In this episode, host Anthony Shop introduces Bryan Corbett, President and CEO of MFA, the voice of the global alternative investment industry. The conversation explores Bryan's extensive background in both public and private sectors, including his tenure at the Carlyle Group and his role in the George W. Bush administration. Key topics include the significance of alternative investments, MFA's approach to member engagement, effective communication strategies, and leveraging social media. Bryan also shares insights on leadership philosophy, teamwork, and accountability, offering valuable lessons for leaders on internal and external influence, underscored by the importance of clear goals and consistent communication.Takeaways:Effective Communication: Emphasize the importance of clear and focused communication, both internally within the organization and externally with stakeholders. This includes tailoring messages for different audiences and ensuring they are concise and relevant.Member Engagement: Develop a coverage model where each member is assigned an executive responsible for maintaining the relationship. This personalized approach ensures members feel valued and addresses their specific needs.Proactive Media Strategy: Highlight the shift from a reactive to a proactive media strategy, stressing the importance of conveying the industry’s message first, building media relationships, and preparing for TV appearances with clear, simple messages.Utilizing Social Media: Illustrate the significance of using LinkedIn for outreach and communication to maintain relationships and share key content effectively.Goals and Accountability: Establish clear, organization-wide goals that cascade to individual teams, fostering alignment, accountability, and performance tracking. This practice was essential for building trust and ensuring focus on shared objectives.Team Collaboration and Leadership: Leverage team input and foster a collaborative environment in leadership style. Recognizing the value of collective insights, empowerment of the team drives better decision-making.Adapting Practices from Other Industries: Implement a coverage model borrowed from investment banks to enhance member engagement. This adaptability demonstrates the importance of learning from other industries' practices and customizing them to fit organizational needs.Quote of the Show:"Whenever there's skepticism, you have to address it. It's not just about having a good story; you need the data and research to back it up." Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-corbettWebsite: https://www.mfaalts.org/ Shout Outs:Carlisle: https://www.carlisle.com/ CNBC’s Squawkbox: https://www.cnbc.com/squawk-box-us/ Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/ Noah Theron: https://www.mfaalts.org/team/noah-theran/ President George W. BushThe White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ 

In this episode, Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, shares her inspiring journey. From founding the Global Fund for Children at just 23 years old to revitalizing Society for Science, Maya has pioneered impactful initiatives. This show highlights her role in establishing a vast grassroots network for vulnerable children, her strategic transformation of the Science News Media Group and her work ensuring a strong future for the Society’s world-class STEM competitions. Maya's leadership emphasizes the power of storytelling and community engagement in education and youth empowerment, offering valuable advice on fostering entrepreneurial spirit and leveraging storytelling for influence in leadership roles.Takeaways:Empower Your Team: Hire exceptionally smart people and give them the freedom and support to innovate. Allow them to bring their best ideas forward and give them opportunities to take initiative.Leverage Storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool for making connections and influencing others. Personal, relatable stories can build lasting connections and help convey your organization's mission and values.Promote Community Building: Actively reach out to and engage with your community members, whether alumni, employees, or partners. Building an organic, engaged community can lead to valuable collaborations and stronger support for your mission.Innovate Through Feedback: Listen attentively to your audience's needs and adapt your products and services accordingly. Engaging with your users, like teachers or students, can provide critical insights that drive innovation and improvement.Develop Young Talent: Create programs and opportunities to bring in and nurture young talent. Encouraging project-based learning and offering platforms for young people to showcase their skills can lead to the discovery and development of future leaders.Capitalize on Serendipity: Be open to opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Networking and building relationships in unconventional situations can lead to significant support and partnerships.Intrapreneurial Culture: Foster an intrapreneurial spirit within your organization. Encourage your team members to think like entrepreneurs, bring their ideas to the table, and drive projects that can transform and grow the organization.Quote of the Show:“Failure gives you more answers than you know. Science opened my mind to new ways of thinking about the world.”Links:Twitter: @mayaajmeraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaajmera/ Personal Website: https://www.mayaajmera.com/ Company Website: https://www.societyforscience.org/ Shout Outs:The Global Fund for Children: https://globalfundforchildren.orgScience News Media Group: https://www.sciencenews.org/ Regeneron: https://www.regeneron.com/ Regeneron Science Talent Search: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/ Back to School: https://www.amazon.com/Back-School-Journey-Maya-AjmeraEvery Breath We Take: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Breath-We-TakeChildren from Australia to Zimbabwe: https://www.amazon.com/Children-Australia-Zimbabwe-Photographic-JourneyAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences: https://www.amacad.org/National Science Board: https://www.nsf.gov/nsb/ Duke University: https://duke.edu/ The Aspen Institute: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/ Henry Crown Fellowship: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/henry-crown-fellowship/ Echoing Green Fellowship: https://echoinggreen.org/fellowship/ Richard B. Fisher: Former Chairman of Morgan Stanley Dr. Prem Parkash SehgalDr. Vickers BurdettDr. Margaret HollydayJohn Hecklinger: Co-CEO of Global Fund for ChildrenHayley Roffey: Co-CEO of Global Fund for Children  Kennedy Odede: Founder and CEO of Shining Hope for CommunitiesMeg Garlinghouse: Vice President, Social Impact for LinkedIn Dr. Cheryl Dorsey: President of Echoing Green Wendy Young: President of Kids in Need of Defense 

Congressman and Chief Influencer Andy Kim was recently victorious in the NJ primary election for the United States Senate representing the Third Congressional District of New Jersey. Congratulations, Congressman Kim! In celebration of his achievement, we are pleased to revisit his insightful interview with our host, Anthony Shop, from earlier in the campaign season. As we approach Independence Day, it's inspiring to see leaders like Congressman Kim embodying the spirit of service and dedication to our nation.In this episode, Congressman Kim delves into his journey from serving in various government roles, including at the Pentagon and in Afghanistan, to campaigning for the United States Senate. As a career public servant and the first Democratic member of Congress of Korean descent, Congressman Kim emphasizes the importance of integrity, bipartisanship, and advocacy for democracy. He discussed his legal battle against New Jersey's 'county line' ballot system to promote fairness in elections. He also reflected on the personal and professional challenges faced when taking a stand against party norms. Highlighting the profound impact of his efforts to maintain the Capitol's dignity post-January 6th, Congressman Kim stresses the significance of authenticity and connecting with constituents through storytelling. He also delved into the critical need for leadership that embraces risk, engages with diverse perspectives, and is rooted in a commitment to public service and democratic values. Congressman Kim emphasized the power of showing up, engaging earnestly in both digital and physical spaces, and maintaining a commitment to service above self.Takeaways:Leaders should always remember they are part of something larger than themselves. Engaging in public service or contributing to communal goals can guide decisions and actions, fostering a holistic approach to leadership.In today's digital age, leaders need to be physically present and authentically engage through digital platforms. Direct access to social media allows leaders to showcase their genuine selves, building trust and rapport with their audience.A key characteristic of influential leaders is their ability to take calculated risks after considering all available information. This willingness to step into the unknown while being informed can lead to monumental changes and growth.Through storytelling, leaders can connect deeper, sharing personal motivations and beliefs. This cultivates a stronger, more personal connection with the audience, allowing leaders to communicate and inspire action effectively.Creating an environment where honest and diverse opinions are valued is crucial for leaders. This ensures a well-rounded understanding of situations and fosters a culture of openness and trust.Leaders must learn to be comfortable with discomfort to cultivate resilience and adaptability. This ability allows them to navigate challenges more effectively and take bold steps when needed.By recognizing and valuing the contributions of others, leaders can foster teamwork and collective success. Leadership is not about individual accolades but about collaboratively working towards common goals.Quote of the Show:“If you're only having comfortable conversations in life, it means you're not talking to everyone you should be talking to.” - Congressman Andy KimLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kim-511969  Andy Kim for New Jersey (Website): https://www.andykim.com US Congress - Andy Kim: https://clerk.house.gov/members/K000394 Shout Outs:The Pentagon: https://www.defense.gov The U.S. Department of State: https://www.state.gov The White House National Security Council: https://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc The U.S. Military: https://www.usa.gov/us-military Behind the viral photo of Rep. Andy Kim: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/behind-viral-photo-rep-andy-kim-cleaning-midnight-after-riots-n1253519 President Barack Obama on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barackobama Susan Rice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amb-susan-rice General David H. Petraeus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpetraeus General John R. Allen: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/602794 

Authentic leadership originates from one's core character and values, which guide their actions and decisions. Embracing this approach enhances leadership effectiveness. It demands deep self-understanding and acceptance, as this authenticity steers our choices and inspires others.In our latest episode, Dr. Gregory Fowler, President of the University of Maryland Global Campus, joins host Anthony Shop to discuss how authenticity impacts leaders and allows us to create connections with our audiences. Tune in to discover how authenticity inspires us all to be positive influences and shape a future where genuine self-expression leads to greater empowerment.Takeaways:Lifelong learning and adapting to new challenges are important for any leader. Leaders should model this by continuously seeking new knowledge and encouraging a culture of ongoing education within their organizations.Learning practical skills can support any type of professional growth. These skills empower individuals to adapt, innovate, and excel in their careers, laying a solid foundation for long-term success and versatility in a dynamic work environment.Intentional and transparent educational design is crucial for success. By clearly communicating the objectives and benefits, individuals can understand the path to their goals.Be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of diverse populations. This includes providing accommodations or flexibility as support.Social media platforms can be a valuable tool for sharing success stories and connecting with potential audiences. By elevating real experiences, institutions can inspire and motivate others.The traditional residential college experience is evolving, with more students seeking flexible, online, and competency-based education. Schools must adapt to this shift by offering programs that meet the needs of today's learners.Leadership is often influenced by personal experiences and the support of family and community. Leaders can draw strength and inspiration from their backgrounds and use these stories to connect with and inspire others.Quote of the Show: (Options)“I say that we have to be like Sherpas on a mountain. We have to be capable. We can't climb the mountain for you, but we can climb it with you.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorywfowler/ UMGC Website: https://www.umgc.edu/ Shout Outs:Roy Romer: WGU PioneerMichael Okerlund Leavitt: Founder of WGUWGU: https://www.wgu.edu/Nathan Graw

In this compelling episode, we are joined by Cary Hatch, a revered entrepreneur and brand advocate who has transformed MDB Communications into an industry powerhouse and now serves as Senior Counsel at Hart. Cary shares her journey from purchasing her employer at age 30, to leading through numerous economic challenges, and building robust relationships. Recognized among the 100 most powerful people in Washington. She’s been named to the Washington Business Journal's Power 100 and is an American Advertising Federation Silver Medal honoree. Cary offers invaluable lessons in grit, leadership, and influence. From advising on managing corporate reputations to reflecting on the evolving role of consumers, Cary underscores the need for leaders to blend financial fluency with strategic communication to navigate today's complex business landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of marketing, governance, and consumer engagement, and learn why having a communications expert on your board could be crucial for your brand's success.  Takeaways:Fear of failure is a very powerful feeling. Instead of letting it paralyze you, use it as fuel to propel yourself forward. Leveraging this fear can drive your determination and commitment to succeed against the odds.Give yourself permission to try, ask questions, and learn. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and seek new knowledge. Continuous learning and curiosity are crucial for personal and professional growth.Be fluent in the language you need to gain a seat at the table and be taken seriously. Understanding metrics, terms, topics, and even, “board speak” is essential to communicate the value of marketing and communications effectively. This fluency bridges the gap between marketers and others, fostering better collaboration.Overperform to ensure that you're memorable, and overdeliver to ensure that you're taken seriously. Exceeding expectations ensures that you stand out in your field and build a strong personal and professional reputation. Consistently delivering exceptional results will solidify your credibility and influence.Not everything important is measurable and not everything measurable is important. Focus on setting both hard and soft metrics to evaluate success comprehensively. Understand that qualitative impacts can be just as crucial as quantitative ones in driving long-term value.Know the intersection of your brand and your customers' needs, both internally and externally. Aligning your brand's values with the genuine needs and concerns of your audience builds trust and loyalty. Demonstrating this alignment through actions rather than mere statements is key to authenticity.Over-delivering for your customer fosters strong, lasting relationships. Going above and beyond in your service or product offerings can transform transactional interactions into loyal partnerships. Small, thoughtful actions that surprise and delight your customers leave a lasting positive impression.Quote of the Show:“For the people who are always told what they can't do, and then they prevail, that's what inspires me.” Links:Twitter: https://twitter.com/caryhatch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryhatch/ Personal Website: https://caryhatch.com/ Business Website: https://www.hartinc.com/ Shout Outs: Spencer Stuart: https://www.spencerstuart.comHarvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/ Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/trust-barometer RepTrack: https://www.reptrak.com/ Liz WaingerShelley Lazarus: Former Chairman of Ogilvy Mather Cricket Whitton: CEO of SpanxJohn Hedricks: Former Chairman of Discovery Inc. Ted Leonsis: CEO of Monumental Sports & EntertainmentKevin Plank: Founder and Executive Chairman of Under Armour