Jeff Todd on Collaboration, Relationship Building, and Core Values - Chief Influencer - Episode # 094
How can building strong relationships and fostering collaboration drive success in leadership and organizational growth?
In this interview, Jeff, CEO of Prevent Blindness, reflects on his career in public health and leadership. Since joining in 2003, Jeff has led key initiatives like the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health and the Focus on Eye Health National Summit.
He discusses the importance of advocacy in shaping public policy and securing funding for eye health, balancing data with storytelling for effective outreach. Jeff also highlights how digital platforms like LinkedIn help maintain critical relationships.
Throughout the conversation, Jeff emphasizes the value of relationships and collaboration, drawing from his experience as CEO and on boards. He shares insights into tackling challenges such as misinformation and ensuring equitable access to eye care while staying true to Prevent Blindness' mission.
Takeaways:
- Building Strong Relationships Over Time: Build relationships proactively by engaging regularly and supporting others' initiatives, creating a foundation for future collaboration.
- Combining Data with Storytelling: Influence stakeholders by blending compelling narratives with data; real stories paired with data make your message powerful and memorable.
- Use Both In-Person and Digital Tools for Relationship Building: Leverage LinkedIn to stay connected, keeping interactions meaningful by staying informed on your network's achievements.
- Advocacy is Key for Non-Profit Success: Engage in coalition-building and bipartisan efforts to advance legislation and secure funding, ensuring eye health is included in broader healthcare discussions.
- Celebrate Team Members and Their Achievements: Publicly recognize and celebrate team milestones to boost morale and emphasize each member's importance to the organization's mission.
- See Yourself as a Team Member First and a Leader Second: Approach leadership roles as a facilitator, respecting others' input and promoting group success over individual authority.
Quote of the Show:
- “The relationship between the CEO and a board really is a partnership. It’s about figuring out what their need is, what your need is, and how to bring that together to advance the mission that you’re a part of.”
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftoddjd/
- Website: https://preventblindness.org/
Shout Outs:
- National Health Council: https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/
- Sue Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-corbett-5b003b13/
- National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health
- Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit
- National Youth Violence Prevention Center
- Vision 2020 USA Board
- International Agency for the Prevent of Blindness
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.