Amanda Goyette

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop brings together highlights and lessons on LinkedIn from prominent leaders—Steven Taylor, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, Allan Golston, President of the United States Program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Emma Wade-Smith, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General.The episode delves into how these leaders use LinkedIn to drive leadership and influence while maintaining authenticity. They discuss strategies for engaging with their team, combating isolation, and building a positive organizational culture through genuine interactions on LinkedIn. Key takeaways include the importance of authenticity, active engagement, and showing genuine care to leverage LinkedIn for impactful leadershipTakeaways:Prioritize Authentic Engagement: Engage genuinely on LinkedIn by responding personally to comments and messages. Avoid fake posts and always use your authentic voice, even if it includes typos.Listen with Heart and Mind: Show genuine interest in your team by listening to their concerns and taking actionable steps. Create structures that facilitate open communication, such as moving your office to a more accessible location.Two-Way Communication: Foster a two-way exchange on LinkedIn. Engage with followers by responding to their comments and questions, showing that you value their interaction.Personal Recognition: Use LinkedIn to recognize and uplift team members and colleagues by commenting on their achievements, birthdays, or work anniversaries. Personalized recognition can significantly boost morale.Thoughtful Content Sharing: Share content that resonates with your audience. Incorporate visuals like videos and images to grab attention. Avoid overliking, and engage meaningfully in conversations.Human-Centric Leadership: Demonstrate care for your team by acknowledging their hard work and involvement on social media. This builds a supportive and warm organizational culture.Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay open to trying new LinkedIn features and techniques to see what best resonates with your audience. Adapt and innovate continuously to keep your engagement fresh and meaningful.Links:Steven Taylor,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-taylor-a18b9b2/ Website: https://www.arthritis.org/ Johnny C. Taylor JrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyctaylorjr/ Website: https://www.shrm.org/ Allan GolstonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-golston/ Website: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ Emma-Wade Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmawadesmith/ Website:https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office 

In today’s episode host Anthony Shop introduces Brooks Bell, a technology entrepreneur who shifted her career focus after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at age 38. Brooks founded Lead From Behind, a campaign powered by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, aimed at destigmatizing colonoscopies through celebrity awareness, significantly increasing public participation in the screening. She also discusses her new venture, Worldclass Clothing, designed to make colonoscopies more approachable and funding procedures for underinsured communities. The conversation highlights the importance of early detection, effective health communication, and leveraging humor and celebrity influence in public health campaigns. Takeaways:Identify Influencers: When promoting an initiative, identify key influencers whose personal stories or backgrounds align with your cause. This can significantly enhance the credibility and reach of your campaign. For example, the success of having Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney involved in the colonoscopy campaign shows the impact celebrities can have in normalizing and promoting essential but often stigmatized procedures.Leverage Personal Stories: Personal experiences can be powerful advocacy tools. Brooks Bell used her diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer to inspire and educate others about colon health. Leaders should explore how personal stories within their organization or community can be leveraged to advance their mission.Stay Informed and Adapt Regulations: Awareness of regulatory changes is crucial. For instance, the change in the recommended screening age for colonoscopies from 50 to 45 in 2021 highlights the importance of staying informed about updates. This allows leaders to make timely and relevant adjustments in their advocacy and policies.Rebrand for Broader Appeal: Sometimes, a new brand or sub-brand can effectively reach a wider audience. Brooks Bell's insight to create Lead From Behind, a brand that doesn't mention colon, rectal, or cancer, made the message more appealing to healthy individuals who might not typically engage with cancer-related content.Highlight Positive Outcomes: Emphasizing the positive results of an action can encourage participation. For example, informing people that their colonoscopy showed no signs of disease means they won't have to think about it for another decade can motivate them to get screened. Leaders can highlight these long-term benefits to promote engagement.Collaborate with Experts: Collaborations with agencies or experts in branding and public relations can significantly enhance a campaign. The partnership with Maximum Effort, a film production company owned by Ryan Reynolds, to build and launch Lead From Behind demonstrates how expert involvement can create a strong, recognizable brand.Quote of the Show:"Cancer is sad and scary. Before my diagnosis, recognizing my mindset then, that's the audience we need to reach. We had to create something people would wear that's funny and energizes the cause without making them uncomfortable. Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksbellinteractive/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooksbell/ Website: https://leadfrombehind.org/ Shout Outs:Colorectal Cancer Alliance: https://colorectalcancer.org/Brooks Bell Inc: https://www.brooksbell.com/ Worldclass Clothing Website: https://www.worldclassclothing.com/ Worldclass Clothing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldclass_clothing/ Maximum Effort: https://www.maximumeffort.com/ Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhaneyZocDocs: https://www.zocdoc.com/AOL: https://www.aol.com/ The Awkward Conversation That Led to My Colon Cancer Diagnosis at Age 38: https://www.today.com/health/essay

Host Anthony Shop interviews the Honorable Jacques Pitteloud, Switzerland's Ambassador to the United States. Since his appointment in 2019, Ambassador Pitteloud has leveraged his extensive Foreign Service career since 1987, serving in diverse locations such as Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Uganda. Pitteloud passionately discusses his mission to redefine perceptions of Switzerland. He underscores the robust economic and technological bonds between Switzerland and the U.S., underscoring the need to tailor communications for different cultural contexts.Addressing the evolving landscape of diplomacy, Pitteloud highlights his innovative use of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to foster engagement and transparency. Drawing from his leadership experience across organizations of varying scales, he advocates for public education as a tool against misinformation, emphasizing the importance of trust in leadership.Takeaways:Embrace Social Media: Leaders should be willing to leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to communicate their messages effectively. While there's a risk, approaching it with positivity and humor can significantly enhance engagement and brand image.Adapt Communication Style: It is crucial to understand and adapt to different communication styles based on cultural and linguistic contexts. Tailoring your message to fit the audience's expectations can build stronger connections and trust.Trust Your Team: Building trust within your team is essential. Start by assuming that your team members are competent and letting them do their jobs. Micromanaging can stifle creativity and productivity.Stay Educated: Continuous learning is vital for effective leadership. Regularly reading and staying informed about industry trends, history, and current events can provide a deeper understanding and better decision-making.Balance Personal and Professional Brands: Authenticity in leadership can be enhanced by blending personal passions and professional responsibilities wisely. Sharing personal interests or hobbies can make leaders more relatable and approachable.Address Misinformation Strategically: Given the rise of misinformation, it is vital to educate your audience and provide well-analyzed, contextually rich information. Immediate responses are less valuable than meaningful interpretations of events.Lead with Humor and Positivity: Humor and positivity in communication can make leaders more approachable and their messages more memorable. Self-deprecating humor, in particular, helps create a connection without offending others.Quote of the Show:"There are so many embassies, so many countries vying for two minutes of attention from decision-makers. How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd? If social media is a means to achieve that, as long as it remains nice, decent, and sometimes even funny— why not? So, we made the video, and suddenly it was reaching hundreds of thousands. There were a few other instances, and then there was the Instagram thing. On We Are The Embassy of Switzerland, which I never thought would reach the 3.4 million mark. I mean, if Kim Kardashian needs some paying advice from me, she can call me."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacques-pitteloud-83621a10/ Website: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home.html Shout Outs:Marcellus Rolle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcellus-rolle-116a432/ Swiss Impact USA: https://swissimpactusa.com/ Washington Post Article Featuring Ambassador Pitteloud’s Bird Painting: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/03/painted-bunting-great-falls-bird-watchers/Switzerland's (not Sweden's) Impact in the United States Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz_5V6DyEdM&t=9s Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/ 

Today, we are honored to host Dr. E. Anders Kolb, President and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).With a distinguished background as a pediatric hematologist oncologist, Dr. Kolb's journey is intertwined with a deeply personal commitment—fueled by his wife's battle with follicular lymphoma—to eradicating these diseases. Today, he leads LLS with a vision that combines compassionate patient care with pioneering research.In this episode, Dr. Kolb shares his insights on fostering community engagement, driving scientific innovation, and advocating for health equity. His leadership style, marked by empathy and a steadfast dedication to improving patient outcomes, underscores his role in guiding one of the most influential organizations in cancer research and patient support.Takeaways:Embrace a Learner's Mindset: Always approach new situations with a willingness to learn, listen before acting, and consider experts' opinions. This mindset fosters continuous growth and effective problem-solving.Understand the Business: Take the time to deeply understand the business operations and challenges, even if it requires a significant investment of time, such as through a listening tour or similar initiative.Stay Connected to the Mission: Ensure that all team members remain focused on the organization's mission. Start meetings with a "mission moment" to ground everyone in the purpose of their work, which can keep the team inspired and aligned.Advocate for Patients and Families: As a healthcare organization, always prioritize the needs of patients and families in your initiatives. This strengthens any organization's credibility and trustworthiness and ensures that efforts are patient-centered.Inspire Through Communication: Use empathy in your interactions to connect emotionally with your team and motivate them. Sharing patient stories and emphasizing the impact of their work can enhance commitment and drive.Lead by Example: Demonstrate humility and a willingness to learn from others, regardless of your position. This leadership style fosters a collaborative environment and encourages others to adopt a similar approach.Solve the Big Problems: Lean into the challenges faced by the community you serve. Collect stories and data to identify systemic issues and work collaboratively to find meaningful solutions. This approach ensures that the organization addresses the root causes of problems effectively.Quote of the Show: "In our company meetings, we always start with a mission moment, grounding ourselves in the patient experience and celebrating exciting innovations from our research funding. This ensures everyone is present, inspired, and ready to dive into our work."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-anders-kolb-md-5508a7a/ Website: https://www.lls.org/ Shout Outs:Nemours Children’s Health: https://www.nemours.org/ Sidney Kimmel Medical College: https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/colleges-schools-institutes/skmc.htmlDelaware Today: https://delawaretoday.com/ Philadelphia Magazine: https://www.phillymag.com/ SEMA: https://sites.sema.org/awards/award_sema_news_articles.php Fast Company: https://www.fastcompany.com/ AKACA: https://advocacy.lls.org/a/akaca Myeloma Link: https://www.lls.org/myeloma-linkLLS PedAL: https://www.lls.org/dare-to-dream/pedal FDA: https://www.fda.gov/ 

In this episode, host Anthony Shop introduces Bryan Corbett, President and CEO of MFA, the voice of the global alternative investment industry. The conversation explores Bryan's extensive background in both public and private sectors, including his tenure at the Carlyle Group and his role in the George W. Bush administration. Key topics include the significance of alternative investments, MFA's approach to member engagement, effective communication strategies, and leveraging social media. Bryan also shares insights on leadership philosophy, teamwork, and accountability, offering valuable lessons for leaders on internal and external influence, underscored by the importance of clear goals and consistent communication.Takeaways:Effective Communication: Emphasize the importance of clear and focused communication, both internally within the organization and externally with stakeholders. This includes tailoring messages for different audiences and ensuring they are concise and relevant.Member Engagement: Develop a coverage model where each member is assigned an executive responsible for maintaining the relationship. This personalized approach ensures members feel valued and addresses their specific needs.Proactive Media Strategy: Highlight the shift from a reactive to a proactive media strategy, stressing the importance of conveying the industry’s message first, building media relationships, and preparing for TV appearances with clear, simple messages.Utilizing Social Media: Illustrate the significance of using LinkedIn for outreach and communication to maintain relationships and share key content effectively.Goals and Accountability: Establish clear, organization-wide goals that cascade to individual teams, fostering alignment, accountability, and performance tracking. This practice was essential for building trust and ensuring focus on shared objectives.Team Collaboration and Leadership: Leverage team input and foster a collaborative environment in leadership style. Recognizing the value of collective insights, empowerment of the team drives better decision-making.Adapting Practices from Other Industries: Implement a coverage model borrowed from investment banks to enhance member engagement. This adaptability demonstrates the importance of learning from other industries' practices and customizing them to fit organizational needs.Quote of the Show:"Whenever there's skepticism, you have to address it. It's not just about having a good story; you need the data and research to back it up." Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-corbettWebsite: https://www.mfaalts.org/ Shout Outs:Carlisle: https://www.carlisle.com/ CNBC’s Squawkbox: https://www.cnbc.com/squawk-box-us/ Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/ Noah Theron: https://www.mfaalts.org/team/noah-theran/ President George W. BushThe White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ 

In this episode, Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, shares her inspiring journey. From founding the Global Fund for Children at just 23 years old to revitalizing Society for Science, Maya has pioneered impactful initiatives. This show highlights her role in establishing a vast grassroots network for vulnerable children, her strategic transformation of the Science News Media Group and her work ensuring a strong future for the Society’s world-class STEM competitions. Maya's leadership emphasizes the power of storytelling and community engagement in education and youth empowerment, offering valuable advice on fostering entrepreneurial spirit and leveraging storytelling for influence in leadership roles.Takeaways:Empower Your Team: Hire exceptionally smart people and give them the freedom and support to innovate. Allow them to bring their best ideas forward and give them opportunities to take initiative.Leverage Storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool for making connections and influencing others. Personal, relatable stories can build lasting connections and help convey your organization's mission and values.Promote Community Building: Actively reach out to and engage with your community members, whether alumni, employees, or partners. Building an organic, engaged community can lead to valuable collaborations and stronger support for your mission.Innovate Through Feedback: Listen attentively to your audience's needs and adapt your products and services accordingly. Engaging with your users, like teachers or students, can provide critical insights that drive innovation and improvement.Develop Young Talent: Create programs and opportunities to bring in and nurture young talent. Encouraging project-based learning and offering platforms for young people to showcase their skills can lead to the discovery and development of future leaders.Capitalize on Serendipity: Be open to opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Networking and building relationships in unconventional situations can lead to significant support and partnerships.Intrapreneurial Culture: Foster an intrapreneurial spirit within your organization. Encourage your team members to think like entrepreneurs, bring their ideas to the table, and drive projects that can transform and grow the organization.Quote of the Show:“Failure gives you more answers than you know. Science opened my mind to new ways of thinking about the world.”Links:Twitter: @mayaajmeraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaajmera/ Personal Website: https://www.mayaajmera.com/ Company Website: https://www.societyforscience.org/ Shout Outs:The Global Fund for Children: https://globalfundforchildren.orgScience News Media Group: https://www.sciencenews.org/ Regeneron: https://www.regeneron.com/ Regeneron Science Talent Search: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/ Back to School: https://www.amazon.com/Back-School-Journey-Maya-AjmeraEvery Breath We Take: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Breath-We-TakeChildren from Australia to Zimbabwe: https://www.amazon.com/Children-Australia-Zimbabwe-Photographic-JourneyAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences: https://www.amacad.org/National Science Board: https://www.nsf.gov/nsb/ Duke University: https://duke.edu/ The Aspen Institute: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/ Henry Crown Fellowship: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/henry-crown-fellowship/ Echoing Green Fellowship: https://echoinggreen.org/fellowship/ Richard B. Fisher: Former Chairman of Morgan Stanley Dr. Prem Parkash SehgalDr. Vickers BurdettDr. Margaret HollydayJohn Hecklinger: Co-CEO of Global Fund for ChildrenHayley Roffey: Co-CEO of Global Fund for Children  Kennedy Odede: Founder and CEO of Shining Hope for CommunitiesMeg Garlinghouse: Vice President, Social Impact for LinkedIn Dr. Cheryl Dorsey: President of Echoing Green Wendy Young: President of Kids in Need of Defense 

Congressman and Chief Influencer Andy Kim was recently victorious in the NJ primary election for the United States Senate representing the Third Congressional District of New Jersey. Congratulations, Congressman Kim! In celebration of his achievement, we are pleased to revisit his insightful interview with our host, Anthony Shop, from earlier in the campaign season. As we approach Independence Day, it's inspiring to see leaders like Congressman Kim embodying the spirit of service and dedication to our nation.In this episode, Congressman Kim delves into his journey from serving in various government roles, including at the Pentagon and in Afghanistan, to campaigning for the United States Senate. As a career public servant and the first Democratic member of Congress of Korean descent, Congressman Kim emphasizes the importance of integrity, bipartisanship, and advocacy for democracy. He discussed his legal battle against New Jersey's 'county line' ballot system to promote fairness in elections. He also reflected on the personal and professional challenges faced when taking a stand against party norms. Highlighting the profound impact of his efforts to maintain the Capitol's dignity post-January 6th, Congressman Kim stresses the significance of authenticity and connecting with constituents through storytelling. He also delved into the critical need for leadership that embraces risk, engages with diverse perspectives, and is rooted in a commitment to public service and democratic values. Congressman Kim emphasized the power of showing up, engaging earnestly in both digital and physical spaces, and maintaining a commitment to service above self.Takeaways:Leaders should always remember they are part of something larger than themselves. Engaging in public service or contributing to communal goals can guide decisions and actions, fostering a holistic approach to leadership.In today's digital age, leaders need to be physically present and authentically engage through digital platforms. Direct access to social media allows leaders to showcase their genuine selves, building trust and rapport with their audience.A key characteristic of influential leaders is their ability to take calculated risks after considering all available information. This willingness to step into the unknown while being informed can lead to monumental changes and growth.Through storytelling, leaders can connect deeper, sharing personal motivations and beliefs. This cultivates a stronger, more personal connection with the audience, allowing leaders to communicate and inspire action effectively.Creating an environment where honest and diverse opinions are valued is crucial for leaders. This ensures a well-rounded understanding of situations and fosters a culture of openness and trust.Leaders must learn to be comfortable with discomfort to cultivate resilience and adaptability. This ability allows them to navigate challenges more effectively and take bold steps when needed.By recognizing and valuing the contributions of others, leaders can foster teamwork and collective success. Leadership is not about individual accolades but about collaboratively working towards common goals.Quote of the Show:“If you're only having comfortable conversations in life, it means you're not talking to everyone you should be talking to.” - Congressman Andy KimLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kim-511969  Andy Kim for New Jersey (Website): https://www.andykim.com US Congress - Andy Kim: https://clerk.house.gov/members/K000394 Shout Outs:The Pentagon: https://www.defense.gov The U.S. Department of State: https://www.state.gov The White House National Security Council: https://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc The U.S. Military: https://www.usa.gov/us-military Behind the viral photo of Rep. Andy Kim: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/behind-viral-photo-rep-andy-kim-cleaning-midnight-after-riots-n1253519 President Barack Obama on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barackobama Susan Rice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amb-susan-rice General David H. Petraeus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpetraeus General John R. Allen: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/602794 

Authentic leadership originates from one's core character and values, which guide their actions and decisions. Embracing this approach enhances leadership effectiveness. It demands deep self-understanding and acceptance, as this authenticity steers our choices and inspires others.In our latest episode, Dr. Gregory Fowler, President of the University of Maryland Global Campus, joins host Anthony Shop to discuss how authenticity impacts leaders and allows us to create connections with our audiences. Tune in to discover how authenticity inspires us all to be positive influences and shape a future where genuine self-expression leads to greater empowerment.Takeaways:Lifelong learning and adapting to new challenges are important for any leader. Leaders should model this by continuously seeking new knowledge and encouraging a culture of ongoing education within their organizations.Learning practical skills can support any type of professional growth. These skills empower individuals to adapt, innovate, and excel in their careers, laying a solid foundation for long-term success and versatility in a dynamic work environment.Intentional and transparent educational design is crucial for success. By clearly communicating the objectives and benefits, individuals can understand the path to their goals.Be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of diverse populations. This includes providing accommodations or flexibility as support.Social media platforms can be a valuable tool for sharing success stories and connecting with potential audiences. By elevating real experiences, institutions can inspire and motivate others.The traditional residential college experience is evolving, with more students seeking flexible, online, and competency-based education. Schools must adapt to this shift by offering programs that meet the needs of today's learners.Leadership is often influenced by personal experiences and the support of family and community. Leaders can draw strength and inspiration from their backgrounds and use these stories to connect with and inspire others.Quote of the Show: (Options)“I say that we have to be like Sherpas on a mountain. We have to be capable. We can't climb the mountain for you, but we can climb it with you.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorywfowler/ UMGC Website: https://www.umgc.edu/ Shout Outs:Roy Romer: WGU PioneerMichael Okerlund Leavitt: Founder of WGUWGU: https://www.wgu.edu/Nathan Graw

In this compelling episode, we are joined by Cary Hatch, a revered entrepreneur and brand advocate who has transformed MDB Communications into an industry powerhouse and now serves as Senior Counsel at Hart. Cary shares her journey from purchasing her employer at age 30, to leading through numerous economic challenges, and building robust relationships. Recognized among the 100 most powerful people in Washington. She’s been named to the Washington Business Journal's Power 100 and is an American Advertising Federation Silver Medal honoree. Cary offers invaluable lessons in grit, leadership, and influence. From advising on managing corporate reputations to reflecting on the evolving role of consumers, Cary underscores the need for leaders to blend financial fluency with strategic communication to navigate today's complex business landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of marketing, governance, and consumer engagement, and learn why having a communications expert on your board could be crucial for your brand's success.  Takeaways:Fear of failure is a very powerful feeling. Instead of letting it paralyze you, use it as fuel to propel yourself forward. Leveraging this fear can drive your determination and commitment to succeed against the odds.Give yourself permission to try, ask questions, and learn. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and seek new knowledge. Continuous learning and curiosity are crucial for personal and professional growth.Be fluent in the language you need to gain a seat at the table and be taken seriously. Understanding metrics, terms, topics, and even, “board speak” is essential to communicate the value of marketing and communications effectively. This fluency bridges the gap between marketers and others, fostering better collaboration.Overperform to ensure that you're memorable, and overdeliver to ensure that you're taken seriously. Exceeding expectations ensures that you stand out in your field and build a strong personal and professional reputation. Consistently delivering exceptional results will solidify your credibility and influence.Not everything important is measurable and not everything measurable is important. Focus on setting both hard and soft metrics to evaluate success comprehensively. Understand that qualitative impacts can be just as crucial as quantitative ones in driving long-term value.Know the intersection of your brand and your customers' needs, both internally and externally. Aligning your brand's values with the genuine needs and concerns of your audience builds trust and loyalty. Demonstrating this alignment through actions rather than mere statements is key to authenticity.Over-delivering for your customer fosters strong, lasting relationships. Going above and beyond in your service or product offerings can transform transactional interactions into loyal partnerships. Small, thoughtful actions that surprise and delight your customers leave a lasting positive impression.Quote of the Show:“For the people who are always told what they can't do, and then they prevail, that's what inspires me.” Links:Twitter: https://twitter.com/caryhatch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryhatch/ Personal Website: https://caryhatch.com/ Business Website: https://www.hartinc.com/ Shout Outs: Spencer Stuart: https://www.spencerstuart.comHarvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/ Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/trust-barometer RepTrack: https://www.reptrak.com/ Liz WaingerShelley Lazarus: Former Chairman of Ogilvy Mather Cricket Whitton: CEO of SpanxJohn Hedricks: Former Chairman of Discovery Inc. Ted Leonsis: CEO of Monumental Sports & EntertainmentKevin Plank: Founder and Executive Chairman of Under Armour

Allan Golston is the President of the United States Program at The Gates Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and ensuring equitable academic and economic outcomes for all students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and students of color. Allan's unique leadership approach hinges on the power of influence through reciprocity, authenticity, and storytelling. In today's episode, Allan delves into his career journey from public accounting to philanthropy, the importance of building trusted partnerships, the evolution of leadership styles, and leveraging digital platforms like LinkedIn for reciprocal influence. Stay tuned to gain valuable insights on balancing data-driven decision-making with personal storytelling to drive impactful change and the importance of creating authentic connections in both personal and professional spheres.Takeaways:Treat leadership as a continuous practice, not a destination, and continuously strive for self-improvement. Allan Golston emphasizes that leadership is an ongoing process. He makes it a point to learn and grow each day, preparing to be even better the next day. This practice of self-reflection and ongoing improvement can help leaders stay dynamic, relevant, and effective.Be authentic in your leadership and influence based on genuine interactions rather than projecting a persona. Early in his career, Golston found that employers expected employees to project a certain persona or dress a certain way as part of instilling confidence in clients. However, as his career evolved, he realized that authenticity became crucial for effective leadership as his responsibilities grew. Leaders should focus on genuine connections and interactions, which build trust and authenticity.Embrace a two-way influence model. Listen and be open to being influenced while also trying to influence others. This influence needs to be reciprocal. Authentic listening and a willingness to be influenced are as important as trying to guide or direct others. This approach builds mutual respect and understanding.To drive meaningful impact, deeply understand your audience. This is crucial for making informed and impactful decisions. Leaders must invest time learning about their internal and external teams and stakeholders and broader audiences to tailor their actions and communications effectively.Aim to ensure equitable outcomes in your leadership practice and organizational goals. Leaders should prioritize creating inclusive environments and opportunities that benefit all, especially the underrepresented or marginalized groups.Openly share your personal stories and learn from the stories of others. This practice fosters a deeper connection and understanding within the team, helping to build a cohesive and empathetic workplace culture.Start interactions with personal concerns and show genuine interest in your team’s well-being. Instead of diving straight into work-related discussions, begin with personal conversations. Asking about someone's well-being or family circumstances shows empathy and builds a culture of care and support.Quote of the Show:“I fundamentally believe that influence has two key dimensions. Number one is that it has to be reciprocal. You have to be open to being influenced as much as you are trying to influence. The second is that you have to know when it’s best to influence directly or empower others to influence and carry the critical messages.” - Allan GolstonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-golston Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Website): https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/Shout Outs:Stryker: https://www.stryker.com Harley-Davidson: https://www.harley-davidson.com Aspen Institute - The Henry Crown Fellowship Program: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/henry-crown-fellowship The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: https://www.rwjf.org The William Jewell College: https://www.jewell.edu John Lewis: https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Lewis-American-civil-rights-leader-and-politician