Jeff Farrah on Shaping Tomorrow: Policy and Advocacy for Autonomous Vehicles - Chief Influencer - Episode # 088
Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA), shares his insights into the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle (AV) industry. With an extensive background in association leadership and policy advocacy, Jeff discusses the current state of AV technology, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the significant progress being made in states across the country.
He highlights the societal benefits of AVs, such as improving mobility for those unable to drive and enhancing supply chain logistics. Jeff also outlines AVIA's efforts to establish a federal policy framework for AVs, stressing the importance of maintaining American leadership in this transformative field. Throughout the conversation, Jeff offers strategies for effective advocacy, the role of storytelling in policy communication, and the challenges of managing diverse business interests within AVIA.
Takeaways:
- Foster Growth and Innovation: Continuously develop strategies to drive growth, increase revenue, and expand impact. Regularly assess and refine your management and operational approaches.
- Communicate Effectively: Deliver clear, compelling messages by combining data with emotional storytelling to effectively convey your vision and objectives.
- Emphasize Benefits: Highlight the broad benefits of your innovations or policies—such as safety improvements or economic gains—to build support and address concerns.
- Know Your Audience: Tailor your message to the specific interests and needs of your stakeholders, showing how your initiatives align with their priorities.
- Promote Opportunities: Recognize and showcase the economic and social benefits of new technologies or policies, demonstrating how they can improve quality of life and increase access for communities.
- Balance Data and Emotion: While data is essential, balance it with emotional narratives to create a persuasive and relatable message. Compelling stories often inspire action.
- Build Strong Foundations: When launching new initiatives or organizations, focus on establishing solid processes, culture, and operational norms. This foundation supports flexibility and innovation.
Quote of the Show:
- “The reason we have language is to be understood. The reason we have advocacy is to be understood and be able to kind of move the needle on certain things. It's not about being the wonkiest person out there. It's about being the one who's most effective at delivering a message.”
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-farrah-5343853/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/theavindustry.org
- Website: https://theavindustry.org/
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.