Anthony Shop

Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA), shares his insights into the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle (AV) industry. With an extensive background in association leadership and policy advocacy, Jeff discusses the current state of AV technology, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the significant progress being made in states across the country. He highlights the societal benefits of AVs, such as improving mobility for those unable to drive and enhancing supply chain logistics. Jeff also outlines AVIA's efforts to establish a federal policy framework for AVs, stressing the importance of maintaining American leadership in this transformative field. Throughout the conversation, Jeff offers strategies for effective advocacy, the role of storytelling in policy communication, and the challenges of managing diverse business interests within AVIA. Takeaways:Foster Growth and Innovation: Continuously develop strategies to drive growth, increase revenue, and expand impact. Regularly assess and refine your management and operational approaches.Communicate Effectively: Deliver clear, compelling messages by combining data with emotional storytelling to effectively convey your vision and objectives.Emphasize Benefits: Highlight the broad benefits of your innovations or policies—such as safety improvements or economic gains—to build support and address concerns.Know Your Audience: Tailor your message to the specific interests and needs of your stakeholders, showing how your initiatives align with their priorities.Promote Opportunities: Recognize and showcase the economic and social benefits of new technologies or policies, demonstrating how they can improve quality of life and increase access for communities.Balance Data and Emotion: While data is essential, balance it with emotional narratives to create a persuasive and relatable message. Compelling stories often inspire action.Build Strong Foundations: When launching new initiatives or organizations, focus on establishing solid processes, culture, and operational norms. This foundation supports flexibility and innovation.Quote of the Show:“The reason we have language is to be understood. The reason we have advocacy is to be understood and be able to kind of move the needle on certain things. It's not about being the wonkiest person out there. It's about being the one who's most effective at delivering a message.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-farrah-5343853/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/theavindustry.org Website: https://theavindustry.org/ 

The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy is a leading advocate for mental health and addiction. As a former Congressman, Patrick was instrumental in passing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 and has spent years fighting for policy change. After leaving Congress, he founded The Kennedy Forum and co-founded One Mind to advance brain health.In this episode, Patrick delves into the challenges and stigmas faced by those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders and the impactful decision to share his own story in his book, A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction; and the courageous stories of others in his more recent book, Profiles in Mental Health Courage. Takeaways:Be authentic and vulnerable: Share your own story, including struggles and failures, to create genuine connections and inspire others. Authenticity can turn adverse events into strengths, as people appreciate honesty and are more likely to support you when they see you are genuine.Build coalitions: Diverse coalitions can drive impactful change. By bringing together different perspectives and points of view, you can create a broader consensus and develop policies or solutions that are more robust and widely accepted.Forge bipartisan support in times of polarization: Build bipartisan support by focusing on shared goals and values, using persistence and personal connections to bridge divides in polarized times.Connect with your audience through storytelling: Use stories and analogies to make complex issues more relatable and to motivate people to join your cause or mission. Tailored storytelling can rally support and drive collective action.Persist through adversity: Use challenges as learning experiences and opportunities to build resilience. Persistence, even in the face of setbacks, is key to achieving long-term goals and making a difference.Leverage personal experiences for advocacy: Use your story to highlight broader issues, fostering empathy and inspiring change.There is no health without mental health: Advocate for integrating mental health into healthcare, highlighting its connection to physical health and the need for community-based support to reduce costs and improve recovery.Quote of the Show:"We live in a polarized world, but the shared human experience of our mental health can unite us across all divides. These issues transcend the toxic reactivity between opposing sides."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-j-kennedy-6821ba165/ Website: https://www.patrickjkennedy.net/ Books: “Profiles in Mental Health Courage”: https://a.co/d/0kFiw9G “A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction”: https://a.co/d/2ObOEdP 

In this episode of Chief Influencer host Anthony Shop sits down with Silvia Taylor, Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Affairs and Advocacy Officer at Novavax, a leading biotechnology company. Silvia shares her wealth of experience in marketing, communications, and branding within the healthcare industry. She takes us through her work in creating innovative marketing strategies, securing financing, and advancing groundbreaking products like inhaled insulin and flu vaccines. Silvia also dives into Novavax’s swift development of a COVID-19 vaccine, underscoring the importance of clear, consistent messaging and combating misinformation in the healthcare space. She discusses the need for tailored communication for diverse audiences, the role of effective internal communication, and the significant impact of mentorship in her career. Silvia wraps up by looking ahead to the future of healthcare, highlighting the importance of industry preparedness and collaboration for overcoming global health challenges.Takeaways:Stay Consistent with Messaging: The importance of maintaining a consistent message across all communication channels cannot be overstated. A consistent message builds trust among stakeholders—employees, consumers, investors, and the general public. It's vital to ensure that your team is on the same page and speaks with one voice.Understand Your Audience: Customizing your message for different audiences is key to effective communication. Know where your audience is coming from, what they need to hear, and what their concerns and fears might be. This enables you to tailor your message in a way that resonates with them.Harness the Power of Internal Communication: Your employees are your most important messengers. Equip them with the knowledge and understanding of the company’s mission, vision and values so they can effectively convey them externally. Internal communication is crucial for aligning the team and ensuring consistent external communication.Embrace Change and Innovation: Introducing new and disruptive technologies requires clear and compelling communication. Articulate why the change is necessary and how it benefits both the organization and its stakeholders. Use innovative approaches to capture attention and convey your message.Leverage Diverse Perspectives: Diversity in thought, background, and experience enriches decision-making and problem-solving processes. Champion diverse voices within your organization to foster a more inclusive environment and generate comprehensive solutions.Address Misinformation Proactively: In an age of widespread misinformation, it’s vital to proactively communicate credible, science-backed information. Identify and address common misconceptions directly while staying true to your core message and values.Mentorship and Continuous Learning: Invest in mentorship programs to build the next generation of leaders. Mentor others by helping them identify and work on their career development goals. This not only helps individuals grow but also strengthens the organization as a whole by fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.Quote of the Show:“Consistency in message builds trust, even in times of rapid change. Stay the course, at the end of the day we’re championing science and we’re championing the things people can do to keep themselves and their loved ones well.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviabtaylor/ Website: https://www.novavax.com/ 

In this week’s episode of Chief Influencer, we’re featuring Jennifer Bell Elwanger, President and CEO of the Data Quality Campaign. She discusses her career journey from a kindergarten teacher in the Bronx to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to making data accessible and useful for educational and career decisions. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of data in making informed choices and highlights her organization's efforts to provide timely and actionable data from early learning through workforce development. She shares insights on her roles in New York City's education system, Baltimore City Public Schools, and the U.S. Department of Education, where she focused on integrating data to support student success. Jennifer also talks about the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in data, the significance of storytelling in data communication, and the influence of mentors in her career.Takeaways:Data for Informed Decision-Making: Ensure data is accessible to all stakeholders for evidence-based decision-making.Start with Questions: Define clear objectives and goals to guide purposeful and relevant data collection and analysis.Clear Communication: Foster clear and simple communication, making complex data understandable to all audiences.Challenge Preconceived Notions: Address biases and preconceived notions to build trust and competency within teams.Mentorship and Accessibility: Build relationships through regular one-on-one meetings, fostering trust and support.Trust and Collaboration: Create a culture of trust and collaboration, where team members feel secure sharing ideas and feedback.Humanize Data: Remember the human element behind the data, creating relatable and actionable narratives for meaningful change.Quote of the Show:“Behind every data point is a person, a student, and a heartbeat.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bell-ellwanger/ Website: https://dataqualitycampaign.org/ Shout Outs:Mayor Michael Bloomberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebloomberg/ Dr. Andres Alonso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-a-alonso-783aa897/ New York City Department of Education: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/ Baltimore City Public Schools: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/ The U.S. Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/ David Coleman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-coleman-7854309a/ President ObamaSecretary Duncan Secretary King No Child Left Behind Campaign

This week, we are revisiting a remarkable Chief Influencer—Dr. Monica Goldson, a dedicated educator and visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to improving her community has earned her widespread recognition. Dr. Goldson is the former CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, one of the largest school districts in the nation.We are thrilled to congratulate her on her new role as President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, a dynamic nonprofit organization that is transforming the lives of youth in the D.C. Metro area. Through hands-on education in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, Junior Achievement is equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.Key Takeaways:As a leader, you need to identify the stakeholders that you need to reach and the communication channels and formats that each prefers. For instance, Dr. Goldson’s students primarily use Twitter and Instagram, so that’s how she alerts them of timely news or shares relevant messaging. Parents or teachers, on the other hand, rely on other forms of communication. To reach them, Dr. Goldson and her team use a wide range of tools including a weekly newsletter, automated phone messages, and “town hall” style meetings via telephone. One example of how Dr. Goldson embraced two-way communication with stakeholders is the town-hall-style meetings she held with parents through the pandemic. By doing this, she could share the latest school-health updates, field questions from parents, and bring on doctors to educate parents on pandemic-related health issues.The message is just as important as the medium. Leaders should tailor their message according to what each group of stakeholders needs. When you are communicating with your stakeholders, it’s important to remember that you need to listen. Make sure that people feel heard and are able to ask questions freely. This openness is a building block of trust in your relationship with them.Consistency is also key to building trust. When you communicate consistently, people know what to expect from you, when to expect it, and through which channel. You will not always be the most impactful voice for sharing certain messages with a given group. For example, Dr. Goldson realized when discussing certain topics, such as drug abuse, students are more likely to listen to fellow students. This led to an effective student-made video outlining the dangers of using drugs. Don’t run from the media. Media outlets can be powerful allies to have in your corner as you lead your organization. Remember that media outlets do not only focus on negative stories; when you do something great, especially for others, reach out to see if there is interest amongst broadcasters in covering it. Quote of the Show:“Never let a good crisis go to waste.” - Monica GoldsonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-goldson-ed-d-99770283/ PGCPS Fentanyl PSA: https://fb.watch/kQJAroxp_i/ PGCPS Website: https://www.pgcps.org/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DjyDgAnBZ1Pgy4Lyojgs1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-influencer/id1688769403 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/27c24d98-1121-465a-bd8f-d7314a9a4482 iHeart Radio: Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-influencer-podcast-5328948YouTube: https://youtu.be/LyViaRx0JZ8

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, we reflect on the influential leaders who appeared on the show in 2024. We are featuring insights from Jennifer Sirangelo, Candice Jones, Congressman Andy Kim, Allan Golston, Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud, Eric Pan, Virginia Ali, Terry Szuplat, Charles D. Henderson, and Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr. We are revisiting the stories of leaders from both corporate and nonprofit sectors, showcasing their efforts in driving organizational success and creating a lasting societal impact. Key topics include stakeholder management's importance, leadership accountability, and the cultural nuances that shape communication. The episode highlights the role of influence in personal and professional spheres, with notable guests sharing their experiences working with diverse groups—from board members and global affiliates to policymakers and the public. Emphasizing authenticity and mutual respect, they discuss effective leadership and initiatives focused on social justice, healthcare access, and community well-being, illustrating how these leaders navigate challenges to drive positive change.Takeaways:Engage and Diversify Stakeholders: Understand the importance of different stakeholders, including board members, affiliates, and external NGOs. Tailor your approach based on their unique needs and contributions.Leverage Volunteerism and Civic Engagement: Volunteerism and civic engagement are crucial for fostering a sense of community and addressing social issues.Empower Authentic Leadership: Influence should come from authenticity rather than a persona.Adapt Communication for Cultural Contexts: Effective communication varies significantly across cultures, and it’s important to adapt your style to fit the audience.Promote Mutual Influence: Influence isn't one-sided; it's about being open to influence as well.Utilize Strategic Storytelling: Quality storytelling can influence public perception and drive policy changes.Focus on Socioeconomic and Health Disparities: Addressing health and socioeconomic disparities is essential for equitable progress.Links:Jennifer SirangeloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/  Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/ Candice JonesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-jones-a5b24b254/ Website: https://www.publicwelfare.org/ Congressman Andy KimLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kim-511969/ Allan Golston LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-golston/ Website: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ Ambassador Jaques PitteloudLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacques-pitteloud-83621a10/ Website: https://www.eda.admin.ch/washington Eric PanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-pan-0352772/ Website: https://www.ici.org/ Virginia AliWebsite: https://benschilibowl.com/ Terry SzuplatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/ Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/say-it-well/ Charles D. Henderson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesdhenderson/ Website: https://diabetes.org/ Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-evans-phd/ Website: https://www.apa.org/ 

This week's episode features Fabrice Houdart, the Executive Director of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors. He explores his career dedicated to economic empowerment and advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality. Fabrice reflects on his transition from roles at organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations to founding initiatives aimed at increasing LGBTQ+ representation on corporate boards. He discusses the challenges and successes of organizing underrepresented groups and offers insights into leadership and influence in corporate governance. The conversation also touches on his personal experiences with self-doubt and how he leverages platforms like Substack and LinkedIn to engage and inspire the community.Takeaways:Embrace Diversity for Better Outcomes: Ensure your leadership includes diverse voices (LGBTQ+, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic) as this can lead to better decision-making and outcomes. Representation is not just for the sake of it; diverse perspectives can provide unique solutions and innovations.Be Authentic in Your Leadership Style: Leaders should find and embrace their own genuine style of influence rather than emulating a traditionally confrontational or aggressive approach. Authentic leadership fosters trust and loyalty.Build a Supportive Board Culture: When creating or leading a board, involve people who bring different strengths and perspectives. Encourage a culture where voices are heard and valued, and work actively to remove barriers that have historically excluded underrepresented groups.Leverage Influence Through Strategic Partnerships: Partner with other groups and allies who are focused on similar objectives. Interpersonal relationships between groups can enhance advocacy and impact. Cooperation over competition ensures progress for all underrepresented groups.Consistent Communication Is Key: Regular and consistent communication through platforms like LinkedIn or Substack helps to build and maintain influence. Don’t underestimate the importance of staying connected and communicating your mission and values.Seek and Value Diverse Opinions: In decision-making processes, involve a variety of voices to ensure broader perspectives and better-informed outcomes. Regularly seek advice and feedback from different stakeholders to improve your strategies and initiatives.Acknowledge and Address Self-Doubt: Recognize that self-doubt is common and can be influenced by past experiences. Addressing it openly can be empowering and can help you move forward more confidently. Build a community or support network to help mitigate these feelings and reinforce your achievements.Quote of the Show:Starting to realize that people in leadership positions are actually people like us, and in many ways, they are not superhumans, really helped decrease my own self-doubt. Interacting with people in positions of leadership is what ultimately gave me more confidence in my own ability to lead."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabricehoudart/ Website: https://lgbtqdirectors.org/ Shout Outs:World Bank: https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/home United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/ Koppa - The LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab: https://koppalab.org/ L’Oréal Global Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board: https://www.loreal.com/en/news/commitments/global-diversity-and-inclusion-advisory-board/ The Women’s Forum Editorial Board

This week's episode features Bob Cusack, Editor-in-Chief of The Hill. The discussion explores Bob's extensive career in Washington politics and the changing landscape of journalism. Bob reflects on the media industry's transformation due to the internet and social media, highlighting the need to balance speed with accuracy in news reporting. Personal anecdotes shed light on Bob’s early career persistence and his unique background in acting, which has shaped his journalism skills. The conversation also covers the role of personal connections in advocacy, the growing influence of social media, and the challenges and opportunities of building trust with the audience.Takeaways:Maintain Strong Ethics: Journalism companies must uphold strong ethics, label sponsored content clearly, and strive for balanced, unbiased reporting to ensure credibility and trust.Build Personal Connections: Establish personal relationships, especially with policymakers or Congress members, as real-life stories and testimonials can be highly influential.Build and Maintain Trust: Ensure transparency, admit mistakes, and maintain consistent ethics and quality to build trust, which can differentiate your organization.Persistence Pays Off: Consistent effort and dedication can open doors, whether securing interviews, deals, or influencing key stakeholders.Simplify Your Message: When explaining complex topics, simplify the content without oversimplifying, to expand audience reach and ensure resonance with a broad group.Create Compelling Content: Ensure your communications are engaging, relevant, and valuable to capture and retain your audience's attention.Quote of the Show:“Persistence is key. You have to be persistent and remember that your reputation is the most valuable thing you have.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-cusack-5873462b/ Website: https://thehill.com/ Shout Outs:Inside Washington Publishers: https://iwpnews.com/index.html National Press Club: https://www.press.org/ Society of Professional Journalists: https://www.spj.org/ Screen Actors Guild: https://www.sagaftra.org/ HBO’s Veep: https://www.hbo.com/veep Capitol Hill Harvard Kennedy School: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/ Joe Rogan Elon Musk Loyola University: https://www.luc.edu/ Baltimore Orioles: https://www.mlb.com/orioles Peter Angelos Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)Nexstar Media Group: https://www.nexstar.tv/networks/ News Nation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Matt Walsh Julia Louis-Dreyfus

In this interview, Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA), reflects on his career and contributions to the nation’s approach to mental health. He discusses his public policy background and tenure as Commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. Dr. Evans stresses the importance of redefining mental health as a universal issue that affects everyone, not just those with diagnosed conditions. He shares strategies for influencing policymakers and the public, advocates for community-based solutions, and highlights innovative approaches like using murals to reduce stigma. Dr. Evans also explores the role of technology in improving psychological practices and promoting psychologically healthy workplaces for all. The conversation highlights APA's increasing/growing shift to outward-facing initiatives, leveraging psychological science to address societal challenges. Dr. Evans concludes by offering insights on organizational growth, adapting messaging while staying true to core values, and the role of inspiration in leadership.Takeaways:Use Knowledge to Address Societal Issues: Leverage your organization's expertise and data to tackle pressing societal issues. Ensure that your actions align with your field's core mission and values, as this alignment can increase stakeholder engagement.Build Necessary Infrastructure: Success stems from having the right infrastructure in place. Organizations should be designed to achieve desired outcomes, which often means setting up mechanisms for rapid research dissemination and effective communication to stakeholders.Measure Impact with Clear Metrics: Track the effectiveness of your initiatives by looking at practical measures such as media mentions, partnerships formed, and the degree to which others use your information. This helps in validating the success and outreach of your initiatives.Communicate Based on Facts, Not Emotions: Especially in politically charged environments, it’s crucial to present information objectively and grounded in solid data. This approach lends credibility to your work and helps maintain a long-term, bipartisan influence.Promote a Healthy Work Environment: Implement policies that focus on employee well-being, such as regular mental health days, and utilize employee feedback, such as surveys. Encouraging employees to genuinely take time off and address their stressors can vastly improve workplace health and productivity.Engage and Listen to the Community: Actively participate in community events and listen to both their needs and their ideas for solutions. This approach ensures that your policies and initiatives are rooted in the real, lived experiences of the communities you aim to serve.Inspire Your Team: Keep your team motivated by regularly connecting their daily tasks to the larger organizational mission. Signing off communications with encouraging messages, such as 'stay inspired,' helps maintain a motivated and engaged workforce.Quote of the Show:“Inherent in every community is the wisdom to solve its own problems. When you listen to communities, hear what their issues are, and their understanding of the solutions, you get some very innovative solutions.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-evans-phd/ Website: https://www.apa.org/ Shout Outs:Internal Nectar Program (APA)Allows colleagues to give compliments to one another and illustrates how the APA cares for its employees and members. American Medical Associaiton: https://www.ama-assn.org/ National Council for Mental Wellbeing: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/ Society of Biological Psychiatry: https://sobp.org/ Yale University: https://www.yale.edu/  The City of Philadelphia: https://www.phila.gov/ Terry Szuplat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/ The White House Former President Barack Obama

This week we are resharing our interview with Patrick Sallee, the President and CEO of Vibrant Health KC and the author of The Solitary CEO. In his book, Patrick generously shares stories that require immense of vulnerability and humility, as well as the lessons he's learned and applied in his personal and professional life along with his road to sobriety. Patrick and Host Anthony Shop discuss how to break out of the siloes leaders build around themselves, address the specific needs of multiple stakeholders, and engage with a community to create profound change.Takeaways:Leaders should break down the silos they build around themselves and their work, reconnecting with the purpose of their work to foster connection, succeed, and avoid becoming defensive or resentful toward their team and organization.Prioritize the needs of the people you serve. For Patrick, in the nonprofit sector, the key to handling the needs of multiple stakeholders is keeping the mission and the lives of those being served at the forefront.The focus of your leadership should not be on yourself; it should be on the mission you are working to accomplish. Addressing the needs of different stakeholders requires a specific strategy for each group. Ensuring that all these strategies align with the mission makes it possible to manage the completion of the mission.The best way to understand community members' issues is to talk with them and engage them in developing solutions to those problems. There is no better way to gain buy-in for a project than by listening to stakeholders' feedback.When dealing with complex problems, if members of the community lack the skills or knowledge to understand the problem and possible solutions properly, leaders should take the time to bring them up to speed and teach them the necessary disciplines so they can make informed decisions to solve the problems they face.Own your mistakes and don’t try to hide them. Whether you’re interviewing for a job or negotiating a deal, if you try to conceal past mistakes, you risk others using them against you. Be upfront and honest about who you are.Quote of the Show:“If I own it, and I say it first, you can't use it against me” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksallee/ Vibrant Health website: https://vibranthealthkc.org/ The Solitary CEO: https://a.co/d/g0IyOB6 Shout Outs:The Power of Giving Away Power by Matthew Barzun

This week’s episode of Chief Influencer features Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach. He shares his journey from venture capitalism to nonprofit leadership, focused on integrating entrepreneurial principles with public service. Arun discusses his work with top universities like Georgetown and Stanford and his organization’s efforts to place innovation-driven talent into federal government roles. Inspired by his book Venture Meets Mission, promoting a model where individuals can make a positive impact while creating or growing private mission-driven companies.The conversation explores the challenges of gaining government buy-in, the importance of scaling solutions, and trust's role in building effective partnerships. Gupta also highlights the growing shift among students toward purpose-driven careers and advocates for a bipartisan approach, emphasizing the need to create a collaborative ecosystem that brings together government, the private sector, and academia to address complex societal issues.Takeaways:Purpose-Driven Work: Leaders should recognize that the younger generation is increasingly seeking purposeful work, and highlighting the mission-driven aspects of roles can attract top talent, as Arun Gupta notes about students' desire for purpose in their careers.Building Trust: Trust is foundational to successful leadership in both public service and nonprofits. Gupta emphasizes that investing in building and maintaining trust with partners, customers, and team members is crucial for long-term success.Encouraging Experimentation: Leaders should foster a culture where experimentation is welcomed, and failure is viewed as a learning opportunity. Gupta advocates for allowing teams the freedom to try new things and learn from their outcomes.Dual Citizenship: Leaders should encourage talent that can navigate both public and private sectors. Gupta highlights the value of having 'dual citizenship'—experience in both areas—to tackle complex problems more effectively.Scalability: When designing new initiatives, leaders should always consider scalability. Gupta stresses the importance of creating models and systems that can be replicated and scaled efficiently to achieve broader impact.Humanizing Organizations: Understanding the human aspect of organizations helps bridge gaps and foster a cohesive work culture. Gupta emphasizes the need to view government as a group of individuals working with positive intent, rather than as an opaque institution.Valuing Diverse Career Paths: Leaders should promote and value diverse career experiences across sectors. Gupta advocates for a non-linear career approach, encouraging individuals to move between sectors to gain valuable insights and skills.Quote of the Show:"There's no one more optimistic than an entrepreneur—because you have to be if you're going to venture out there. And there's no one more optimistic than college students, which is why faculty enjoy being on campus."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arungupta23/ Website: https://noblereachfoundation.org/ Shout Outs:Venture Meets Mission: https://www.sup.org/books/business/venture-meets-mission Teach for America: https://www.teachforamerica.org/ ‘Georgetown University: https://www.georgetown.edu/ Georgetown Entrepreneurship Advisory Board: https://eship.georgetown.edu/advisory-group/ Stanford University: https://www.stanford.edu/ Secretary Raimondo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaraimondo/ General John. W. Raymond: https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/2040592/john-w-jay-raymond/ Jen Easterly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-easterly/ Matt Pottinger: https://www.fdd.org/team/matthew-pottinger/ Dr. Karl H. Khal: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/2591842/dr-colin-h-kahl/ Condoleezza Rice: https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/rice-condoleezza 

In this interview, Chuck Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), shares insights into his leadership journey, emphasizing teamwork and a mission-driven approach. Since joining the ADA in January 2020, Chuck has drawn on his private sector experience and athletic background to champion health equity, advocate for insulin affordability, and expand access to diabetes technologies.He discusses the importance of understanding all aspects of an organization while staying authentic and accessible as a leader. Chuck also reflects on the transformational changes he’s driven at the ADA, with a focus on health equity and increased transparency. He highlights the role of social media—particularly LinkedIn—in strengthening the ADA's brand and mission.Chuck also shares his personal connection to diabetes and the influence of his parents, as well as the organization's strategies for navigating remote work. The conversation concludes with a call to action for supporting the ADA during American Diabetes Month, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and resources to address the diabetes epidemic.Takeaways:Embrace a Team-Oriented Leadership Philosophy: Learning from Chuck's experience as an athlete, fostering an inclusive and team-centric environment is crucial. Ensure every member understands their role and how they contribute to the collective success.Maintain a Mission-Driven Focus: Chuck's daily reflection on his impact highlights the importance of grounding leadership decisions in the organization’s mission. Regularly ask yourself what you've done to advance your mission and set clear, impactful goals.Consistency in Communication: Regular touchpoints like monthly town halls, bi-weekly newsletters, and quarterly meetings are essential. This consistency keeps the team aligned, engaged, and informed about strategic directions and wins.Be Intentional with Engagement: Whether it's giving out personal contact information, being active on social media, or responding to both positive and negative feedback, intentional engagement fosters authentic connections and builds trust.Promote Organizational Brand: Use platforms like LinkedIn to share the organization’s achievements, highlight team members, and build new relationships. Prioritize showcasing the organization’s impact over self-promotion.Show Up Authentically: Your presence, both online and offline, should reflect genuine commitment and transparency. Authenticity builds credibility and trust, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.Adapt and Innovate Continuously: Being proactive about adopting remote work, investing in training, and listening to stakeholder feedback are critical. Innovation and adaptation help in staying ahead and addressing emerging challenges effectively.Quote of the Show:“No one person is greater than the team. It takes all of us, each one of us has a role to play in this fight.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesdhenderson/ Website: https://diabetes.org/ Shout Outs:Champion Fire and Security: https://championfiresecurity.com/ Cotton Bowl Athletic Associaton: https://www.cottonbowl.com/ Texas A&M’s Letterman Associaton: https://www.aggielettermen.org/ Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ Tracey D. Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceydbrown/Dions Dream: https://dionschicagodream.com/ Baxter: https://www.baxter.com/ Eli Lilly and Company: https://www.lilly.com/ Medicare:https://www.medicare.gov/ Medicaid: https://www.healthcare.gov/ 

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, we feature a new leader at our partner The George Washington University. Lesley Lopez is the Director of the Graduate Program for Public Relations and Communications at the Graduate School of Political Management.An elected Maryland State Delegate, Lesley is a Chief Influencer in her own right. She recently transitioned from her role as an adjunct professor to lead the Graduate Program for Public Relations and Communications, where she is developing new approaches to engage professional students about the issues that matter in today’s world. Lesley emphasizes the importance of two-way influence, coalition building, and authenticity in politics. She also highlights her innovative initiatives at GW, including a focus on AI in communications and social impact, and invites listeners to engage with the program and its offerings.Takeaways:Embrace Authenticity in Leadership: Be genuine in your interactions and share real experiences to build trust and credibility.Develop Your Unique Leadership Style: Reflect on your personal strengths, passions, and experiences to carve out a leadership style that feels natural to you.Master the Art of Conflict Resolution: Understand where others are coming from and build bridges despite disagreements to foster cooperation and inclusive decisions.Be Transparent and Accessible: Regularly engage with your audience, even informally, to demystify your role and build a deeper connection with your constituents.Leverage Social Media for Genuine Connections: Use social media to share personal stories and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your life, making your digital presence more relatable and engaging.Balance Visibility with Humility: While being proactive in sharing your work is important, demonstrating humility and serving genuinely can resonate deeply with the public.Continual Learning and Adaptation: Stay informed about new trends in communications, technology, or public policy, and be prepared to incorporate them into your leadership toolkit.Quote of the Show:“You have to step outside of that image of who you think a politician is supposed to be and just be a real person. Just speak from the heart.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleylopez/ GW College of Professional Studies Website: https://cps.gwu.edu/ Shout Outs:Master’s in PR at the Graduate School of Professional Studies at GW: https://cps.gwu.edu/prc  Bianca Prade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancaprade/ Washington Business Journal Shannon Watts: https://momsdemandaction.org/shannon-watts/ Moms Demand Action: https://momsdemandaction.org/ 

This week's episode of Chief Influencer features a truly inspiring leader, Michael Manganiello, the President and CEO at Pyxis Partners. After living for 40+ years as an HIV survivor and dedicated advocate, Michael’s journey has transformed medical research and patient care. After participating in groundbreaking clinical trials led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, he has been a beacon of hope for those living with HIV/AIDS.As the first Senior VP of Government Relations for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, he played a key role in passing the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and raising over $150 million for resources supporting the mobility impaired.Takeaways:Build Diverse Coalitions: Assemble coalition members who bring different strengths to the table. Including scientists, researchers, and passionate advocates ensures a well-rounded and influential group.Leverage Non-Traditional Partnerships: Work with trusted community organizations to reach your target audience more effectively. People are more likely to listen to messengers they trust and encounter in their daily lives.Understand the Importance of Incremental Victories: Celebrate small wins along the way. These victories help maintain momentum and morale when working toward long-term goals.Educational and Strategic Insights: Acquire in-depth knowledge about your field. Being well-prepared and informed makes it easier to gain credibility and persuade influential stakeholders.Humanize the Issues: To reduce stigma, put a face to the cause and show people real-life examples. This will make the issue relatable and less abstract.Persistent Leadership: Lead by example and be persistent. Understand that effecting change is a long-term game that requires resilience and continuous effort.Quote of the Show:“You have to celebrate the incremental victories even if they’re small because that’s what keeps you going.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-manganiello-606743b/ Website: https://www.pyxispartners.co/ Shout Outs:Dr. Anthony FauciDocumentary: https://films.nationalgeographic.com/fauci Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation: https://www.christopherreeve.org/ Leslie Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art: https://leslielohman.org/ Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX-B3HMlMfY National Institute of Health - All of Us Research Program: https://allofus.nih.gov/ Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/810 Back to Basics Report from Pyxis Partners: https://www.pyxispartners.co/post/back-to-basics-hiv-aids-advocacy-as-a-model-for-catalyzing-change 

Today’s special episode of Chief Influencer highlights four inspiring elected officials: Danica Roem, a member of the Virginia State Senate; Andy Kim, U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 3rd District; Rob Sand, Iowa Auditor of State; and Tony Woods, Secretary of Veterans Affairs at the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.The episode features leaders from various sectors and highlights the importance of collaborative change and diverse legislative influences. It underscores the value of transparency, accessibility, and genuine engagement in leadership. Each guest shared their personal insights on important themes like inclusion and the challenges of decision-making. They highlighted how vital it is for leaders to share their own stories and create welcoming spaces for everyone. They also delved into topics like overcoming misinformation and battling imposter syndrome, emphasizing the need to balance personal beliefs with the collective responsibility of serving the public.Takeaways:Communicate Openly and Authentically: Embrace a communication style that is open, human, and transparent. Engage in open dialogue to build trust and credibility by being honest about both successes and failures.Influence Through Mutual Engagement: Recognize that leadership involves being open to influence as well. Actively listen to constituents or team members, understand their needs, and incorporate their feedback into decision-making.Leave No One Behind: Create an inclusive environment where every member feels valued and heard. Focus on integrating marginalized or underrepresented groups into the larger mission.Show Rawness and Vulnerability: Demonstrate vulnerability by sharing your struggles and failures. This authentic approach fosters personal connections and reflects your true self.Share Personal Stories: Use storytelling to connect with your audience. Relating personal anecdotes makes your message more compelling and provides insight into your values and leadership style.Understand Key Issues Thoroughly: Develop a deep understanding of critical issues affecting your community or organization. Stay informed and continuously educate yourself to make more effective decisions.Engage Thoughtfully with Opposing Views: Address tough questions and criticisms respectfully, even in disagreement. Thoughtful responses can help bridge divides and foster a cooperative environment.Links:Rob SandLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsand1/ Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa Danica RoemFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/danicafordelegate/ Website: https://www.danicaforstatesenate.com/ Andy Kim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kim-511969/ Website: https://www.andykim.com/ Tony WoodsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-woods-22390978/ Website: https://veterans.maryland.gov/anthony-woods/ 

Bill Smith is the Founder and CEO of Inseparable, an organization dedicated to advancing mental health policy. Additionally, he holds the position of Chair at Civitas Public Affairs Group, a firm he co-founded. At Civitas, he guides philanthropists, foundations, and donor collaboratives on various policy objectives alongside national non-profit organizations striving for progressive policy advancements.Bill shares insights into his impactful journey of shaping mental health policy and empowering the LGBTQ+ community politically. He delves into the founding motivations behind Inseparable, stressing the significance of research and genuine communication in driving policy transformations. Bill also discusses successful strategies for achieving significant policy victories across different states.Together, they explore leveraging research for influence, simplifying intricate messages effectively, and harnessing authenticity and encouragement to propel social change. Bill advocates for leaders to recruit individuals smarter than themselves, fostering a culture of brilliance and collaboration within organizations, thereby ensuring success through collective intelligence and expertise.Takeaways:Be yourself in your communications and leadership style. Authenticity resonates with people and builds trust. Establish a genuine connection with your team, stakeholders, and audience.Surround yourself with people who are more intelligent than you. This approach enhances your team's overall capabilities and fosters learning and innovation.Determine the core areas or issues that need addressing and concentrate your efforts there. A focused approach ensures impactful outcomes and better allocation of resources.Before embarking on any major project or initiative, invest in research. Understanding the opinions and needs of your audience is essential for crafting messages that resonate and to make informed decisions.Research and data are invaluable; let them guide your communications, decisions, and strategies. Even if the findings challenge your assumptions, being open to data-driven insights can lead to more effective outcomes.Develop messaging that is straightforward and resonates with your audience. Simplifying complex ideas into relatable, engaging narratives can amplify your influence and the impact of your messages.Personalize your communication to build deeper connections. Whether through emails, social media, or direct engagement, sharing your journey, challenges, and successes can inspire and engage people more effectively.Quote of the Show:“At the end of the day, you have to listen to research because if it's done well, it's telling you what people think and it's telling you what you need to hear.” - Bill SmithLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-smith-7376424 Inseparable (Website): https://www.inseparable.us Civitas Public Affairs Group (Website): https://www.civitaspublicaffairs.com Shout Outs:The Gill Foundation: https://gillfoundation.org Jan Van Lohuizen: https://www.c-span.org/person/?16114/JanVanLohuizen 

This week's episode features an in-person discussion with Terry Szuplat, a former White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama and author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience. Terry emphasizes the importance of authenticity, simplicity, and personal storytelling in effective communication. He shares insights on public speaking, leveraging personal narratives, and avoiding jargon, offering actionable advice for students and professionals in the field. The discussion also addresses the impact of social media and how AI is involved in communication. The session concludes with an appreciation for Terry’s contributions and a reminder to engage in authentic human communication.Takeaways:Talk Like a Human: Simplify your language and communicate in a relatable way. Avoid jargon and buzzwords to enhance relatability and impact.Know Yourself Deeply: Understand your identity, values, and story before inspiring others. Clarity in who you are will resonate with your audience's authenticity.Utilize Personal Stories: Incorporate personal anecdotes in your speeches. Unique experiences will engage your audience and create a personal connection.Prepare Thoughtfully: Use the 50-25-25 rule for preparation: spend 50% on planning and research, 25% on content creation, and 25% on practicing and refining your delivery for a polished presentation.Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection: Prioritize being genuine over delivering a flawless performance. Audiences appreciate sincerity and your true self.Quote of the Show:"When you tell the stories that only you can tell, then no one can steal your words, ever."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/ Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/about/ Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/say-it-well-terry-szuplatShout Outs:Former President of the United States, Barack ObamaTim WalzGeroge Washington College of Professional Studies: https://www.cps.gwu.edu/ 

In this episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop, speaks with Renee DiResta, a leading expert on misinformation, social media, and online influence, as well as the author of Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality. Renee shares insights on false information trends on social media and the challenges of combating them. The discussion also explores the changing media landscape, the role of influencers, and the significance of ethical communication. Renee emphasizes the need for transparent influencer disclosure laws and offers advice for experts on effectively navigating and influencing public discourse.Takeaways:Build and Leverage Your Network: It's not enough to just post content; your real reach comes from others who amplify your message. Encourage supporters and interested parties to share and engage with your content to maximize its impact.Establish a Strong and Diverse Network: One significant problem for institutions today is that many haven’t prioritized networked communication. Focus on building connections and relationships with key players and communities that can help spread your message.Utilize Unique Opportunities: Take advantage of increased online engagement to connect with a broader audience. These moments can help you establish a more extensive following.Maintain High Standards for Information: Authoritative voices should be held to higher standards than random influencers. Ensure your communications are accurate and reliable to build and maintain trust.Manage Content Distribution: Recognize the difference between people finding your content through search and having it proactively pushed onto them by platforms. Aim for strategic content distribution that considers both methods.Enhance Transparency and Disclosure: Be transparent about relationships and sponsorships, especially for influencers. Transparency is critical for maintaining credibility and trust with your audience.Actively Engage in Conversations: Engage actively on social media and other platforms where public opinion is formed. Do not rely solely on traditional methods like press releases. Participation in ongoing conversations is crucial for influence.Quote of the Show:“For influencers in particular, ethics are essential. It's important to recognize the power you have and to use it responsibly.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneediresta/ Website: https://www.reneediresta.com/ Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Rulers-People-Turn-Reality/Shout Outs:Edward BernaysStanford Internet Observatory: https://cyber.fsi.stanford.edu/io NPR: https://www.npr.org/ Atlantic Wired - Free Speech is Not the Same as Free Reach: https://www.wired.com/story/free-speech-is-not-the-same-as-free-reach/ Aza Raskin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azaraskin/ Tristan Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanharris/ Sacha Baron Cohen: https://www.instagram.com/sachabaroncohen/?hl=en Elon MuskCDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ Wendy’s Twitter McDonald’s TwitterConsumer Product Safety Commission: https://www.cpsc.gov/ NATO Summit: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/226799.htm Federal Election Commission: https://www.fec.gov/ Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/ Substack: https://substack.com/ 

This episode is a tribute to Mrs. Virginia Ali, co-founder and matriarch of the iconic Ben's Chili Bowl, a true family-owned business. She recounts her early days in the Shaw community in Washington DC, her relationship with civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and how Ben's became a crucial gathering spot during pivotal historical moments. Through her warmth and hospitality, Virginia helped the restaurant thrive for 66 years, making it an essential part of the city's cultural and social fabric. The episode also touches on her efforts to archive the restaurant's history and her notable interactions with high-profile dignitaries, including President Barack Obama. As she prepares to expand Ben's Chili Bowl, Mrs. Ali emphasizes the importance of community connection and consistent kindness.Takeaways:Treat Everyone with Kindness and Respect: Mrs. Ali treats everyone who walks into Ben’s Chili Bowl with a smile and kind words, making them feel like the most important person. Leaders should foster a culture of kindness and genuine respect within their teams to build strong and positive relationships.Preserve Your Legacy: Mrs. Ali’s decision to document and preserve her family's and business's history will ensure that her legacy will last forever. Leaders should prioritize recording and preserving important documents and histories that can provide valuable insights and inspiration for future generations.Stay Calm and Collected: Virginia Ali's philosophy of using a soft voice to turn away wrath is a powerful reminder that staying composed and using calm communication can defuse tense situations. Leaders can effectively manage conflicts and maintain a positive atmosphere by practicing patience and composed communication.Be a Beacon During Tough Times: Ben’s Chili Bowl remaining open during the 1968 curfew period exemplifies the importance of being a reliable and supportive presence in the community during crises. Leaders should aim to be pillars of stability and support when their teams or communities face challenges.Value Community Relationships: Mrs. Ali emphasized the mutual support between Ben’s Chili Bowl and their community. Leaders should actively engage with and contribute to their communities, understanding that these relationships can provide critical support during tough times.Commit to Longevity and Adaptability: The success of Ben’s Chili Bowl over 66 years highlights the importance of persistency, adaptability, and a commitment to quality. Leaders should focus on these attributes to sustain long-term success and navigate ever-changing environments.Stay Humble and Grateful: Despite receiving numerous awards, Mrs. Ali remained humble and focused on serving her community. Leaders should embody humility and gratitude, recognizing that their success is often a collective effort and continuing to prioritize service and kindness.Quote of the Show:“Influence doesn’t have to be loud, it can be kind and gentle.”Links:Ben’s Chili Bowl Website: https://benschilibowl.com/ Shout Outs:"Breaking Barriers with Chili: Virginia Ali: The Matriarch of DC": https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Barriers-Chili-Virginia-Matriarch/Lee’s Flower Shop: https://www.leesflowerandcard.com/  Industrial Bank: https://www.industrial-bank.com/home/my-banking-center/u-street Peaches (Former Employee of Ben’s Chili Bowl)Mary Wood (Former Employee of Ben’s Chili Bowl) President Kennedy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Barack Obama Adrian Fenty Harriet TubmanHoward University Hospital: https://www.huhealthcare.com/ James Beard Foundation Award Key to the City Award Lifetime Achievement Award 

Camille Stewart Gloster, the former White House cyber and AI czar, shares her experiences and insights. Her background includes working in the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, and Google. Camille discusses her journey from a legal fellowship to becoming an expert in cybersecurity and AI, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives. She highlights the necessity of creating policies based on values rather than specific technologies and underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and civil society. Camille also advocates for empowering people through technology education and discusses her involvement in initiatives like 'ABCs of Cybersecurity' to promote these fields among diverse communities.Takeaways:Understand Stakeholders' Motivations: Before engaging in any negotiation or attempting to influence others, it's crucial to understand the motivations and priorities of the stakeholders involved. This knowledge will help find common ground and build a foundation for productive discussions.Articulate a Clear Vision: Successful leaders set a clear, affirmative vision that resonates with their audience's fundamental values and aspirations. This approach inspires and motivates people to align with the leader's goals and objectives.Foster Collaboration: It is essential to bring together various stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and different government agencies. Leaders must facilitate collaboration by highlighting shared goals and balancing different motivations to advance a common agenda.Be Transparent and Communicative: Open and transparent communication is key to building trust and aligning competing priorities. Leaders should consistently update stakeholders on progress, challenges, and any areas of confusion to maintain a candid dialogue.Encourage Proactive and Resilient Policies: Instead of reacting to threats or technological changes, focus on policies that protect core values and establish a proactive, resilient framework. This approach allows for better adaptation to future challenges and technological evolutions.Promote Education and Empowerment: Leaders should advocate for education and empowerment in technology and cybersecurity. Engaging communities and providing the necessary tools and knowledge will ensure broader participation and resilience in the digital age.Recognize the Importance of Diversity: Diverse perspectives are critical in addressing complex issues like national security, cybersecurity, and AI. Leaders should strive to include individuals from various backgrounds to foster innovative solutions and create an inclusive environment.Quote of the Show:“It is important for people to feel empowered in and through technology. There's a lot of opportunity, economic, career, and creative, and I don't want people to get or feel left behind." Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillestewartesq/ Website: https://camillestewartgloster.com/casstrategies Shout Outs:UK AI Summit: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/ai-safety-summit-2023 Seoul AI Summit: https://www.csis.org/analysis/ai-seoul-summit France AI Summit: https://franceintheus.org/spip.php?article11521 AIEO: https://www.epa.gov/tribal/american-indian-environmental-office-aieo EU’s AI Act: https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/ 

Since our interview with Daniel Buezo last year, Kids of Immigrants has announced exciting new collaborations with Nike and Hasan Minhaj. To coincide with New York Fashion Week, we wanted to reconnect with one of today's most influential fashion entrepreneurs, Daniel Buezo, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kids of Immigrants, a trailblazing streetwear brand born in Los Angeles. Alongside his Co-Founder Weleh Dennis, Daniel has taken the fashion world by storm, teaming up with powerhouse brands and icons like Apple, Nike, Vans, and the one and only Bad Bunny. In this exciting episode, Daniel sits down with Host Anthony Shop to share the captivating story behind the brand’s rise from humble beginnings, reveal why his most pivotal meeting is with himself, and discuss how they remain true to their mission despite their phenomenal success. Takeaways:A major factor behind the launch of Kids of Immigrants was the goal of bringing people of all backgrounds together. This was in contrast to the often exclusive attitude proliferating the world of fashion and streetwear. Daniel and Weleh wanted to create clothing that genuinely represented who they are and their experiences. This was something they found lacking in many of the popular and readily available clothing brands in the United States.When launching the brand, Daniel and Weleh realized that even if the brand evolved, there would be a constant factor tied to the company: they were “Kids of Immigrants.” Their roots and community are interwoven into the initial creation of the brand and its continued evolution. Daniel says that his most important meeting of the day is with himself. Taking a moment to reflect or meditate gives him a chance to communicate with his inner self,  which helps him find a sense of calm, make tough decisions, and become inspired. Recognize that productivity and inspiration are two separate things. While Daniel’s days can get very busy, allowing him to be very productive, he knows that to find inspiration, he needs to get out of the office and have time alone. Taking the time to find what inspires you is crucial. Quote of the Show:“We were kids of immigrants yesterday. We're kids of immigrants today, and we'll be kids of immigrants tomorrow. We knew that wouldn't change.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-buezo-581815189/ Company Website: https://kidsofimmigrants.us/ 

This episode of Chief Influencer features Eric Pan, the President and CEO of the Investment Company Institute (ICI). The conversation explores Eric's background, including his roles with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, his tenure as a law professor, and his transition to leading ICI. Eric emphasizes how effective communication is crucial in addressing diverse audiences and achieving industry goals. Just because you aren’t an expert in a certain industry, doesn’t mean that you can’t understand certain topics. In addition, Eric shares how clear and respectful messaging tailored to different groups ensures that information is accessible and relevant. He highlights the role social media plays as a two-way communication tool, enabling organizations to not only share information but also gather valuable feedback from their audience. He shared that balancing factual data with emotional storytelling enhances engagement and makes complex topics more relatable. He emphasized that as technology continually evolves, adapting communication strategies to incorporate new tools and platforms is essential for staying current. Additionally, he noted that understanding and addressing stakeholder perspectives allows for more effective advocacy and aligns industry efforts with the needs and concerns of various groups.Takeaways:Be Genuine: When communicating complex information, be genuine in your enthusiasm and interest. Your passion can make others care about the topic too.Respect Different Viewpoints: Recognize that everyone has a valid perspective. Understanding and respecting those views can help in effectively communicating your message.Use Both Data and Stories: Combine logical data-driven points with emotional, human-interest stories. This dual approach can help you connect with a wider audience.Adapt Across Platforms: Different platforms attract different audiences. Being active on various social media channels like LinkedIn can help leaders reach a diverse set of stakeholders.Leverage Social Media Authentically: Treat your social media presence as an authentic voice for your opinions and initiatives. Use it to articulate key viewpoints and engage directly with your audience.Two-Way Communication: Influence is not just about pushing your message out but also about listening to feedback. Utilize platforms that allow for this two-way interaction.Empower Your Team: See social media as an organizational tool, not just an individual one. Encourage other members of your team to also have a voice and contribute to the collective message.Quote of the Show:“Just like fund investing is the democratization of finance, social media is the democratization of communication.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-pan-0352772/ Website: https://www.ici.org/ 

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, hosted by Anthony Shop, we brought together four leaders from diverse sectors to share insights on inspiring, influencing, and connecting with communities. Today’s guests include Daniel Buezo, Founder and CEO of Kids of Immigrants, Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of Points of Light, Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, and Gina Schaefer, Co-Owner of a Few Cool Hardware Stores and Author of Recovery Hardware. They discuss the importance of community, civic engagement, technology in education, and impactful events, from the Points of Light Awards to ComplexCon. Each guest emphasized the power of recognizing and supporting community efforts, fostering civic duties, and the mutual growth from leader-community interactions.Takeaways:Leverage Unexpected Ideas: Great ideas often come from unconventional places. Don't be afraid to look outside your immediate industry for inspiration and solutions.Serve and Build Community: Dedicate efforts to building and serving your community. As demonstrated, community support can be a driving force and provide invaluable inspiration.Embrace Continuous Learning: Never stop learning because each new experience brings valuable lessons. Even seasoned leaders can benefit from continuous education and reflection.Recognize and Empower Others: Recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals in your community. Formal recognition can inspire and mobilize people towards community service.Utilize Technology Wisely: Use technology as an enabler to address challenges. Technology should complement and enhance your core vision and initiatives, not overshadow them.Foster Open Communication: Encourage open dialogues within your community and organization. Honest conversations can highlight critical issues and foster stronger relationships.Invest in Community Events: Hosting community events can significantly boost engagement and create a sense of belonging. It offers a platform for interaction that goes beyond traditional customer service.Links:Gina Schaefer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaschaefer-speaker/ Website: https://ginaschaefer.com/  Daniel Buezo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-buezo-581815189/ Website: https://kidsofimmigrants.us/ Jennifer Sirangelo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/ Jean-Claude BrizardLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-brizard-0080a810/ Website: https://digitalpromise.org/ 

Peggy Rajski is an Oscar-winning filmmaker and a founder of The Trevor Project, the first 24/7 suicide prevention organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ young people. She recently concluded her 18-month term as Interim CEO of The Trevor Project. During that time, she focused on expanding crisis intervention services, strengthening partnerships with SAMHSA and Vibrant Emotional Health for the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, elevating Trevor’s prevention program strategy, and defeating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation through strategic advocacy. The Trevor Project remains a leading force in crisis intervention, driven by Peggy’s mission-first approach and commitment to leveraging storytelling for social impact. In celebration of her tenure and passing the baton to The Trevor Project’s new CEO, Jaymes Black, we are thrilled to resurface this interview with Peggy Rajski!In this insightful interview, Peggy discusses her inspiration for founding The Trevor Project after directing her Oscar-winning short film Trevor. She details the challenges and successes, including the crucial HBO airing with Ellen DeGeneres, and the night the first-ever 24/7 suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth launched. She shares her thoughts on leadership, highlighting the importance of authenticity, allyship, and adaptability. Over 25 years, The Trevor Project has evolved with changes in media, and collaborated with notable figures like Daniel Radcliffe and Dylan Mulvaney. Peggy’s reflections underscore the power of passion, dedication, and resilience in making a significant impact.Takeaways:After directing the film Trevor, Peggy saw the massive need amongst LGBTQ+ youth for some kind of support system. This need was the inspiration behind forming The Trevor Project and its mission, “to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, & questioning young people.”The motivation for Peggy’s film was seeing that LGBTQ+ young people were four times as likely to make an attempt on their lives than their straight peers. Peggy knew that the medium of film could be uniquely used to educate people on this issue.The most important group Peggy had to reach was the young people in dire need of The Trevor Project. Crucial to this were the relationships Peggy built with voices in the media interested in this larger story. When Peggy realized that there was nowhere for LGBTQ+ youth to get specialized support, particularly with suicide prevention, the choice to take action and create resources was clear. It’s vital to share your message through communication channels already used by your audience. The night that Trevor was presented by Ellen DeGeneres and aired on HBO Family, The Trevor Project call center received over 1,500 calls.Honesty is integral to building a cohesive brand that can speak uniquely to different stakeholders, such as donors, staff, and those being served. This requires being clear and consistent on what the brand stands for and its mission.Evolving how you meet your audience where they are is critical. The Trevor Project expanded its services from primarily voice-based to chat-based. This mirrors the growing shift amongst younger generations toward text messaging. The Trevor Project must continuously adapt to the times to continue serving LGBTQ+ youth.Peggy considers the expertise built up within The Trevor Project to be “open source” as the organization sits on many boards and commissions to help protect the mental health needs of historically underserved groups.Leaders need to be storytellers every day of their lives, throughout meetings, introductions, etc. To be a great storyteller, you must be clear, concise, and compelling. Your stories should convey who you are, what you’re doing, and the difference you want to make. Quote of the Show:“Film can make you feel things. When it's working, it bypasses the brain and it goes to your heart.” - Peggy RajskiLinks:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeggyRajski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyrajski/ The Trevor Project Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Shout Outs:Dr. Jay Nagdimon - Mental Health ExpertEllen DeGeneres - Comedian and TV PersonalityElton John - MusicianSting - MusicianDaniel Radcliffe - ActorDylan Mulvaney - Influencer and ActivistKara Swisher - Host of On With Kara SwisherScott Galloway - Author and Host of the Prof G PodHard Fork - PodcastLongform - PodcastThis American Life - PodcastSerial - PodcastSoul + Spirit - PodcastTen Percent Happier - PodcastTara Brach - Meditation teacher and Podcast Host

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