Since our interview with Daniel Buezo last year, Kids of Immigrants has announced exciting new collaborations with Nike and Hasan Minhaj. To coincide with New York Fashion Week, we wanted to reconnect with one of today's most influential fashion entrepreneurs, Daniel Buezo, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kids of Immigrants, a trailblazing streetwear brand born in Los Angeles. Alongside his Co-Founder Weleh Dennis, Daniel has taken the fashion world by storm, teaming up with powerhouse brands and icons like Apple, Nike, Vans, and the one and only Bad Bunny. In this exciting episode, Daniel sits down with Host Anthony Shop to share the captivating story behind the brand’s rise from humble beginnings, reveal why his most pivotal meeting is with himself, and discuss how they remain true to their mission despite their phenomenal success. Takeaways:A major factor behind the launch of Kids of Immigrants was the goal of bringing people of all backgrounds together. This was in contrast to the often exclusive attitude proliferating the world of fashion and streetwear. Daniel and Weleh wanted to create clothing that genuinely represented who they are and their experiences. This was something they found lacking in many of the popular and readily available clothing brands in the United States.When launching the brand, Daniel and Weleh realized that even if the brand evolved, there would be a constant factor tied to the company: they were “Kids of Immigrants.” Their roots and community are interwoven into the initial creation of the brand and its continued evolution. Daniel says that his most important meeting of the day is with himself. Taking a moment to reflect or meditate gives him a chance to communicate with his inner self,  which helps him find a sense of calm, make tough decisions, and become inspired. Recognize that productivity and inspiration are two separate things. While Daniel’s days can get very busy, allowing him to be very productive, he knows that to find inspiration, he needs to get out of the office and have time alone. Taking the time to find what inspires you is crucial. Quote of the Show:“We were kids of immigrants yesterday. We're kids of immigrants today, and we'll be kids of immigrants tomorrow. We knew that wouldn't change.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-buezo-581815189/ Company Website: https://kidsofimmigrants.us/ 

This episode of Chief Influencer features Eric Pan, the President and CEO of the Investment Company Institute (ICI). The conversation explores Eric's background, including his roles with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, his tenure as a law professor, and his transition to leading ICI. Eric emphasizes how effective communication is crucial in addressing diverse audiences and achieving industry goals. Just because you aren’t an expert in a certain industry, doesn’t mean that you can’t understand certain topics. In addition, Eric shares how clear and respectful messaging tailored to different groups ensures that information is accessible and relevant. He highlights the role social media plays as a two-way communication tool, enabling organizations to not only share information but also gather valuable feedback from their audience. He shared that balancing factual data with emotional storytelling enhances engagement and makes complex topics more relatable. He emphasized that as technology continually evolves, adapting communication strategies to incorporate new tools and platforms is essential for staying current. Additionally, he noted that understanding and addressing stakeholder perspectives allows for more effective advocacy and aligns industry efforts with the needs and concerns of various groups.Takeaways:Be Genuine: When communicating complex information, be genuine in your enthusiasm and interest. Your passion can make others care about the topic too.Respect Different Viewpoints: Recognize that everyone has a valid perspective. Understanding and respecting those views can help in effectively communicating your message.Use Both Data and Stories: Combine logical data-driven points with emotional, human-interest stories. This dual approach can help you connect with a wider audience.Adapt Across Platforms: Different platforms attract different audiences. Being active on various social media channels like LinkedIn can help leaders reach a diverse set of stakeholders.Leverage Social Media Authentically: Treat your social media presence as an authentic voice for your opinions and initiatives. Use it to articulate key viewpoints and engage directly with your audience.Two-Way Communication: Influence is not just about pushing your message out but also about listening to feedback. Utilize platforms that allow for this two-way interaction.Empower Your Team: See social media as an organizational tool, not just an individual one. Encourage other members of your team to also have a voice and contribute to the collective message.Quote of the Show:“Just like fund investing is the democratization of finance, social media is the democratization of communication.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-pan-0352772/ Website: https://www.ici.org/ 

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, hosted by Anthony Shop, we brought together four leaders from diverse sectors to share insights on inspiring, influencing, and connecting with communities. Today’s guests include Daniel Buezo, Founder and CEO of Kids of Immigrants, Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of Points of Light, Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, and Gina Schaefer, Co-Owner of a Few Cool Hardware Stores and Author of Recovery Hardware. They discuss the importance of community, civic engagement, technology in education, and impactful events, from the Points of Light Awards to ComplexCon. Each guest emphasized the power of recognizing and supporting community efforts, fostering civic duties, and the mutual growth from leader-community interactions.Takeaways:Leverage Unexpected Ideas: Great ideas often come from unconventional places. Don't be afraid to look outside your immediate industry for inspiration and solutions.Serve and Build Community: Dedicate efforts to building and serving your community. As demonstrated, community support can be a driving force and provide invaluable inspiration.Embrace Continuous Learning: Never stop learning because each new experience brings valuable lessons. Even seasoned leaders can benefit from continuous education and reflection.Recognize and Empower Others: Recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals in your community. Formal recognition can inspire and mobilize people towards community service.Utilize Technology Wisely: Use technology as an enabler to address challenges. Technology should complement and enhance your core vision and initiatives, not overshadow them.Foster Open Communication: Encourage open dialogues within your community and organization. Honest conversations can highlight critical issues and foster stronger relationships.Invest in Community Events: Hosting community events can significantly boost engagement and create a sense of belonging. It offers a platform for interaction that goes beyond traditional customer service.Links:Gina Schaefer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaschaefer-speaker/ Website: https://ginaschaefer.com/  Daniel Buezo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-buezo-581815189/ Website: https://kidsofimmigrants.us/ Jennifer Sirangelo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/ Jean-Claude BrizardLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-brizard-0080a810/ Website: https://digitalpromise.org/ 

Peggy Rajski is an Oscar-winning filmmaker and a founder of The Trevor Project, the first 24/7 suicide prevention organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ young people. She recently concluded her 18-month term as Interim CEO of The Trevor Project. During that time, she focused on expanding crisis intervention services, strengthening partnerships with SAMHSA and Vibrant Emotional Health for the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, elevating Trevor’s prevention program strategy, and defeating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation through strategic advocacy. The Trevor Project remains a leading force in crisis intervention, driven by Peggy’s mission-first approach and commitment to leveraging storytelling for social impact. In celebration of her tenure and passing the baton to The Trevor Project’s new CEO, Jaymes Black, we are thrilled to resurface this interview with Peggy Rajski!In this insightful interview, Peggy discusses her inspiration for founding The Trevor Project after directing her Oscar-winning short film Trevor. She details the challenges and successes, including the crucial HBO airing with Ellen DeGeneres, and the night the first-ever 24/7 suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth launched. She shares her thoughts on leadership, highlighting the importance of authenticity, allyship, and adaptability. Over 25 years, The Trevor Project has evolved with changes in media, and collaborated with notable figures like Daniel Radcliffe and Dylan Mulvaney. Peggy’s reflections underscore the power of passion, dedication, and resilience in making a significant impact.Takeaways:After directing the film Trevor, Peggy saw the massive need amongst LGBTQ+ youth for some kind of support system. This need was the inspiration behind forming The Trevor Project and its mission, “to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, & questioning young people.”The motivation for Peggy’s film was seeing that LGBTQ+ young people were four times as likely to make an attempt on their lives than their straight peers. Peggy knew that the medium of film could be uniquely used to educate people on this issue.The most important group Peggy had to reach was the young people in dire need of The Trevor Project. Crucial to this were the relationships Peggy built with voices in the media interested in this larger story. When Peggy realized that there was nowhere for LGBTQ+ youth to get specialized support, particularly with suicide prevention, the choice to take action and create resources was clear. It’s vital to share your message through communication channels already used by your audience. The night that Trevor was presented by Ellen DeGeneres and aired on HBO Family, The Trevor Project call center received over 1,500 calls.Honesty is integral to building a cohesive brand that can speak uniquely to different stakeholders, such as donors, staff, and those being served. This requires being clear and consistent on what the brand stands for and its mission.Evolving how you meet your audience where they are is critical. The Trevor Project expanded its services from primarily voice-based to chat-based. This mirrors the growing shift amongst younger generations toward text messaging. The Trevor Project must continuously adapt to the times to continue serving LGBTQ+ youth.Peggy considers the expertise built up within The Trevor Project to be “open source” as the organization sits on many boards and commissions to help protect the mental health needs of historically underserved groups.Leaders need to be storytellers every day of their lives, throughout meetings, introductions, etc. To be a great storyteller, you must be clear, concise, and compelling. Your stories should convey who you are, what you’re doing, and the difference you want to make. Quote of the Show:“Film can make you feel things. When it's working, it bypasses the brain and it goes to your heart.” - Peggy RajskiLinks:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeggyRajski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyrajski/ The Trevor Project Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Shout Outs:Dr. Jay Nagdimon - Mental Health ExpertEllen DeGeneres - Comedian and TV PersonalityElton John - MusicianSting - MusicianDaniel Radcliffe - ActorDylan Mulvaney - Influencer and ActivistKara Swisher - Host of On With Kara SwisherScott Galloway - Author and Host of the Prof G PodHard Fork - PodcastLongform - PodcastThis American Life - PodcastSerial - PodcastSoul + Spirit - PodcastTen Percent Happier - PodcastTara Brach - Meditation teacher and Podcast Host

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop brings together highlights and lessons on LinkedIn from prominent leaders—Steven Taylor, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, Allan Golston, President of the United States Program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Emma Wade-Smith, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General.The episode delves into how these leaders use LinkedIn to drive leadership and influence while maintaining authenticity. They discuss strategies for engaging with their team, combating isolation, and building a positive organizational culture through genuine interactions on LinkedIn. Key takeaways include the importance of authenticity, active engagement, and showing genuine care to leverage LinkedIn for impactful leadershipTakeaways:Prioritize Authentic Engagement: Engage genuinely on LinkedIn by responding personally to comments and messages. Avoid fake posts and always use your authentic voice, even if it includes typos.Listen with Heart and Mind: Show genuine interest in your team by listening to their concerns and taking actionable steps. Create structures that facilitate open communication, such as moving your office to a more accessible location.Two-Way Communication: Foster a two-way exchange on LinkedIn. Engage with followers by responding to their comments and questions, showing that you value their interaction.Personal Recognition: Use LinkedIn to recognize and uplift team members and colleagues by commenting on their achievements, birthdays, or work anniversaries. Personalized recognition can significantly boost morale.Thoughtful Content Sharing: Share content that resonates with your audience. Incorporate visuals like videos and images to grab attention. Avoid overliking, and engage meaningfully in conversations.Human-Centric Leadership: Demonstrate care for your team by acknowledging their hard work and involvement on social media. This builds a supportive and warm organizational culture.Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay open to trying new LinkedIn features and techniques to see what best resonates with your audience. Adapt and innovate continuously to keep your engagement fresh and meaningful.Links:Steven Taylor,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-taylor-a18b9b2/ Website: https://www.arthritis.org/ Johnny C. Taylor JrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyctaylorjr/ Website: https://www.shrm.org/ Allan GolstonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-golston/ Website: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ Emma-Wade Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmawadesmith/ Website:https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office