

Watch: https://lnkd.in/e8RRJeMe

7. Luvvie Ajayi – Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
↳ The most important conversations are rarely the easiest.
↳ This is your guide to speaking up when it counts. 

Watch: https://lnkd.in/epMH2PDx

Save these and revisit when you need them. 

They’re not just helpful for career growth... 
They'll change how you communicate with everyone in your life. 

Above all, this will sharpen your thinking,  
And help you get your message across, whatever it may be.  

Is there a TED Talk I missed? 
Drop your recommendations below. 👇

♻️ Repost to help your network communicate better.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

7 TED Talks To Master Communication. 

Overthinking is fear pretending to protect you.

Here's how to break free: 

Overthinking can feel productive in the moment.
You’re weighing all the options and exploring possibilities. 

But what starts out as thorough consideration, 
Quickly becomes an endless loop of noise.  

You end up paralysed by possibility.
And disconnected from your instincts. 

These 7 principles will break the cycle 
And retrain your mind:

1️⃣ The Power of Now ‼️ 
↳ You can’t think your way out of the past or into the future.
↳ All clarity starts by being here, now.

2️⃣ Fact-Check Your Own Thoughts 💭 
↳ Thoughts are just stories your brain tells you.
↳ Start questioning the narrative before you believe it.

3️⃣ The Problem Is Rarely The Problem 🤔
↳ Most stress comes from anticipation, not reality.
↳ What you imagine often hurts more than what actually happens.

4️⃣ Avoid Self-Rejection ❌
↳ Think you’re not qualified?
↳ Let someone else decide that. Apply anyway.

5️⃣ Silence and Time 🤫
↳ More noise won’t solve the problem.
↳ Time and quiet are the best antidote to panic. 

6️⃣ Acceptance Is Peace ✌️
↳ You can’t change every outcome.
↳ But you can change how much power it holds over you.

7️⃣ Health Starts In Your Mind 🧠
↳ Healthy habits mean nothing if your mind is in chaos.
↳ Inner calm is built through consistent training. 

This isn’t about switching off your brain.
It’s about learning when to listen... and when to let go.

You won’t unlearn overthinking overnight.
But with practice, you can train your mind to stay grounded under pressure.

How do you stop yourself when you start to overthink? 
Let me know in the comments. 👇

♻️ Repost to help your network achieve success.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

If you enjoyed this content,
My newsletter will give you so much more.

Check it out: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

I have 30+ free learning resources for you.

How To Stop Overthinking And Start Living

Success doesn't come from knowing it all.

It's admitting you don't know it all.

Too many people fall for the comfort zone trap.
They get stuck in a loop of letting their life pass by.

Unlike what society tells us, it's not actually out of laziness.

It's because people generally hate feeling stupid.

The reality?
This can be your biggest competitive advantage. 

If you can take action when others are staying stagnant... 
You can progress significantly faster. 

Stage 1 is simply being able to admit that you don't know everything.
This alone gives you direction. 

Whenever learning something new,
I'll typically follow these steps:

1. Set crystal clear goals 🥅
↳ Understand what you want to learn and why.
↳ The "why" is the important part here. 

2. Assess your current understanding 🧠
↳ Be brutally honest here. There is no need to lie to yourself. 
↳ Then adjust your learning plan based on areas for improvement.

3. Find the highest-quality learning resources 📖
↳ Don't look in one place, expand your breadth. 
↳ Then choose educational resources that suit your learning style.

4. Create a structured learning plan 📅
↳ Develop a schedule to stick to every single day without fail.
↳ Do not miss two days in a row. That will set a new routine. 

5. Execute and stay accountable 🤝
↳ Tell someone what you're working on and be specific. 
↳ Create a small punishment with them if you don't stick with it. 

For example, when AI exploded in 2022, I said to myself:
"I will learn about this for 10 minutes a day, indefinitely."

I've stuck to it ever since.
Now my knowledge of it benefits all my businesses.

Ultimately, if you're not upskilling, you won't grow.
If you don't grow, you will not find success.

So, stay humble, keep learning, and you'll be the best version of you. 

What's something you're currently learning?
Let's all stay accountable in the comments ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help others get ahead. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

P.S. If you're interested in investing in your self-education this week... 

My newsletter, Step by Step, will scratch that itch:
https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

Reach is down for everyone on LinkedIn.

Except for a select few:

People posting with the right formats are getting 11.2x more views.
And, of course, that's with the context that it is great content.

Will McTighe & I have created a full guide for this new algorithm...
(More info on that at the bottom of the post!)

For now, here's what's actually working as of today:

🎠 Carousels: 11.2x Reach Multiple

1. Use an image that triggers anxiety or curiosity
2. Fear or curiosity-based title
3. Simple problem-solution format with clear action steps
4. Include contrarian wisdom that challenges common beliefs
5. Add memorable phrases readers will want to share

🎨 Infographics: 5.4x Reach Multiple

1. Address a universal challenge for your target audience
2. Try "Do This, Not That" format
3. Break complex skills into manageable steps
4. Create visually appealing design with clear hierarchy
5. Include specific, memorable examples

📸 Images: 3.4x Reach Multiple

1. Use vertical orientation (93% better)
2. Add high contrast text
3. Keep font large and readable
4. Make the image take up the max space on the feed
5. For personal photos, good-looking people perform better

✍🏻 Text Posts: Baseline Reach

1. Use a powerful hook to create tension and curiosity
2. Tap into emotional pain points or share personal experiences
3. Challenge conventional wisdom with contrarian takes
4. Use 14+ short paragraphs with plenty of line spacing
5. End with a specific, easy-to-answer question to create convo

📹 Videos: 4.8x Reach Multiple

1. Film in 9:16 (vertical) ratio
2. Add subtitles - most viewers watch on mute
3. Show your face in first 3 seconds
4. Front-load value - state the point in the first 3 seconds
5. Use bright colours to stand out from the feed

Finally, perhaps most importantly:
➡️ Optimise your content to be repostable.

Create great content, understand what works, and lean into it.
That's ultimately the game that you need to play in order to win.

Want the full FREE 58-page algo report?
(That other people would usually charge $$$ for...) 

The data is objective, the sources and methodology are in the report. 
The annotation is of course the subjective view of Will and myself. 

👉 Follow me Chris Donnelly.
♻️ Repost this to your network. 
💡 Sign up for our free webinar: https://lnkd.in/ecXxBGTN

We'll teach you what everyone else isn't.

Respect doesn't come from titles. It comes from action. 

Here are 21 behaviours to master:  

Those who are respected more don't just feel good.
They benefit from a whole bunch of advantages: 

✅ They receive more promotions. 
✅ They build long-lasting relationships. 
✅ They become the ones others turn to for help. 

Become the most respected in the room,
And master these 21 behaviours: 

1. Be kind to people you have nothing to gain from.
↳ Treat everyone with dignity.

2. Admit when you’re wrong and own it fully.
↳ Don't make excuses, just be accountable. 

3. Invite quieter people into the conversation.
↳ Make space for voices that go unheard. 

4. Compliment someone’s effort in front of others.
↳ Public praise goes a long way.

5. Defend people who aren’t in the room.
↳ Stand up for what's right. 

6. Ask for a server’s name and use it.
↳ Recognition isn't always flashy.  

7. Give your full attention in meetings.
↳ Multitasking signals disinterest. 

8. Offer your seat to those who need it. 
↳ Kindness can change someone's day. 

9. Encourage others to speak their mind.
↳ And actively listen when they do.

10. If you cancel plans, suggest a new time.
↳ Don’t leave people hanging.

11. Hold off on non-urgent emails after hours.
↳ Respect people’s personal time.

12. Apologise when you’ve hurt someone.
↳ Don’t wait for them to chase closure.

13. Bring a small gift when you’re invited to dinner.
↳ Express your gratitude thoughtfully.   

14. Reflect on what others say after a conversation. 
↳ It proves you were truly listening.

15. Be honest about what you don’t know.
↳ Credibility comes from humility.

16. Give people the benefit of the doubt before judging.
↳ Get all the information first and assume good intent. 

17. Share a book with someone who’d love it.
↳ It shows you care about their interests.  

18. If you’re grabbing food, ask who else wants some.
↳ Inclusion starts with tiny gestures.

19. Message a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
↳ A check-in can mean more than you realise.

20. Lead by example - especially with the little things.
↳ Your actions can set the standard for others. 

21. Respect privacy - your own and others'. 
↳ Don't overshare or pry into their life. 

Don't forget: 

We’re social creatures, and we grow through connection.

Be kind. 
Respect others' time. 
Be the person who listens. 

What's your number 1 tip for earning someone's respect?  
Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help your network build more respect. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Want to be respected even more? 
I have 5+ resources for this in my learning vault. 

To get access for free: 
Go to: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

21 Behaviours That Will Make Others Respect You More.

Harsh Truth For Employers:

Higher pay alone won't fix low morale. 

Only your culture can do that.  

I've seen employers who completely ignore employee feedback,
And throw money at the problem.

This solves some issues temporarily, 
But does nothing to address the root cause. 

Ultimately, it will drive away top talent, 
And give the company a reputation for high turnover. 

Employees stay for: 

✅ An environment built on trust. 
↳ There is open, honest communication. 
↳ No hidden agendas or gossip. 

✅ Leaders who show genuine interest. 
↳ Everyone feels valued and heard.  
↳ Personal growth is a priority. 

✅ Supportive teammates.  
↳ Colleagues encourage each other regularly. 
↳ Wins are celebrated and contributions are valued. 

✅ Growth opportunities 
↳ There are pathways to advance and upskill. 
↳ Courses and training are encouraged. 

✅ Flexibility 
↳ There is a balance between work and life. 
↳ Team members feel comfortable setting boundaries. 

Pay is important to attract potential hires.  

But it doesn't keep them there long-term. 
It's up to employers to do that.  

Is higher pay as important as a world-class culture? 
Would love to create a discussion down below ! 

♻️ Repost this to start the conversation in your network.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Last week I was invited to No. 10 Downing Street. Why?

To discuss how the government can communicate better.

Visiting No. 10 Downing Street was surreal.

Politics isn’t something I usually post about. 
But it was my first real passion.

I studied it at university, 
And my first real job was at CBS News in Washington DC.

I wanted to be a political journalist... 
A civil servant. Even a politician.

So being in the room with the Prime Minister and Chancellor, 
Hearing them speak about business and how they want to engage with entrepreneurs... 

Well... it was pretty magical. 

It also reignited something in me. 

This wasn't just about politics. 
It was about purpose. 

I believe so strongly in entrepreneurship.

In creating the: 

- Education
- Opportunity
- And belief 

...that didn’t exist when I left school.

No one taught me what was possible. 
No one mentioned entrepreneurship. 

But last week, I sat in No. 10, 
Discussing how to reach the next generation of founders.

From now on, I’m dedicating a huge amount of my energy to this mission: 
Helping young people see that entrepreneurship is an option.

Not because it’s the only way to live or that it is for everyone. 
But because it should be more accessible to anyone who wants it.

And it should feel a hell of a lot less risky than people say it is. 

♻️ Share this with any young entrepreneurs you know. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Organic reach is down 25% on LinkedIn.  

But something surprising is happening...

In the last 6 months, there have been some drastic shifts in the algorithm.
It has massively changed since I started posting.

Organic reach is falling off a cliff for most.
Meanwhile, a select few creators are absolutely flying.

So what are they doing differently?

We wanted real answers, backed by data.
Instead of the same recycled advice. 

After 100+ hours of research. 
And 100,000+ posts analysed across Saywhat...

We’ve built the most in-depth breakdown of the LinkedIn algorithm in 2025.
And, to help you grow, we’re giving it away - for free 
(More on that at the bottom of the post).

Here’s a sneak peek at what we found 👇 

1. The LinkedIn winners circle is smaller.
↳ The gap between the top 5% and top 1% is widening.
↳ Average quality content is no longer performing.
↳ But the highest quality content is getting more reach than ever.

2. Some formats get 11.2x reach multiple.
↳ We analysed which post formats consistently perform.
↳ We found some very clear patterns... 
↳ The best formats may not be what you expect.

3. Engagement metrics can be misleading.
↳ Content that makes you feel good gets more likes.
↳ However, valuable content can get 5.1x more impressions.
↳ We now know the formats that drive real growth.

That's what we reveal on the first 11 pages...
But the in-depth insights are on pages 12 to 58:

→ Which topics get 2.1x more reach
→ The new rules of content formats
→ A LinkedIn content checklist (to help any post do better)
→ How some creators consistently hit 100k+ impressions

If you’re serious about growth on this platform, 
You need to master both content and distribution.

This report will help you do just that.

The data is objective - all sources and methodology are in the report. 
The explanation is of course the subjective view of Will and myself.

Want the full FREE 58-page algo report?
(That other people would usually charge $$$ for...) 
 
👉 Comment “algorithm report” below.
♻️ Repost this to your network. 
💡 Sign up for our free webinar that’s happening tomorrow: https://lnkd.in/ecXxBGTN

We'll teach you what everyone else isn't.

State of Algorithm Teaser 

How To Become A Top 1% Creator

And how to become no. 1 in your niche:

What’s the real difference between the top 5% and 1% creators?

It’s not luck. It's not circumstance.
It’s systems, research, and fantastic content.

Over the last 9 months, we’ve worked with 100s of creators inside TCA.

Today, the fastest-growing creators... 
Are predominantly Creator Accelerator students.

Numbers like these:

✅ Dora Vanourek: 30k → 305k
✅ Dr Carolyn Frost: 22k → 233k
✅ Tom Pestridge: 2k → 115k
✅ Anna Chernyshova: 37k → 168k
✅ Mike Leber: 7k → 117k
✅ Ford Coleman: 5k → 129k
✅ Ashley Couto: 4k → 78k
✅ Scott Caputo: 2k → 117k
✅ Harvey Lee: 20k → 52K

So what separates the top 1% from the top 5%?

→ They master high-performing content formats.
→ They lean into their unique IP.
→ They test, adapt and never stop iterating.

And here’s the thing: 
Each one of them has dominated their respective niches.

Because it's more than just being a creator.

We teach every student: 
How to turn that organic traffic into more leads and revenue.

Here's why each of them did so well 👇 

Dora Vanourek
✅ Created well-designed content.
✅ Posted in the best formats for growth.

Dr. Carolyn Frost
✅ Created the highest quality content in her niche.
✅ Provided actionable value with each post.

Tom Pestridge
✅ Adapted to the algorithm changes.
✅ Found what worked and leaned into it.

Anna Chernyshova
✅ Wrote highly shareable content.
✅ Stuck to a unique brand identity.

Mike Leber
✅ Formed a powerful network of creators.
✅ Created highly valuable carousels consistently.

Ford Coleman
✅ Produced some very unique visuals.
✅ Spoke to a wide audience with his content.

Ashley Couto
✅ Created a highly unique brand style.
✅ Offered incredible value with her content.

Scott Caputo
✅ Created the most beautiful designs.
✅ Funnelled that attention in the right way.

⚡️Harvey Lee ⚡️
✅ He dominated his niche with TOF & MOF content.
✅ Provided actionable value with each post.

But the No. 1 thing all these creators share in common? 

They did not give up.

They all adapted to the changes and kept testing and iterating over time.
These results are all achievable with the right mindset!

If you want to see the same results...
Until the 14th of April, you can still join The Creator Accelerator. 

Seats are almost at capacity, so I recommend acting fast.

Click on the link to book your seat 👇
https://lnkd.in/eJGiMAkr

P.S.
Will McTighe & I are hosting:
"State of the Algorithm: A LinkedIn Growth Webinar"
For Free TODAY at 5:30pm BST

We will teach you:

- How the algorithm decides who gets love (and who gets ghosted)
- How to make posts that get 11.2x more impressions
- The winning content formats in 2025 (and what's no longer working)
- 5+ practical tips you can implement in your content tomorrow

AND you will get access to our full 58-page algorithm report.

Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/ecXxBGTN

How To Become A Top 1% Creator

Tomorrow, The Creator Accelerator begins again!

This is your last chance to sign up 👇

Let's be clear: 
The Creator Accelerator was never about making people 'LinkedIn famous.' 

Having a viral post or 1,000s of followers only matters if you know how to leverage it. 

That's why my motivation has always been, and will always be, to:  

✅ Help people grow their social presence.
✅ In order to build highly successful businesses. 
✅ And finally stop trading their time for money. 

Seeing the results has made it all worth it. 

Cohort 3 of the TCA has absolutely smashed it.

➡️ 1,000s of new followers across the board. 
➡️ New clients, speaking deals, and brand partnerships.
➡️ Systems in place for automated lead generation.

I taught them the playbook that worked for me, 
And they have run with it - in the best way possible.  

But don’t take my word for it.

Hear it directly from the students themselves 👇 

Mark O'Donnell

- 400% increase in impressions.
- 3 new clients directly from content.

Abhishek Kumar

- 26k new followers.
- Now no. 1 in India for Management and Leadership.

Vishakha Sadhwani

- 1000+% account growth.
- Established brand new income streams.

And many more you can hear from within the video itself.

If you’re still on the fence about joining the next one...

Ask yourself: 

How many leads have I missed by waiting?
By not taking action?
By not building an online presence?

Because Cohort 4 is here. We go live tomorrow, the 14th of April, 4pm BST.

You don't want to miss this.
Go to: https://lnkd.in/eJGiMAkr

♻️ Repost if someone in your network might be interested!
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Hope to see you in there !

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