It’s safe to say we have a pretty uncertain future ahead of us, right? And while it would be easy to get caught up in all of the negativity around us, this season, we’re saying ditch it and are encouraging all unique spirits to come Together in optimism. So if you’re in need of a pep talk (or just some general inspiration), we’ve rounded up just some of the most influential speakers, activists and leaders we look to inspire us…
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg is a force to be reckoned with and an example we should all be following. A climate change activist and 2019 Right Livelihood Award Winner, she speaks up for what she believes in and doesn’t shy away from those uncomfortable conversations that need to be had. She’s faced backlash from world leaders and criticism yet pushes through the negativity to keep championing her message. We salute you, Greta!
Ava DuVernay
It’s safe to say Ava DuVernay has a pretty stellar career in filmmaking. From winning the Sundance Film Festival award for directing back in 2012 (and being the first black woman to do so) to her work on Selma and A Wrinkle In Time, both of which were nominated for Golden Globes and Academy Awards, she’s paved the way for women of colour in the industry. And 2019 looks set to be an even bigger year. As the co-writer of the triple Emmy nominated Netflix series, When They See Us, she’s received worldwide critical acclaim (and rightly so) for her efforts in bringing justice to the Central Park Five.
Matt Haig
If you haven’t been reading Matt Haig on your commute, you’re missing out. Trust us on this one. Born in Sheffield, he’s an author and mental health campaigner and writes fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. His book, Reasons To Stay Alive was in the UK Top 10 for 46 weeks and is a number one Sunday Times Bestseller where he (very honestly) documents his journey with depression and anxiety. His latest children’s book, The Truth Pixie, similarly encourages children to cherish the good times, a discord from the usual happily-ever-after narrative we’re so used to. His social channels are also worth following too, offering snippets of uplifting quotes whenever you’re having a down day.
Naomi Osaka
We all remember celebrating our 21st birthdays, right? 21 year old Naomi Osaka has a lot to celebrate. Winning the US open in 2018, beating Serena Williams and more recently, the 2019 Australian Open, she was the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament and is the currently World No.4. In a pre-Wimbledon interview, she said, "For now my dream is to be the best I can be and to have fun, but at the same time try to inspire as many people as I can because I think the world revolves on role models and I kind of want kids to play tennis and want to play me in the future."
Laverne Cox
Actress and activist, there isn’t much Laverne Cox can’t do. A trailblazer for the transgender community, she was the first openly trans person to be on the cover of Time magazine and win an Emmy for her show, Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word where she was an executive producer. No biggie. Most recently, she wore a custom rainbow Edie Parker clutch to this year’s Emmys and brought Chase Strangio, an LGBTQ+ lawyer, as her date to make a strong political point and raise awareness for trans lives.
Mohamed Salah
Mo Salah is more than just a footballer. As one of the best players of his time, he’s won not one but two Golden Boots and named BBC African Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018. But he’s also an advocate for women’s equality in the Middle East, has financially helped 450 families in his home town of Basyoun with monthly allowances and fronted a drug addiction hotline campaign that saw a 400% uplift in calls. Breaking the stereotypes around footballers, he’s set an example we should all follow.
Lady Gaga
A star in her own right, both onstage and on screen with a huge trophy cabinet of awards from Grammys to Golden Globes, Lady Gaga has been an inspiration to us since her Just Dance debut. Never afraid to be herself or dim her light with her music and fashion, she launched the Born This Way Foundation back in 2012 that focuses on youth empowerment, has campaigned for Red Cross, Human Rights and many national disasters and is a huge LGBTQ+ activist.