How can one leader spark meaningful change in science, policy, and people's lives—all at once?In this powerful interview, Dr. Tim Coetzee, President and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, shares insights from his remarkable journey in MS research and advocacy. With decades of experience, Dr. Coetzee reflects on the evolution of MS diagnosis and treatment, highlighting how cutting-edge science and improved therapies have dramatically transformed patient outcomes.Beyond the lab and policy rooms, Dr. Coetzee emphasizes the critical role of communication—how clear, consistent messaging and compelling storytelling are essential tools in leadership and advocacy. Whether speaking to policymakers, scientists, or the general public, he explains how tailoring the message builds trust and drives change.He also opens up about his leadership philosophy, stressing the importance of transparency, creating a safe space for feedback, and empowering teams to lead with purpose. A strong advocate for using professional platforms like LinkedIn, Dr. Coetzee offers practical advice on how leaders can use digital communication to amplify their mission.At its core, the interview is a reflection of Dr. Coetzee’s belief in using influence for good—and his call for others to do the same.Takeaways:Curiosity and a willingness to learn fuel career growth: Openness to new experiences and risks leads to meaningful opportunities.Clear communication and storytelling strengthen leadership: Strong narratives align teams and inspire diverse audiences.Consistent messaging builds trust and clarity: A unified message across audiences maximizes impact and understanding.Psychological safety encourages openness and trust: Safe environments foster honest dialogue and collaboration.Strategic use of LinkedIn amplifies influence: Purposeful, mission-driven content extends reach and engagement.Personal and professional experience build authenticity: Combining expertise with personal stories deepens credibility.Transparency and vulnerability strengthen influence: Honest leadership creates trust and authentic relationships.Quote of the Show:"As a leader, it's crucial to be open, listen, and create space for others. We’re doing hard work, and if you come in thinking you have all the answers, it simply won’t work—especially in today’s world. While listening and creating opportunities is key, clarity is also essential at the right moments."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcoetzee/ Website: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ Shout Outs:Joyce Nelson Nancy Duarte

What does it truly mean to be an influencer—not just in title, but in action, in humility, and in the way we uplift others?Edna Kane Williams, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, AARP, explores the power of influence beyond the boardroom. From her deeply personal journey as a caregiver for her mother to her leadership in championing marginalized communities, Edna shares invaluable insights on mentorship, advocacy, and the lessons learned along the way. She reminds us that influence is a two-way street—not just about speaking but about listening, elevating others, and embracing the wisdom that comes with time. Whether you’re an introvert navigating leadership or someone seeking inspiration for your own path, this conversation is filled with thought-provoking takeaways you won’t want to miss.Takeaways:Delegate Opportunities to Others – Pass on speaking engagements or panel opportunities to younger or less experienced colleagues to support their professional growth.Make Your Presence Known – Contribute substantively in meetings to ensure your voice is heard and adds value to discussions.Establish Boundaries for Your Role – Be mindful of tasks you take on, ensuring they align with your professional standing and meaningful contributions.Amplify Other Voices – Use your influence to create space for colleagues to share their ideas and ensure diverse perspectives are heard.Be Intentional About Your Presence – Recognize how your presence affects group dynamics and fosters an inclusive and open environment.Resilience in the Face of Challenges – Approach setbacks with resilience and a positive mindset to continue progressing.Incorporate Inclusivity – Make a conscious effort to include others and build relationships, even if it doesn’t come naturally.Quote of the Show:" I have been focused on being a mentor, but also sometimes a mentee. Really understanding the role of age in the workplace is not always top down. Being open to treating and embracing age and young people, old people." Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-kane-williams-4b943b12/ Website: https://www.aarp.org/ 

How can we bridge the gap between scientific research and policy to create lasting change in women's health?In this engaging conversation, Kathryn Schubert, President and CEO of the Society for Women's Health Research, shares her journey as a trusted leader and advocate for women's health. She dives into her work, driving major investments in research, pushing for the inclusion of pregnant and lactating populations in clinical trials, and shaping public policy through science, education, and advocacy.Kathryn also discusses effective advocacy strategies—relationship building, personal storytelling, and policymaker education—while offering insights on leadership, board service, and the role of personal branding in advancing organizational goals. The conversation wraps up with a powerful discussion on staying motivated in advocacy and celebrating progress along the way.Takeaways:Build Meaningful Relationships: Advocacy and policy success depend on trust and personal connections. Genuine relationships can lead to long-term alliances and new opportunities.Prioritize Sex Differences in Research: Advocate for the inclusion of women in clinical trials and highlight the ethical issues of exclusion. Use historical milestones to showcase progress and remaining challenges.Leverage Personal Connections: In both professional and advocacy settings, understanding and utilizing personal interests can influence outcomes. Small gestures, like remembering personal details, help build strong rapport.Maximize the Power of a Small Organization: Small teams can create a significant impact by forming strategic partnerships and bringing in external expertise. Focus on niche areas where you can lead while collaborating broadly.Advocate for Your Team: Support staff growth by ensuring their voices are heard, especially those who may be less vocal. Create an environment that fosters professional development and inclusivity.Use LinkedIn and Social Media Strategically: Strengthen your personal brand to amplify your organization’s mission. Be intentional with posts, share authentic stories, and engage consistently with your audience.Celebrate Small Wins: Advocacy work can be slow-moving, but recognizing progress—no matter how small—keeps motivation high. Regularly reflect on achievements to sustain long-term commitment.Quote of the Show:"The key word, I think, is listening. Many of us in advocacy, especially policy advocacy, love to talk—we have plenty of ideas and opinions. Maybe some of us were in debate club and feel the urge to jump into a discussion to win it. But I think it's crucial to first sit back and truly hear what someone is saying about their concerns. Even before getting to the listening part, there's a connection that needs to be made."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/ Website: https://swhr.org/ Shout Outs:Judy SchneiderSteve Taylor Chuck HendersonLeah Howard National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF)

How do we find consensus in a divided world? In today’s episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Judge Tunheim, Senior Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, who has proven time and again that even in the most polarized situations, common ground can be found. He shares remarkable insights from his tenure, where he successfully led a diverse bench of judges—appointed by different political parties and with varying backgrounds—toward consensus, even when many thought it was impossible.Beyond the courtroom, Judge Tunheim’s experiences in helping to declassify critical records about a national tragedy, contributing to the formation of a new government, and writing a country’s constitution in six languages highlight his exceptional ability to unite people and navigate complex, high-stakes challenges. This episode is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and the belief that leaders can always find a way forward, no matter how difficult the situation. Takeaways:Teach Young People About the Judiciary: Engage with students to educate them about the judicial system, its importance, and how it works. Use hands-on experiences like the Justice and Democracy Centers to make learning interactive and inspiring.Emphasize Civics Education: Advocate for strong civics education programs in schools that teach the foundational elements of government and the importance of civic participation.Reach a Consensus: Strive to achieve consensus in decision-making by engaging in detailed discussions, understanding differing perspectives, and seeking common ground that benefits the collective goal.Thank People: Regularly thank colleagues and team members, acknowledging their contributions with personal gestures such as handwritten notes to show genuine appreciation.Adopt New Technologies: Embrace new technologies, like Zoom, for meetings and court proceedings to enhance efficiency and flexibility, especially in geographically dispersed environments.Model the Way: Lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors and practices you wish to see in others. Being a role model can inspire peers and subordinates to follow suit.Address Difficult Issues with Soft Skills: Use empathy, communication, and negotiation skills to address and resolve difficult issues. Visit colleagues in their workspace to discuss and solve problems, fostering a respectful and cooperative environment.Quote of the Show:“ Finding common ground is really important. It takes hard work. And it sometimes takes a little sacrifice as well. But I think common ground can be found everywhere.” Links:Website: https://www.mnd.uscourts.gov/ Shout Outs:Sonia Sotomayor: https://supremecourthistory.org/supreme-court-justices/associate-justice-sonia-sotomayor/ 

Elizabeth G. Taylor, Executive Director at the National Health Law Program, is a passionate advocate who has dedicated her career to fighting for Americans' access to essential health programs like Medicaid. Starting as a public defender, Elizabeth has continued her fight, now representing the nearly 80 million Americans who rely on these programs. Her message is simple but powerful: Medicaid is vital to the health of millions, and cuts to these programs are not an option.One of the key themes Elizabeth touches on is the power of collaboration. She discusses how she builds strong partnerships, depends on the wisdom of her colleagues, and facilitates meaningful dialogue, both within her organization and among partners. Her approach to influence and coalition-building offers valuable lessons for anyone in advocacy.This episode is an inspiring reminder of the impact of persistence, partnerships, and clear communication in the fight for justice and health equity.Takeaways:Persevere in Advocacy: Stay resilient and committed when fighting for important causes, as sustained effort is key to making a difference.Emphasize Key Issues: Clearly highlight the essential nature of critical programs, ensuring their importance is understood and cuts are not an option.Engage Public Input: Leverage public commenting processes to collect personal stories, emphasizing the significance of expert voices and the administrative record.Build Strong Partnerships: Cultivate and value key partnerships, recognizing the strength they bring through collaboration and shared wisdom.Promote Open Dialogue: Foster transparent communication, both within your organization and among partners, to strengthen collective impact.Share Successes: Showcase successful initiatives and real-world examples to demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of your efforts.Adopt a Multi-Channel Strategy: Use a variety of approaches to spread your clear, concise message across multiple platforms to reach a wide audience.Quote of the Show:“ We are confident enough of who we are and what we bring to the table that we don't need sharp elbows.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-g-taylor-250739a1/ Website: https://healthlaw.org/ Shout Outs:My Care Counts: https://whymycarecounts.org/