#126 Oct 22, 25

In a Decentralized World, Consistency Is Your Compass: Cleve Mesidor

Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director of the Blockchain Foundation and Founder of Butterscotch Media, joins Chief Influencer® to share her remarkable journey from the halls of Washington to the frontlines of Web3 innovation. A former Obama Administration appointee, Cleve discusses how her “aha moment” with Bitcoin set her on a mission to create an inclusive digital economy, one that prioritizes accessibility over adoption.
In this wide-ranging conversation, she explains how blockchain can be demystified through trust and relationships, why public policy and tech innovation must work together, and how influence today is built not through status but through consistency. Cleve also reflects on her evolution as a thought leader, building a 10,000-subscriber media platform from a simple Mailchimp newsletter, and offers timeless advice on how to stay grounded, passionate, and true to your purpose in a world that’s changing faster than ever.

Takeaways:

Start with Accessibility, Not Adoption. Focus on educating and empowering people to understand technology, even before they use it.
Build Trust Through Relationships. Demystify complex topics by connecting on a human level and using plain, relatable language.
Be Consistent. Whether it’s publishing weekly or showing up daily, consistency is the foundation of influence.
Bridge the Gaps Between Worlds. Influence happens at intersections—between policy and innovation, Washington and crypto, tradition and disruption.
Simplify the Story. Translate technical concepts into simple truths. As Cleve says, blockchain just “securely verifies information and facilitates exchange without third parties.”
Own Your Journey. Mistakes and pivots are part of building credibility—own them, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
Lead with Passion and Purpose. Influence isn’t about titles; it’s about showing up consistently for what you believe in.

Quote of the Show:

“Be consistent. Whether you have five readers or five million, keep showing up—because that’s what builds influence.”

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmesi/
Butterscotch Media Website: https://butterscotch.media/
Blockchain Foundation Website: https://theblockfound.com/

Episode Video

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

Amanda Goyette

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.