Dean Fealk on Becoming a Citizen Statesperson - Chief Influencer - Episode # 009
Dean Fealk is the Co-Managing Partner of DLA Piper, founding member of the Halifax International Security Forum, Co-Founder of Transatlantic West, and Co-author of the Wall Street Journal Best-selling book Impact the World, a motivational guide to becoming a superpowered individual committed to improving your community―and the world―through your values and actions. Dean shares how he defines being a “citizen statesperson” and how everyone can make an impact on the world by adopting this framework.
Takeaways:
- A citizen statesperson refers to a civic-minded person that wants to drive change and use the incredible technological tools at their disposal to do more. They want to affect meaningful change both at home and abroad.
- Anyone can raise their hand and decide that being a citizen statesperson is a role that they want to play in their community and in the world. And it's not something you have to wait for someone else to bestow upon you.
- You don't always have to be the expert in the room. If you're the one who listens and synthesizes what the experts say that sometimes is one of the most valuable things that you can contribute to a conversation.
- If you notice that there is not a group focused on fixing a specific issue, it’s up to you to start that initiative. Even if you’re not an expert on a topic, you still have valuable experiences and insights that you can bring to be part of the solution.
- There is immense value in being the person that brings leaders together, no matter the size of the group. For example, Dean shared how bringing together Bay Area CEOs to meet the Mayor of Seoul, South Korea led to the start of many new initiatives.
- Seek out young voices and listen to them for inspiration as they have a different way of viewing the world.
Quote of the Show:
- “It's never too late to be a citizen statesperson.” - Dean Fealk
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-fealk-79a611/
- DLA Piper Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us
- Impact The World: https://www.impacttheworldbook.com/book
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.
Guest
Dean Fealk
Dean Fealk is the Co-Managing Partner of DLA Piper, founding member of the Halifax International Security Forum, Co-Founder of Transatlantic West, and Co-author of the Wall Street Journal Best-selling book Impact the World, a motivational guide to becoming a superpowered individual committed to improving your community―and the world―through your values and actions.
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.