Lea 🌈 Turner
Founder, The HoLT | A no knobs allowed community for small business owners & solopreneurs | ⛔️🍆
Lea Turner builds community for solopreneurs and small business owners by sharing brutally honest, vulnerable stories about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and rejecting perfectionism. Her signature move is weaponizing personal mess—messy success, tired parent struggles, unpolished reality—as proof that authenticity and imperfection are actually the fastest path to credibility and connection.
14.6/wk
190 posts in 30d
412
avg per post
22.3%
comments / total
0.6%
reposts / total
story
Sun · 3 PM CET
Voice & tone
Lea writes like a friend venting over coffee, not a guru on a stage. She swears casually ('wanky commercial holiday,' 'fkn shelf'), uses lowercase and emoji liberally, and refuses the LinkedIn polish that makes most posts feel sterile. Her tone is simultaneously irreverent and deeply empathetic—she'll roast influencers in one breath and validate tired parents in the next. The effect is disarming: readers feel seen because she's not performing.
Signature phrases
- “I promised you messy success”
- “doing it alone”
- “you are a goddamn hero”
- “We're doing our best. And that is enough.”
- “NOT fitting the mould will be my springboard, not my road block”
- “If you're a tired parent managing alone, AND working or running a business”
Top 3 posts, dissected
Their highest-engagement posts, broken down line by line. Steal the structure.
This goes out to all the parents doing it alone. It may be hard And sometimes lonely But it’s absolutely worth it 🩷🩷🩷
'This goes out to all the parents doing it alone' uses direct address and specificity to create instant in-group belonging. The phrase 'doing it alone' is both literal (solo parenting) and metaphorical (solo business), so multiple audiences feel named. No ambiguity, no jargon—just recognition.
Three-line story with emoji punctuation. Hook (line 1), emotional truth (lines 2-3), visual reinforcement (hearts). Minimal text, maximum impact. No CTA, no ask.
- Direct address ('This goes out to') creates intimacy
- Stacked short sentences ('It may be hard / And sometimes lonely / But it's absolutely worth it') use line breaks for rhythm and emphasis
- Emoji (🩷🩷🩷) replaces words and signals warmth without sentimentality
No explicit CTA. The post ends with validation and hearts. Readers comment because they want to affirm the statement or add their own 'me too'—the comment section becomes a support group. 135 comments (9% of 1506 likes) shows high conversation-to-like ratio.
Validation without a pitch drives comments; name your audience specifically and let them finish the thought themselves.
Sometimes I wonder why people HATE LinkedIn so much. Then I see a man has created and posted his own "Top 25 Keynote Speakers" list and put HIMSELF at the top.
'Sometimes I wonder why people HATE LinkedIn so much' is a vulnerable question that invites agreement. It's not accusatory; it's curious. Then the payoff (the man who ranked himself #1) is so absurd and specific that readers immediately want to share it and comment 'I've seen this too.'
Two-part story. Hook (question), setup (observation), payoff (the ridiculous example). The structure is: problem statement, then proof. Minimal elaboration; the example does the work.
- Question hook lowers defenses and invites participation
- Capitalization (HATE, HIMSELF) adds tone and emphasis without shouting
- Specific detail ('Top 25 Keynote Speakers' list) makes it feel real and observable, not theoretical
Post ends with the punchline. No ask. Readers comment to share their own LinkedIn horror stories or laugh at the absurdity. 366 comments (32% of 1154 likes) is exceptionally high—this is a conversation magnet.
Use a relatable complaint as a hook, then deliver a specific, absurd example that proves your point; let readers finish the rant in the comments.
I'd like to thank the grown man at the garage today who gave my young son a masterclass in how NOT to get your own way. Unfortunately, my son has been poorly over the weekend, so I had to take him with me to have my windscreen replaced. There was no parking, so I pulled up wh…
'I'd like to thank the grown man at the garage today who gave my young son a masterclass in how NOT to get your own way' is a story setup with irony. The gratitude framing is unexpected—you expect criticism, but Lea's thanking someone. The specificity (garage, windscreen, son, 'VERY ANGRY MAN') makes it feel like a real moment you want to watch unfold.
Long narrative story (350+ words). Opening hook, scene-setting (parking, waiting room), character introduction (VERY ANGRY MAN in caps), dialogue, observation (side-eye moment), climax (door slamming, yelling in car park). Lea uses dialogue and physical detail to make readers feel present.
- Dialogue ('Sorry, I wasn't sure where to leave my car') makes the story feel lived and authentic
- Caps and descriptors ('VERY ANGRY MAN,' 'VAM,' 'blustered aggressively') add personality and humor
- Sensory detail ('shaking the walls and windows,' 'side-eyed out the window') puts readers in the scene
- Contrast between Lea's politeness and VAM's rage creates narrative tension
Post ends with the image of VAM yelling in the car park. No explicit lesson or CTA. Readers comment to share similar experiences, laugh at the description, or ask what happened next. 171 comments (15% of 1162 likes) shows strong engagement on a longer post.
Long-form narrative works if you use dialogue, sensory detail, and character contrast; let the story teach the lesson implicitly rather than spelling it out.
What drives their engagement
Lea's posts invite readers to affirm, vent, or share their own story. She rarely makes a statement without leaving space for agreement or disagreement. Vulnerable questions (avg 450 eng, 27 posts) and empathy statements (1645 eng on top post) generate comments because readers want to say 'me too' or add their own experience. The comment section becomes a support group, not a debate.
Repost rate is very low (0.6%), which suggests Lea's audience values the personal connection over broadcast. Posts that get reposted tend to be the bold permission-giving statements (e.g., 'Modern shite I'm unsubscribing from') because they feel like manifestos worth sharing. However, her strength is in comments, not reposts.
Low savability signal. Lea optimizes for reach and conversation, not reference material. Her posts are meant to be felt in the moment and discussed, not bookmarked for later. The messy, time-bound nature of her content (specific to her life, her son, her business) makes it less evergreen.
Content pillars
Messy Founder Reality
40%Stories about running a business while parenting solo, with zero filter on the chaos, exhaustion, and wins that happen in PJs at 10:30am.
Permission to Quit
25%Numbered lists and bold statements giving readers explicit permission to drop guilt, say no, and unsubscribe from perfectionism and social pressure.
Vulnerable Validation
20%Questions and empathy statements that name the specific loneliness, overwhelm, or shame solopreneurs feel, then reframe it as strength.
Anti-Guru Callouts
15%Observations about LinkedIn fakeness, influencer BS, and the toxic 'we all have 24 hours' narrative, positioned as cultural commentary.
Hook patterns
Empathy Statement
Direct address to a specific pain + emotional validation in 1-2 lines
“This goes out to all the parents doing it alone. It may be hard and sometimes lonely but it's absolutely worth it”
→ Immediately signals 'this is for you' and creates instant belonging; 1645 engagement proves people comment to affirm they're seen.
Vulnerable Question
Open-ended question that invites readers to sit in discomfort or contradiction with the creator
“Sometimes I wonder why people HATE LinkedIn so much.”
→ Positions Lea as curious, not preachy; readers want to answer and share their own frustrations; avg 450 engagement across 27 posts.
Specific Story Setup
Concrete scene-setting with a character or moment, then pause for intrigue
“I'd like to thank the grown man at the garage today who gave my young son a masterclass in how NOT to get your own way.”
→ Specificity (garage, windscreen, son) makes it feel real; gratitude framing is unexpected; readers scroll to see the payoff.
Bold Unfiltered Statement
Blunt declaration of what the creator is rejecting or fed up with, often with profanity
“Modern shite I'm unsubscribing from as an overwhelmed solo founder and solo parent with a mental load that'll rival the national debt.”
→ Swearing signals authenticity and permission; the specificity of 'mental load that'll rival the national debt' is both funny and relatable; avg 443 engagement.
Teaser/Hinted Win
Reference to something big happening, then immediately undercut it with messy reality
“Yesterday I hinted at some big brands circling me/my business. Today, I'm booking a meeting with one of them.”
→ Creates curiosity and stakes; the contrast between 'GOOGLE' and 'still in my PJs' is the entire brand promise.
Anti-Influencer Callout
Observation about what's wrong with mainstream LinkedIn/business culture, framed as a question or statement
“Sometimes I wonder why people HATE LinkedIn so much. Then I see a man has created and posted his own 'Top 25 Keynote Speakers' list and put HIMSELF at the top.”
→ Readers feel smart for agreeing; it positions Lea as an insider who sees through BS; 1524 engagement shows people want to vent together.
Top-performing hooks
“This goes out to all the parents doing it alone.”
→ The post resonates because it directly acknowledges the challenges faced by single parents, offering a message of encouragement and validation. The use of emojis adds a touch of warmth and relatabilit
“Sometimes I wonder why people HATE LinkedIn so much.”
→ The post uses a relatable question to draw the reader in and then shares a specific, humorous example of LinkedIn behavior that many users find annoying. This combination of relatability and humor spa
“I'd like to thank the grown man at the garage today who gave my young son a masterclass in how NOT to get your own way.”
→ The post uses a relatable and humorous story to capture attention and subtly promote the author's community. The child's witty remark adds a memorable element, making the post shareable and engaging.
“Modern shite I'm unsubscribing from as an overwhelmed solo founder and solo parent with a mental load that'll rival the national debt.”
→ The post resonates by openly sharing relatable struggles of solo founders/parents, creating a sense of community and validation. The numbered list format makes the content easily digestible, and the e
“Yesterday I hinted at some big brands circling me/my business.”
→ The post uses a relatable personal struggle to build empathy and then contrasts it with a significant achievement, making it inspiring and shareable. The vulnerability and authenticity resonate with t
“Every year, me and my son go to the big Christmas panto in Manchester, starring Jason Manford.”
→ The post tells a heartwarming story with a celebrity connection, making it relatable and engaging. The element of 'good karma' and a positive outcome resonates with readers, encouraging them to like a
“Officially adopted 💕”
→ The post is relatable and heartwarming, showcasing a personal achievement (adoption) while humorously acknowledging the challenges of balancing work and personal life. The vulnerability and self-aware
“LinkedIn sort your goddamn sh*t out.”
→ The post uses a strong, attention-grabbing opening and directly challenges LinkedIn's policies, sparking outrage and discussion. The personal anecdote adds credibility and resonates with others who ha
“Can I have a discount? No.”
→ The post resonates because it addresses a common struggle for freelancers and consultants - saying 'no'. The vulnerability and relatable examples make it highly engaging and encourage discussion.
“There isn’t a shadow of doubt in my mind that without this man, I wouldn’t be where I am in business today.”
→ The post is highly engaging because it's a heartfelt and humorous tribute to a valuable employee. The personal anecdote and relatable scenarios create a strong connection with the audience, while the
What works
- Story format dominates: 62% of posts (117 of 190) are stories, averaging 460 engagement. This is Lea's core strength. Stories feel personal, invite readers into her world, and generate comments because people want to respond to a narrative, not a list.
- Vulnerable questions as hooks: 27 posts use vulnerable questions (e.g., 'Sometimes I wonder why people HATE LinkedIn so much'), averaging 450 engagement. This hook style is 8% higher than bold statements (443 avg) and signals that asking, not telling, drives conversation.
- Messy success narrative: Posts that explicitly contrast chaos (sick kid, no sleep, PJs) with wins (Google meeting, brand partnerships) average 1294-1315 engagement. This is Lea's unique angle—she's not hiding the mess, she's weaponizing it as proof that perfection isn't required.
- Profanity and unfiltered language: Posts with casual swearing ('wanky,' 'fkn,' 'shite') average 443-1315 engagement. Swearing signals authenticity and permission; it tells readers 'this person is real, not performing.' The 'Modern shite' post (1315 eng) is a direct example.
- Specific, absurd details: Posts that include concrete, funny details ('Top 25 Keynote Speakers list and put HIMSELF at the top,' 'feral kitten woke me by climbing on my face at 3am') drive higher engagement because they feel real and shareable. Generalities don't stick.
- Permission-giving statements: Numbered lists and bold statements that explicitly give readers permission to quit, say no, or reject guilt (e.g., 'If you're a tired parent managing alone, AND working or running a business, you are a goddamn hero') average 426 engagement and generate comments from people who feel seen.
Steal this for your own LinkedIn
- Start your next post with a direct address to a specific pain or identity ('This goes out to all the parents doing it alone'). Don't be generic. Name your audience explicitly in the first line.
- Use short, stacked sentences with line breaks instead of long paragraphs. Lea's style is 'It may be hard / And sometimes lonely / But it's absolutely worth it'—not 'It may be hard and sometimes lonely, but it's absolutely worth it.' Line breaks create rhythm and force readers to pause.
- End a story with a specific, absurd detail instead of a lesson. Let readers draw their own conclusion. The garage post doesn't explain why the angry man matters—it just shows him yelling in the car park. Readers comment to interpret it themselves.
- Post 2-3 times per day, every single day. Lea's 14.6 posts/week and 100% consistency over 90 days keeps her visible and signals active leadership. Consistency beats perfection.
- Use caps and descriptors sparingly for tone, not emphasis. 'VERY ANGRY MAN' and 'VAM' add personality without feeling like shouting. Caps should feel like a friend's voice, not a headline.
- Contrast messy reality with wins in the same post. 'I'm in my PJs, my son is sick, I barely slept... and I just booked a meeting with GOOGLE.' This structure proves that perfection isn't a prerequisite for success and gives readers permission to show up as they are.
Compare Lea with…
vs Chris Do
Chris Do vs Lea 🌈 Turner: Reach versus Conversation on LinkedIn
vs Jay Clouse
Jay Clouse vs Lea Turner: Tactical educator beats vulnerable storyteller on reach
vs Mark A. Pfister - 'The Board Architect'
Lea Turner vs Mark Pfister: Vulnerability beats credentials on LinkedIn
vs Jakub Zajicek
Jakub Zajicek vs Lea Turner: Niche dominance beats follower count
vs Genieke Hertoghs
Genieke Hertoghs vs Lea Turner: Niche depth beats viral reach on LinkedIn
vs Louis Butterfield
Lea Turner vs Louis Butterfield: Vulnerability at scale versus irreverence for depth
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Posting patterns
Lea posts 14.6 times per week (roughly 2 posts per day) with 100% consistency over 30 and 90 days. This is a high-volume, high-consistency strategy that keeps her top-of-feed and signals active community leadership.
Sunday at 2pm UTC performs best. This timing likely catches her audience (likely UK-based, given her phrasing) on a weekend afternoon when they're scrolling casually. Posts at this time average higher engagement than other windows.
Long-form (180-350 words) performs best at 434 avg engagement, followed closely by short (30-80 words) at 423 avg engagement. Medium (80-180 words) underperforms at 392 avg engagement. The pattern suggests Lea's audience either wants a full story or a quick hit—not the in-between. Very long posts (350+) drop to 379 avg engagement, suggesting diminishing returns past 350 words.
Engagement by day
Content mix
avg 460 engagements per post
avg 388 engagements per post
avg 426 engagements per post
avg 178 engagements per post
avg 223 engagements per post
avg 297 engagements per post
Lea's 62% story format works because her audience (solopreneurs and solo parents) crave connection and validation, not tactics. Stories feel like peer advice, not guru instruction. The remaining 38% (problem-solution, lists, announcements) provides structure and permission-giving moments that break up the narrative flow and give readers something to reference or share. This mix keeps the feed feeling conversational and human rather than prescriptive.
