By Stuart Bern, Managing Director, Americas for JLL Technologies Advisory Services
There are moments in life that serve as wake-up calls—reminders that we have the power to make an impact beyond ourselves. For me, one of those moments was watching Dan Doctoroff, a mentor, take on a battle he never expected: ALS.
Dan’s story is personal for me. I spent nearly a decade of my career at Bloomberg, where I had the opportunity to work closely with him and witness his guidance firsthand. He was one of those rare leaders—someone running a multi-billion-dollar global company who still made time for mentorship. I remember receiving an email directly from him about keeping up my entrepreneurial spirit—just a few words, but it stuck with me for years. He motivated so many of us, not just through his business acumen, but through the way he cared, led, and gave back.
Years later, when Dan was diagnosed with ALS, it was shocking. Here was someone who seemed almost superhuman, now facing something that didn’t discriminate, didn’t care about accomplishments or strength. But what he did in response was extraordinary—he turned a personal hardship into an opportunity to create real change. He founded Target ALS, an organization that recently concluded its $250 million capital campaign, raising over $259 million to accelerate research and bring hope to those living with the disease.
Using Our Voices for Change
One of the most underutilized tools we all have is our voice. Social media, especially LinkedIn, is more than just a networking tool—it’s a platform for change. When we collectively amplify a cause, we bring awareness to issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. ALS doesn’t get the attention of larger-scale diseases, but that doesn’t mean the need isn’t urgent. Awareness leads to research, research leads to funding, and funding leads to breakthroughs.
The power of social movements is undeniable. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which Dan participated in at Bloomberg HQ years before his own diagnosis, raised over $115 million and changed the landscape of ALS research. It was a reminder that even something as simple as a viral challenge can move mountains.
On Giving Tuesday 2024, I not only donated monetarily, but used my LinkedIn platform to highlight the work of Target ALS. A single post—just a few paragraphs—helped spread the message to over 1,600 people. When we leverage social media for good, we make a real impact. Studies show that 55% of people who engage with nonprofits on social media are inspired to take further action, whether donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness. LinkedIn’s own data indicates that purpose-driven content generates significantly more engagement than corporate promotions. This demonstrates that when we align our voices with meaningful causes, we don’t just contribute—we inspire others to do the same.
Giving back isn’t just a responsibility—it’s the right thing to do. It’s easy to assume that big societal challenges are for someone else to solve. But the truth is, when we each do our part—no matter how small—we create momentum. A simple action, like sharing a cause on LinkedIn or donating to an organization, can have a ripple effect far greater than we imagine.
Leadership Through Action
As leaders, as professionals, as people, what can we do? The answer isn’t complex. Take action. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or corporate responsibility, we each can lead by example. At JLL, corporate responsibility is a key pillar of what we do—it’s not just about business; it’s about stewardship.
For me, paying it forward is personal. I saw the impact Dan had on my career and countless others. Now, in this phase of my own career, I want to do the same. Whether through mentorship or championing causes like ALS, I believe in using my platform to make a difference.
The question isn’t whether we can create change, it’s whether we choose to. My challenge to you is this: find a cause that matters to you. Speak up. Get involved. Share the message. Because together, we can make an impact that lasts for generations to come.
