Practical ways to honour your story on LinkedIn

By Meaghan Fillion

Career paths are always about more than the jobs we do. They are journeys woven with our perspectives, lived experiences, culture, the communities we’ve come from or belong to now, and purpose.

LinkedIn is a powerful platform where people can showcase their accomplishments while also telling their unique stories. At Pathways Executive Search, we encourage candidates to use LinkedIn to demonstrate the ways their heritage and professional expertise are intertwined, helping them show prospective employers everything they bring to their workplaces.

Here are four ways to shape your LinkedIn profile with intention.

1. Frame your story with your values

Your story begins with your headline and “About” section. This is your digital first impression and your chance to define yourself beyond your current job title.

•  Your headline: Weave your values directly into your professional identity. Consider phrases like “Community-Focused Project Manager,” “Indigenous Health Advocate guided by principles of reciprocity,” or “Land Stewardship Specialist bridging traditional and contemporary knowledge.”
• Your ‘About’ story: This is where you share your why. What inspires you? What values guide your work? If you are comfortable, self-identifying as an Indigenous professional here can be a powerful act of visibility, inviting recruiters and allies to understand the unique gifts you bring.

2. Showcase your unique gifts and knowledge

Your experiences, both professional and cultural, have equipped you with a distinct set of skills. Go beyond standard corporate language to include the strengths that are increasingly sought after.

•  Skills: Add competencies like “Community Engagement,” “Cultural Competency,” “Consensus Building,” or “Traditional Ecological Knowledge.”
• Languages and certifications: List any Indigenous languages you speak and culturally relevant training you’ve completed. These are not just skills; they are testaments to your identity and dedication to learning and growth within both cultural and professional realms.

 3. Weave your community into your journey

Your connection to community is a strength to celebrate! Showcasing this demonstrates your capacity for collaboration, reciprocity, and leadership in service of a greater good.

• Volunteer and community work: Detail your involvement in mentorship programs, cultural preservation efforts, or community-led initiatives.
• Recommendations: When asking for recommendations, seek out those who can speak not only to your professional skills but also to how you live out your values in your work.

4. Bring your authentic self forward

We live in a world where many people recognize the importance of different perspectives (even though it doesn’t always seem like it). Your identity is not something to downplay – it is your greatest professional asset. When you share your authentic self, and your journey, with confidence, you do more than build a compelling profile: you’re helping shape a future where boardrooms and workplaces are enriched by Indigenous leadership and values.

Your lived experience is your leadership advantage. Honour it. Share it.

Meaghen is a Consultant at Pathways. Learn more in her Employee Spotlight.