Sharon McBride on Helping Others With a Servant’s Heart - Chief Influencer - Episode # 016
Sharon McBride is the Global Head of Mobilization at DoorDash. Sharon is a pioneer in the field of public affairs and grassroots mobilization, both in the United States and around the globe. She believes fervently in giving people a voice in government, and throughout her career, she's advocated for workers and small businesses, helping them connect with policymakers. Sharon joins Host Anthony Shop to share what it means to help others with a servant’s heart, the importance of in-person interactions with customers, and how to take the first steps toward building influence.
This episode is a special, live recording that was filmed at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management in collaboration with the George Washington University College of Professional Studies.
Takeaways:
- Being an advocate for others can be particularly fulfilling because you are amplifying the voices of those folks who don't think they have a voice. Regardless of the situation, if you have connections or a platform, you should use your means to share the message of those who need to be heard.
- Elected officials in Washington, D.C. really do want to hear what their constituents have to say and what issues impact them. Those officials genuinely want to represent the opinions and concerns of those they serve.
- Spend time with your customers both in-person and over the phone. These two methods of communication are much more valuable compared to text-based communication such as email. These high-value touchpoints build the relationship with the customer.
- To truly understand the perspectives of people that you serve, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. For example, Sharon shared that even those in Doordash’s C-Suite take part in “we-dashes” where they deliver actual Doordash orders to really understand what the experience is like for dashers.
- If you struggle with promoting yourself, your company, or your accomplishments, pivot to elevating team members, peers, etc.
- The first step toward influencing your community, neighborhood, and family is to start with bettering yourself, your family, your community, etc. Once you start making a difference that change will compound, gradually building to an immense total impact.
Quote of the Show:
- “I believe the best way to influence either in a small way or in a large way, is to approach everything with a servant's heart.” - Sharon McBride
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-mcbride-advocate/
- Doordash Careers Website: https://careers.doordash.com/
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.
Guest
Sharon McBride
Global Head of Mobilization at DoorDash. Sharon is a pioneer in the field of public affairs and grassroots mobilization, both in the United States and around the globe. She believes fervently in giving people a voice in government, and throughout her career, she's advocated for workers and small businesses, helping them connect with policymakers.