It Takes All of Us: Chuck Henderson on the Power of Teamwork and Collective Strength to Fight Diabetes
In this interview, Chuck Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), shares insights into his leadership journey, emphasizing teamwork and a mission-driven approach. Since joining the ADA in January 2020, Chuck has drawn on his private sector experience and athletic background to champion health equity, advocate for insulin affordability, and expand access to diabetes technologies.
He discusses the importance of understanding all aspects of an organization while staying authentic and accessible as a leader. Chuck also reflects on the transformational changes he’s driven at the ADA, with a focus on health equity and increased transparency. He highlights the role of social media—particularly LinkedIn—in strengthening the ADA's brand and mission.
Chuck also shares his personal connection to diabetes and the influence of his parents, as well as the organization's strategies for navigating remote work. The conversation concludes with a call to action for supporting the ADA during American Diabetes Month, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and resources to address the diabetes epidemic.
Takeaways:
- Embrace a Team-Oriented Leadership Philosophy: Learning from Chuck's experience as an athlete, fostering an inclusive and team-centric environment is crucial. Ensure every member understands their role and how they contribute to the collective success.
- Maintain a Mission-Driven Focus: Chuck's daily reflection on his impact highlights the importance of grounding leadership decisions in the organization’s mission. Regularly ask yourself what you've done to advance your mission and set clear, impactful goals.
- Consistency in Communication: Regular touchpoints like monthly town halls, bi-weekly newsletters, and quarterly meetings are essential. This consistency keeps the team aligned, engaged, and informed about strategic directions and wins.
- Be Intentional with Engagement: Whether it's giving out personal contact information, being active on social media, or responding to both positive and negative feedback, intentional engagement fosters authentic connections and builds trust.
- Promote Organizational Brand: Use platforms like LinkedIn to share the organization’s achievements, highlight team members, and build new relationships. Prioritize showcasing the organization’s impact over self-promotion.
- Show Up Authentically: Your presence, both online and offline, should reflect genuine commitment and transparency. Authenticity builds credibility and trust, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.
- Adapt and Innovate Continuously: Being proactive about adopting remote work, investing in training, and listening to stakeholder feedback are critical. Innovation and adaptation help in staying ahead and addressing emerging challenges effectively.
Quote of the Show:
- “No one person is greater than the team. It takes all of us, each one of us has a role to play in this fight.”
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesdhenderson/
- Website: https://diabetes.org/
Shout Outs:
- Champion Fire and Security: https://championfiresecurity.com/
- Cotton Bowl Athletic Associaton: https://www.cottonbowl.com/
- Texas A&M’s Letterman Associaton: https://www.aggielettermen.org/
- Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/
- Tracey D. Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceydbrown/
- Dions Dream: https://dionschicagodream.com/
- Baxter: https://www.baxter.com/
- Eli Lilly and Company: https://www.lilly.com/
- Medicare:https://www.medicare.gov/
- Medicaid: https://www.healthcare.gov/
Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.