Mary Fete

In this heartfelt episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop sits down with Mary Fete, Executive Director of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). A registered nurse by training, Mary shares how listening has been the foundation of her leadership, fueling a global nonprofit that spans 120 countries and supports thousands of families affected by rare disorders. She reflects on the transformative power of empathy, the importance of collaboration over expertise, and her role in pioneering medical breakthroughs, including a historic clinical trial for XLHED. As she prepares to pass the baton after more than two decades, Mary discusses her hopes for the future and what it truly means to lead with heart.Key TakeawaysLeadership Begins With Listening: Mary emphasizes that listening is both a clinical and leadership skill. Her philosophy of “listen first, talk less” has shaped NFED’s programs, research, and family support systems.You Don’t Have to Be the Expert: True influence comes from bringing the right people into the room. Mary models collaborative leadership by creating spaces where diverse experts—and lived experiences—drive innovation.Global Impact Starts With Personal Connection: Despite serving families in over 120 countries, NFED remains deeply personal thanks to Mary’s intentional relationship-building and trust-first approach.Technology as a Humanizing Tool: From AI advisory boards to using databases to remember personal family milestones, Mary shows how nonprofits can leverage tech to enhance—not replace—authentic relationships.From Seed Funding to Scientific Breakthroughs: NFED’s 30-year commitment to research led to the groundbreaking EDELIFE clinical trial, showing how a small nonprofit can play a central role in global medical advances.Storytelling Drives Advocacy: Mary empowers families to share their lived experiences to influence policy and funding, reinforcing that personal stories are powerful tools for public impact.Legacy of Heartfelt Leadership: As she prepares to step down, Mary hopes to be remembered not for titles or milestones, but for leading with compassion, listening deeply, and creating a true sense of family and belonging.Quote of the Show:“You have to remind yourself that listening is much more powerful than talking… You don’t have to fill the space in the room with your voice all the time.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-fete-19949a33/ Website: https://nfed.org/