Today’s special episode of Chief Influencer highlights four inspiring elected officials: Danica Roem, a member of the Virginia State Senate; Andy Kim, U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 3rd District; Rob Sand, Iowa Auditor of State; and Tony Woods, Secretary of Veterans Affairs at the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.The episode features leaders from various sectors and highlights the importance of collaborative change and diverse legislative influences. It underscores the value of transparency, accessibility, and genuine engagement in leadership. Each guest shared their personal insights on important themes like inclusion and the challenges of decision-making. They highlighted how vital it is for leaders to share their own stories and create welcoming spaces for everyone. They also delved into topics like overcoming misinformation and battling imposter syndrome, emphasizing the need to balance personal beliefs with the collective responsibility of serving the public.Takeaways:Communicate Openly and Authentically: Embrace a communication style that is open, human, and transparent. Engage in open dialogue to build trust and credibility by being honest about both successes and failures.Influence Through Mutual Engagement: Recognize that leadership involves being open to influence as well. Actively listen to constituents or team members, understand their needs, and incorporate their feedback into decision-making.Leave No One Behind: Create an inclusive environment where every member feels valued and heard. Focus on integrating marginalized or underrepresented groups into the larger mission.Show Rawness and Vulnerability: Demonstrate vulnerability by sharing your struggles and failures. This authentic approach fosters personal connections and reflects your true self.Share Personal Stories: Use storytelling to connect with your audience. Relating personal anecdotes makes your message more compelling and provides insight into your values and leadership style.Understand Key Issues Thoroughly: Develop a deep understanding of critical issues affecting your community or organization. Stay informed and continuously educate yourself to make more effective decisions.Engage Thoughtfully with Opposing Views: Address tough questions and criticisms respectfully, even in disagreement. Thoughtful responses can help bridge divides and foster a cooperative environment.Links:Rob SandLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsand1/ Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa Danica RoemFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/danicafordelegate/ Website: https://www.danicaforstatesenate.com/ Andy Kim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kim-511969/ Website: https://www.andykim.com/ Tony WoodsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-woods-22390978/ Website: https://veterans.maryland.gov/anthony-woods/ 

Bill Smith is the Founder and CEO of Inseparable, an organization dedicated to advancing mental health policy. Additionally, he holds the position of Chair at Civitas Public Affairs Group, a firm he co-founded. At Civitas, he guides philanthropists, foundations, and donor collaboratives on various policy objectives alongside national non-profit organizations striving for progressive policy advancements.Bill shares insights into his impactful journey of shaping mental health policy and empowering the LGBTQ+ community politically. He delves into the founding motivations behind Inseparable, stressing the significance of research and genuine communication in driving policy transformations. Bill also discusses successful strategies for achieving significant policy victories across different states.Together, they explore leveraging research for influence, simplifying intricate messages effectively, and harnessing authenticity and encouragement to propel social change. Bill advocates for leaders to recruit individuals smarter than themselves, fostering a culture of brilliance and collaboration within organizations, thereby ensuring success through collective intelligence and expertise.Takeaways:Be yourself in your communications and leadership style. Authenticity resonates with people and builds trust. Establish a genuine connection with your team, stakeholders, and audience.Surround yourself with people who are more intelligent than you. This approach enhances your team's overall capabilities and fosters learning and innovation.Determine the core areas or issues that need addressing and concentrate your efforts there. A focused approach ensures impactful outcomes and better allocation of resources.Before embarking on any major project or initiative, invest in research. Understanding the opinions and needs of your audience is essential for crafting messages that resonate and to make informed decisions.Research and data are invaluable; let them guide your communications, decisions, and strategies. Even if the findings challenge your assumptions, being open to data-driven insights can lead to more effective outcomes.Develop messaging that is straightforward and resonates with your audience. Simplifying complex ideas into relatable, engaging narratives can amplify your influence and the impact of your messages.Personalize your communication to build deeper connections. Whether through emails, social media, or direct engagement, sharing your journey, challenges, and successes can inspire and engage people more effectively.Quote of the Show:“At the end of the day, you have to listen to research because if it's done well, it's telling you what people think and it's telling you what you need to hear.” - Bill SmithLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-smith-7376424 Inseparable (Website): https://www.inseparable.us Civitas Public Affairs Group (Website): https://www.civitaspublicaffairs.com Shout Outs:The Gill Foundation: https://gillfoundation.org Jan Van Lohuizen: https://www.c-span.org/person/?16114/JanVanLohuizen 

This week's episode features an in-person discussion with Terry Szuplat, a former White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama and author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience. Terry emphasizes the importance of authenticity, simplicity, and personal storytelling in effective communication. He shares insights on public speaking, leveraging personal narratives, and avoiding jargon, offering actionable advice for students and professionals in the field. The discussion also addresses the impact of social media and how AI is involved in communication. The session concludes with an appreciation for Terry’s contributions and a reminder to engage in authentic human communication.Takeaways:Talk Like a Human: Simplify your language and communicate in a relatable way. Avoid jargon and buzzwords to enhance relatability and impact.Know Yourself Deeply: Understand your identity, values, and story before inspiring others. Clarity in who you are will resonate with your audience's authenticity.Utilize Personal Stories: Incorporate personal anecdotes in your speeches. Unique experiences will engage your audience and create a personal connection.Prepare Thoughtfully: Use the 50-25-25 rule for preparation: spend 50% on planning and research, 25% on content creation, and 25% on practicing and refining your delivery for a polished presentation.Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection: Prioritize being genuine over delivering a flawless performance. Audiences appreciate sincerity and your true self.Quote of the Show:"When you tell the stories that only you can tell, then no one can steal your words, ever."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/ Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/about/ Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/say-it-well-terry-szuplatShout Outs:Former President of the United States, Barack ObamaTim WalzGeroge Washington College of Professional Studies: https://www.cps.gwu.edu/ 

In this episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop, speaks with Renee DiResta, a leading expert on misinformation, social media, and online influence, as well as the author of Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality. Renee shares insights on false information trends on social media and the challenges of combating them. The discussion also explores the changing media landscape, the role of influencers, and the significance of ethical communication. Renee emphasizes the need for transparent influencer disclosure laws and offers advice for experts on effectively navigating and influencing public discourse.Takeaways:Build and Leverage Your Network: It's not enough to just post content; your real reach comes from others who amplify your message. Encourage supporters and interested parties to share and engage with your content to maximize its impact.Establish a Strong and Diverse Network: One significant problem for institutions today is that many haven’t prioritized networked communication. Focus on building connections and relationships with key players and communities that can help spread your message.Utilize Unique Opportunities: Take advantage of increased online engagement to connect with a broader audience. These moments can help you establish a more extensive following.Maintain High Standards for Information: Authoritative voices should be held to higher standards than random influencers. Ensure your communications are accurate and reliable to build and maintain trust.Manage Content Distribution: Recognize the difference between people finding your content through search and having it proactively pushed onto them by platforms. Aim for strategic content distribution that considers both methods.Enhance Transparency and Disclosure: Be transparent about relationships and sponsorships, especially for influencers. Transparency is critical for maintaining credibility and trust with your audience.Actively Engage in Conversations: Engage actively on social media and other platforms where public opinion is formed. Do not rely solely on traditional methods like press releases. Participation in ongoing conversations is crucial for influence.Quote of the Show:“For influencers in particular, ethics are essential. It's important to recognize the power you have and to use it responsibly.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneediresta/ Website: https://www.reneediresta.com/ Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Rulers-People-Turn-Reality/Shout Outs:Edward BernaysStanford Internet Observatory: https://cyber.fsi.stanford.edu/io NPR: https://www.npr.org/ Atlantic Wired - Free Speech is Not the Same as Free Reach: https://www.wired.com/story/free-speech-is-not-the-same-as-free-reach/ Aza Raskin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azaraskin/ Tristan Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanharris/ Sacha Baron Cohen: https://www.instagram.com/sachabaroncohen/?hl=en Elon MuskCDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ Wendy’s Twitter McDonald’s TwitterConsumer Product Safety Commission: https://www.cpsc.gov/ NATO Summit: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/226799.htm Federal Election Commission: https://www.fec.gov/ Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/ Substack: https://substack.com/ 

This episode is a tribute to Mrs. Virginia Ali, co-founder and matriarch of the iconic Ben's Chili Bowl, a true family-owned business. She recounts her early days in the Shaw community in Washington DC, her relationship with civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and how Ben's became a crucial gathering spot during pivotal historical moments. Through her warmth and hospitality, Virginia helped the restaurant thrive for 66 years, making it an essential part of the city's cultural and social fabric. The episode also touches on her efforts to archive the restaurant's history and her notable interactions with high-profile dignitaries, including President Barack Obama. As she prepares to expand Ben's Chili Bowl, Mrs. Ali emphasizes the importance of community connection and consistent kindness.Takeaways:Treat Everyone with Kindness and Respect: Mrs. Ali treats everyone who walks into Ben’s Chili Bowl with a smile and kind words, making them feel like the most important person. Leaders should foster a culture of kindness and genuine respect within their teams to build strong and positive relationships.Preserve Your Legacy: Mrs. Ali’s decision to document and preserve her family's and business's history will ensure that her legacy will last forever. Leaders should prioritize recording and preserving important documents and histories that can provide valuable insights and inspiration for future generations.Stay Calm and Collected: Virginia Ali's philosophy of using a soft voice to turn away wrath is a powerful reminder that staying composed and using calm communication can defuse tense situations. Leaders can effectively manage conflicts and maintain a positive atmosphere by practicing patience and composed communication.Be a Beacon During Tough Times: Ben’s Chili Bowl remaining open during the 1968 curfew period exemplifies the importance of being a reliable and supportive presence in the community during crises. Leaders should aim to be pillars of stability and support when their teams or communities face challenges.Value Community Relationships: Mrs. Ali emphasized the mutual support between Ben’s Chili Bowl and their community. Leaders should actively engage with and contribute to their communities, understanding that these relationships can provide critical support during tough times.Commit to Longevity and Adaptability: The success of Ben’s Chili Bowl over 66 years highlights the importance of persistency, adaptability, and a commitment to quality. Leaders should focus on these attributes to sustain long-term success and navigate ever-changing environments.Stay Humble and Grateful: Despite receiving numerous awards, Mrs. Ali remained humble and focused on serving her community. Leaders should embody humility and gratitude, recognizing that their success is often a collective effort and continuing to prioritize service and kindness.Quote of the Show:“Influence doesn’t have to be loud, it can be kind and gentle.”Links:Ben’s Chili Bowl Website: https://benschilibowl.com/ Shout Outs:"Breaking Barriers with Chili: Virginia Ali: The Matriarch of DC": https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Barriers-Chili-Virginia-Matriarch/Lee’s Flower Shop: https://www.leesflowerandcard.com/  Industrial Bank: https://www.industrial-bank.com/home/my-banking-center/u-street Peaches (Former Employee of Ben’s Chili Bowl)Mary Wood (Former Employee of Ben’s Chili Bowl) President Kennedy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Barack Obama Adrian Fenty Harriet TubmanHoward University Hospital: https://www.huhealthcare.com/ James Beard Foundation Award Key to the City Award Lifetime Achievement Award