LinkedIn used to be about jobs — now it feels like a performance stage.

LinkedIn used to be simple — a place for CVs, job applications, and professional networking.

Now? It feels like something completely different.

In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we kick off Season 2 by diving into the strange evolution of LinkedIn. From motivational storytelling and “thought leaders” to performative posts and personal branding overload, we explore how the platform has shifted — and why it feels so different today.

We discuss:

• What LinkedIn used to be — and what it’s become
• The rise of the “LinkedIn influencer.”
• Why does everyone seem to be a “thought leader”
• The line between authenticity and performance
• Hustle culture, personal branding, and visibility
• Whether this shift is actually a good thing
• A Scottish perspective on self-promotion vs modesty

Along the way, we break down the types of posts you’ve definitely seen — and ask whether LinkedIn has genuinely lost its way… or if this is just what professional life looks like now.

💬 Join the conversation: What’s the most ridiculous LinkedIn post you’ve seen recently?