At 23, when many aren't sure about their career path or where their passions lie, Jahin Tanvir, a young South Asian Australian, has gained global recognition. As the CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, a three-time TEDx speaker, and the 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians for 2022, Jahin has accomplished much at such a young age.

Born in Dhaka and raised in Sydney, Jahin is a first-generation migrant who moved to Australia in 2003. In the latest feat, Jahin has become the first Bangladeshi Australian to strike a deal with LinkedIn.

“I have been consistently posting on LinkedIn for about two years now. On a random weekday, I got an email stating that I had been selected as a Top Voice on LinkedIn. This was also on my 2024 vision board, which was awesome! Then, I got another email about filming content for LinkedIn on the topics I usually post about. It was one of those definite pinch-me moments that happened,” he says.

When Jahin first used LinkedIn, he had no idea how integral it would be to his career. "I created a LinkedIn account because I was forced to do so. In my first year in Optometry school, we had one unit around management and leadership. The final assessment for that unit was creating a compelling LinkedIn profile as an Optometrist. That was why I made a LinkedIn account in the first place—to fulfill that obligation and not fail my unit!” he says.

“I had no intention of ever using it afterward, and I remember my profile picture was a horrendous selfie I took in my poorly lit dorm room—a formal shirt on top, cricket shorts below. Little did I know that would be the start of much more," Jahin narrates.

Jahin's LinkedIn influencing journey took off with an award from the ACT Government for volunteering. "Someone at the event told me I should share it on LinkedIn. I was 20 years old, petrified at even putting myself out there. LinkedIn was the place for highly successful people who always discussed their new promotions and jobs. Who was I to share it with as a 20-year-old kid? But I decided to do it anyway, just to see what it was like. My first post got a whopping four likes, but I enjoyed the idea of building in public. I felt a thrill in showcasing what I am up to professionally. I have always been highly ambitious, and sharing the journey was alluring. So I started posting once a month, once a fortnight, and now, where I virtually post every weekday. That's my Batman origin story on this blue platform," he recounts.

You can’t be what you can’t see

When asked how he feels about being recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice now, Jahin says, “I feel incredibly grateful. I know it's quite a cliche response, but gratitude is my primary emotion. I never really had role models growing up who were Bangladeshi. It took a lot of work to have a reference point to strive towards something when the people there were very different from you. I will be sharing my journey on Linkedin for many years.”

"As a 23-year-old, I know I have much more to learn and understand about the world. But I know that my life's mission will always center on the idea that 'you can't be what you can't see.' If I can show another South Asian youth that it's possible, that's my motivation, my why," he adds.

Attaining this fame wasn't simply a stroke of luck, though. "Self-doubt creeps in, and you do not feel you have enough value to provide. The only way I have been able to quieten that imposter syndrome is to post more," reveals Jahin.

"LinkedIn has changed dramatically in the last few years. It's become more than just a place for promotions and photos—it's become a professional diary—an online portfolio. Nobody wants to see all the wins all the time. They want to know the journey that makes us all human," he adds.

Creating opportunities by building in public

Jahin highlighted the significance of cultivating a personal brand as a critical tactic to ensure a lasting impact on LinkedIn and one's career. 

"By posting about your work, it's not just suitable for your job and occupation. You start seeing other open opportunities such as speaking invitations, media, interviews, podcast requests, events, etc. Posting on LinkedIn builds your personal brand, leading to more cool opportunities,” he emphasizes.

"Consistency is the backbone of building a personal brand. The only way to make posting sustainable is to enjoy it. Enjoy adding value to people's lives and sharing your work,” stresses the young entrepreneur as he shares his key growth strategies on LinkedIn. 

Jahin firmly believes that by showcasing oneself online, people can attract visibility and create new opportunities. "It's genuinely been the most gratifying experience of my life. I have had speaking opportunities in the U.S. and Dubai, met incredible people who've become great mentors and friends, and so much more.

One particularly memorable opportunity was being invited to speak at an international conference after a LinkedIn post about leadership went viral. I posted on LinkedIn what I learned about leadership at a young age. I didn't include much research evidence; it was just pure passion in anecdote form. That caught the eye of an event organizer in Michigan, and as life unfolded, I was flown to Michigan to speak in front of a packed room of Americans on leadership. 

I had major imposter syndrome because I was 21 then, but it was one of the biggest lessons I learned about putting yourself out there. The thrill of knowing that anyone could view your content and get in touch was incomparable. It also gave me one of my biggest confidence boosters, propelling me forward to this day. This event expanded my professional network and led to collaboration with industry leaders on various projects. 

It was such a fun and enriching opportunity that, for the first time in my life, I realized it doesn't matter which part of the world you live in; if you put yourself up online, people will see you, and opportunities will come your way,” he states.

Looking ahead

Talking about his future plans, Jahin says, "I don't like thinking too far ahead. But if I zoom out, I want to build a sustainable career to continue adding value to people's lives through my posts. 
I enjoy the ideation process of creating content. It can be annoying and slightly stressful sometimes, but I want to get to a stage where I just post and share the journey without expectation. I just turned 23 and always think of legacy in my values-based decision-making.

You can't be what you can't see will always be my philosophy on life, and if I can show someone a reference point of "if that brown kid can do it, I can do it even better," that's what will help me sleep at night a little smoother."