#147 Mar 18, 26

Steve Schwab on Fueling a Movement With Authentic Leadership (Re-Air)

We’re revisiting a powerful past conversation with Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, whose insights on leadership, storytelling, and movement-building remain just as relevant today.

In this episode, Steve reflects on how Senator Elizabeth Dole transformed a critical but largely invisible issue, the millions of family members caring for wounded veterans, into a national movement. He explains the difference between a mission and a movement, sharing how meaningful change requires both the science of research and the poetry of authentic storytelling.

Steve also discusses the growth of the Hidden Heroes Campaign and how building coalitions across sectors, including policymakers, caregivers, corporate partners, and influential voices like Tom Hanks and Savannah Guthrie, has helped expand support for military and veteran families nationwide.

Along the way, he shares lessons on authentic leadership, the power of persistence in driving policy change, and why the most effective movements are fueled by purpose, community, and a mission greater than oneself.

Takeaways:

Clear mission or purpose: Having a mission larger than yourself drives personal motivation and organizational success, fueling health, vitality, and passion for your work.
Authentic partnerships: Successful coalitions are built on genuine, passionate connections with partners who are sincerely committed to the cause, leading to long-term collaboration and impact.
Balance evidence with storytelling: Combining factual evidence (science) with emotional storytelling (poetry) makes your message more credible, relatable, and impactful, especially in advocacy campaigns.
Authenticity in endorsements: When selecting influential figures to endorse your cause, ensure they have a true connection to it for more meaningful, long-term advocacy support.
Persistence pays off: Achieving long-term goals requires persistence. The passing of the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act highlights the importance of pushing forward despite setbacks and obstacles.
Self-reflection and planning: Regular self-reflection and planning, through practices like quiet time, weekly sessions, or yoga, help maintain clarity, purpose, and proactive focus.
Leveraging LinkedIn: Using platforms like LinkedIn to share achievements, highlight partnerships, and promote your mission strengthens relationships, increases transparency, and broadens your reach.

Quote of the Show:

"It’s incredibly important to recognize the divisive times we are in, and that people are hungry for things that unite us and bring us together."

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schwab7676/
Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

Shoutouts:

Senator Elizabeth Dole
Senator Bob Dole
Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act
Hidden Heroes Campaign: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/campaigns-programs/hidden-heroes

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.