How can building strong relationships and fostering collaboration drive success in leadership and organizational growth?In this interview, Jeff, CEO of Prevent Blindness, reflects on his career in public health and leadership. Since joining in 2003, Jeff has led key initiatives like the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health and the Focus on Eye Health National Summit.He discusses the importance of advocacy in shaping public policy and securing funding for eye health, balancing data with storytelling for effective outreach. Jeff also highlights how digital platforms like LinkedIn help maintain critical relationships.Throughout the conversation, Jeff emphasizes the value of relationships and collaboration, drawing from his experience as CEO and on boards. He shares insights into tackling challenges such as misinformation and ensuring equitable access to eye care while staying true to Prevent Blindness' mission.Takeaways:Building Strong Relationships Over Time: Build relationships proactively by engaging regularly and supporting others' initiatives, creating a foundation for future collaboration.Combining Data with Storytelling: Influence stakeholders by blending compelling narratives with data; real stories paired with data make your message powerful and memorable.Use Both In-Person and Digital Tools for Relationship Building: Leverage LinkedIn to stay connected, keeping interactions meaningful by staying informed on your network's achievements.Advocacy is Key for Non-Profit Success: Engage in coalition-building and bipartisan efforts to advance legislation and secure funding, ensuring eye health is included in broader healthcare discussions.Celebrate Team Members and Their Achievements: Publicly recognize and celebrate team milestones to boost morale and emphasize each member's importance to the organization's mission.See Yourself as a Team Member First and a Leader Second: Approach leadership roles as a facilitator, respecting others' input and promoting group success over individual authority.Quote of the Show:“The relationship between the CEO and a board really is a partnership. It’s about figuring out what their need is, what your need is, and how to bring that together to advance the mission that you’re a part of.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftoddjd/ Website: https://preventblindness.org/ Shout Outs:National Health Council: https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/Sue Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-corbett-5b003b13/ National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit National Youth Violence Prevention Center Vision 2020 USA Board International Agency for the Prevent of Blindness 

How can a mission greater than yourself fuel meaningful change and inspire others to join the movement? Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation shares key lessons he learned from Senator Dole, including the importance of having a mission greater than yourself for true health and vitality. Steve discusses how authentic storytelling and persistence helped grow the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s mission into a nationwide movement, through the Hidden Heroes Campaign, with support from influencers like Tom Hanks and Savannah Guthrie. He reflects on the power of coalition-building and leadership, stressing the need to never give up, even when the path to change is challenging.Takeaways:Clear mission or purpose: Having a mission larger than yourself drives personal motivation and organizational success, fueling health, vitality, and passion for your work.Authentic partnerships: Successful coalitions are built on genuine, passionate connections with partners who are sincerely committed to the cause, leading to long-term collaboration and impact.Balance evidence with storytelling: Combining factual evidence (science) with emotional storytelling (poetry) makes your message more credible, relatable, and impactful, especially in advocacy campaigns.Authenticity in endorsements: When selecting influential figures to endorse your cause, ensure they have a true connection to it for more meaningful, long-term advocacy support.Persistence pays off: Achieving long-term goals requires persistence. The passing of the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act highlights the importance of pushing forward despite setbacks and obstacles.Self-reflection and planning: Regular self-reflection and planning, through practices like quiet time, weekly sessions, or yoga, help maintain clarity, purpose, and proactive focus.Leveraging LinkedIn: Using platforms like LinkedIn to share achievements, highlight partnerships, and promote your mission strengthens relationships, increases transparency, and broadens your reach.Quote of the Show:"It’s incredibly important to recognize the divisive times we are in, and that people are hungry for things that unite us and bring us together."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schwab7676/ Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ Shoutouts: Senator Elizabeth Dole Senator Bob Dole  Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement ActHidden Heros Campaign: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/campaigns-programs/hidden-heroes 

How can leadership in cybersecurity shape the future of national security and public awareness?In this episode of the Chief Influencer Podcast, guest host Liesl Riddle, Dean of George Washington University's College of Professional Studies, sits down with Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, to discuss his philanthropic efforts. Craig, often compared to Paul Revere, has been at the forefront of raising awareness and driving action on cybersecurity issues critical to protecting American infrastructure. He shares his strategies for influencing key stakeholders and the importance of safeguarding both personal and national assets. Highlighting the need for mass mobilization, Craig emphasizes training veterans and fostering partnerships with universities and government agencies. The conversation also touches on his leadership approach, grounded in the Golden Rule, and his unwavering dedication to supporting military families and veterans.Takeaways:Mobilize the Whole Country on Cybersecurity: A national mobilization effort is needed to protect individuals, families, homes, jobs, and infrastructure from cyber threats. This involves raising awareness and actively encouraging everyone to participate in cybersecurity efforts.Segment and Focus on Key Areas: Cybersecurity efforts should be segmented by targeting specific sectors, such as workforce development and training for veterans and their spouses, to address particular needs effectively.Implement Cybersecurity Basics in Business: Businesses, especially utilities, should adopt basic cybersecurity hygiene, ensuring that employees and devices are secure both at work and at home. Employees should be educated on maintaining cybersecurity protocols in various environments.Invest in Tools to Cut Through Confusion: It’s important to acquire advanced tools that simplify and clarify cybersecurity efforts, such as technologies that detect and manage anomalies or potential threats efficiently.Be Ready for Adversity: Preparing for negative actions from adversaries, such as dirty tricks and cyberattacks, is crucial. Being ready means having robust defenses and contingency plans in place.Quote of the Show:“Prepare to be as agile as you can because everything is way more unpredictable than it ever was.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craignewmark/ Website: https://craignewmarkphilanthropies.org/ 

Ever wonder how we can find our authentic voice in a world full of competing messages?"This week’s episode is a special bonus edition! We’re bringing you exclusive content from our live interview with Terry Szuplat, a speechwriter for President Barack Obama. This interview was recorded at George Washington University and is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! The focus of this episode is on audience questions and hearing Terry’s insights on career advice, aligning with an organization’s values, and finding one’s voice as a communicator. He also shares his experiences with public speaking, the evolution of Obama as an orator, and the dynamic between leaders and their speechwriters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication skills, mutual respect in leadership, and the value of continuous learning and adaptation.Takeaways:Align with organizations and individuals whose values reflect your own: Partnering with like-minded people fosters a more harmonious, productive environment and strengthens shared goals.Develop your unique voice as a communicator: Cultivating your authentic voice sets you apart, making your communication more impactful. Embrace authenticity and stay true to yourself.Meet the speaker where they are: Understanding and empathizing with the perspective of your audience leads to more meaningful, effective communication.Quote of the Show:“Crises are great character revealers, aren’t they? I worked for Barack Obama for eight years, and not once did he raise his voice at me, despite the many reasons he could have. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet never lost his cool. If the President of the United States could maintain composure, treat people with respect, and keep it together, that’s the kind of boss we all deserve.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/ Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/say-it-well/ 

Today, we’re featuring some of the most inspiring guests we’ve had on the show - and it just so happens they are all women. You’ll hear from Oscar winner turned Trevor Project Founder Peggy Rajski, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker,  CNN Hero Yasmine Arrington, White House Cyber Czar Camille Stewart Gloster, ad agency legend Cary Hatch, Points of Light CEO Jennifer Sirangelo, healthcare innovator Silvia Taylor, Science luminary Maya Ajmera, Substack influencer Lia Haberman, and Accenture diversity champion Nedra Dickson. This powerful episode dives into authentic leadership and the art of influencing both within large organizations and in the wider community. The conversation covers a range of impactful topics, from translating marketing and finance to engaging younger audiences, combating misinformation, and building personal brands. The guests share their personal journeys and invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, embracing failure, fostering inclusivity, and championing supplier diversity. Takeaways:Translate Across Disciplines: Understand different terminologies, such as finance and corporate speak. As a leader or influencer, being fluent in the languages relevant to your stakeholders is essential to gaining credibility and a seat at the table.Prioritize Listening and Learning: Authentic listening is key. Leaders should intentionally create opportunities to hear from their audience, staying connected and responsive to their needs.Address Misinformation Proactively: Focus on spreading credible, fact-based information rather than chasing down every piece of misinformation. Tailor your message to highlight benefits and facts that resonate with your audience.Commit to Solving Problems: Recognize critical moments and take decisive action when challenges arise. Whether it's creating new solutions or improving existing ones, proactive problem-solving is essential for leadership.Be a Good Listener: Effective influence begins with listening. Understanding your audience's needs and perspectives allows for more impactful communication and decision-making.Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Use setbacks as opportunities to learn. Embracing failure and applying those lessons can sharpen your approach and enhance your influence.Build and Maintain a Personal Brand: Actively define and promote your personal brand. Whether within an organization or externally, a strong personal brand helps you connect with your audience and drive impact.Links:Cary Hatch: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryhatch/ Jennifer SirangeloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ Silvia Taylor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviabtaylor/ Peggy Rajski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyrajski/ Annise Parker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annise-parker-7956bb6/ Maya Ajmera LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaajmera/ Yasmine Arrington Brooks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-arrington-brooks-66451220/ Camille Stewart GlosterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillestewartesq/ Lia Haberman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liahaberman/ Nedra Dickson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedra-dickson-051b361/