#128 Nov 12, 25

The Responsibility to Influence: Insights from Nonprofit CEOs | (Re-Air)

We’re re-airing one of our most popular Chief Influencer® episodes, and for good reason. In this fan-favorite panel conversation, host Anthony Shop brings together an inspiring lineup of nonprofit leaders to talk about how they use their personal brands to power their missions and amplify impact.

Featuring Steve Schwab (Elizabeth Dole Foundation), Jean Accius (Creating Healthier Communities), Katie Schubert (Society for Women’s Health Research), Jennifer Sirangelo (Points of Light), and Lidia Soto-Harmon (Student Conservation Association), this conversation explores how today’s nonprofit CEOs are showing up authentically, building community through digital storytelling, and leading with purpose in an ever-changing world.

We loved this conversation for its honesty, insight, and generosity, and it clearly resonated with our listeners, too. Whether you missed it the first time or are ready for a fresh dose of inspiration, this replay is packed with timeless lessons on leadership, authenticity, and influence for good.

Takeaways:

Start from within. The best nonprofit leaders know their greatest advocates begin inside their organization — among staff, volunteers, and board members.
Authenticity builds trust. Blending the personal with the professional creates genuine connection and strengthens influence.
Share the stage. Elevate others’ stories — staff, partners, or community members — to make your message more powerful and human.
Think beyond your niche. Broaden your conversations to connect with new audiences and partners aligned with your mission.
Be strategic but consistent. Plan ahead, but remember: even one thoughtful post or comment can make a meaningful impact.
Show up visually. “Faces are the new logos” — leaders who put themselves out there amplify credibility and relatability.
Leverage collaboration. Partnerships and cross-sector storytelling can expand your reach and deepen impact.

Quote of the Show:

“If people understand your ‘why,’ they may not agree with every decision, but they’ll understand it.” – Jean Accius

Links:

Kathryn Godburn Schubert
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/
- Website: https://swhr.org/
Jean Accuius
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accius4/
- Website: https://chcimpact.org/
Jennifer Sirangelo
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/
- Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/
Lidia Soto-Harmon
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-soto-harmon-a921a213/
- Website: https://thesca.org/
Steven Schwab
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schwab7676/
- Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

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.