#25 Nov 15, 23

Matthew Algeo on Telling Big Stories Through Small Moments - Chief Influencer - Episode # 025

Matthew Algeo is the Author of When Harry Met Pablo, along with six other books, including Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip, named one of the best books of 2009 by the Washington Post. Matthew and Host Anthony Shop discussed the importance of how leaders show up in small moments, how some of the most influential presidents of the United States have capitalized on communication breakthroughs and the importance of building trust with your audience.

Takeaways:

Great leaders are willing and able to meet with people who hold different viewpoints than their own. They are willing to listen to others and assess the value of their ideas without dismissing them altogether.
Small stories can be compelling because they help to flesh out the character of the person you’re writing or speaking about. Showing how leaders show up in everyday moments can inform the next generation of leaders how to act.
Some of the most impactful Presidents in US history were early adopters of new media forms, allowing them to communicate more directly with voters. For example, Franklin D. Roosevelt embraced the radio, and John F. Kennedy took advantage of television.
Understand the key decision-makers you need to influence and figure out how to communicate with them directly when you need to. For example, President Truman spoke directly with the leading columnists when an issue arose over how a state-sponsored art exhibit was covered in the press.
While delivering bad news can be tough, it’s an important skill to have as a leader and a communicator. A key aspect of being able to deliver the truth, whether good or bad, to people is building a foundation of trust with them.

Quote of the Show:

“I think you can use the smaller stories to reveal a lot about the character of the people you're writing about.” - Matthew Algeo

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-algeo-35b8512/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewalgeo/
Website: https://www.malgeo.net/
When Harry Met Pablo: https://bookshop.org/p/books/when-harry-met-pablo-truman-picasso-and-the-cold-war-politics-of-modern-art-matthew-algeo/19789593?ean=9781641607872
Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: https://bookshop.org/p/books/harry-truman-s-excellent-adventure-the-true-story-of-a-great-american-road-trip-matthew-algeo/626833?ean=9781569767078

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.

Guest

Matthew Algeo

Matthew Algeo is the Author of When Harry Met Pablo, along with six other books, including Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip, named one of the best books of 2009 by the Washington Post.

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.