Renee DiResta

The rules of influence have changed, but many organizations are still playing by the old ones. In this special live briefing, Anthony Shop is joined by the authors and a key contributor behind Carnegie's new report, How to Engage with New Media: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofit Organizations. Rachel Kleinfeld and Renee DiResta, the report's co-authors, along with Carnegie Senior Fellow Sarah Labowitz, break down why traditional media strategies are no longer sufficient, why people trust individual creators more than institutional brands, and what organizations with limited budgets can actually do about it. From Sarah's unpaid partnership with storm chaser Edgar O'Neill to Renee's insights on why comments matter more than follower counts, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for any leader trying to build trust and reach new audiences in today's media landscape. Takeaways: Reach your audience through the media they actually consume, not the demographics you assume they fit into. Invest in relationships with creators before asking for transactions. The best partnerships are built on mutual respect and shared curiosity. Comments drive visibility and trust more than follower counts. Platforms like Threads and Instagram reward active community participation. Lead with curiosity, not authority. Content that invites the audience to discover conclusions on their own outperforms expert declarations. Think of your long-form research as the beginning of the content process, not the end. One report can fuel dozens of pieces across platforms. Start small: commit to posting once a week and holding a regular "hook meeting" to sharpen your opening lines. Quote of the Show: "Those of us who are prizing traditional media and still thinking of it as media and this other thing as new are actually almost reversed in our thinking." — Rachel Kleinfeld Links: Renee DiRestaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneediresta/  Sarah LabowitzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlabowitz/  Rachel Kleinfeldhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelkleinfeld/  Carnegie Website: https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2026/08/nonprofit-organizations-how-to-engage-social-media-new-media-strategy 

This special compilation episode delves into the critical and ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. It features insights from cyber leaders, Craig Newmark, Founder of Craigslist, Camille Stewart Gloster, CEO and Principal at CAS Strategies LLC, Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud, and Renee DiResta, Author of “Invisible Rulers”. They all discuss navigating the complex intersection of technology, information, and security. Core topics include the significant impact of AI on society and relationships, the pervasive challenges of misinformation and disinformation, and the crucial role of education, from K-12 to workforce development, in combating these digital threats.     The discussion extends to the imperative for a collective mobilization to enhance cybersecurity and examines the ethical responsibilities inherent in developing and deploying powerful new technologies. Strategies for fostering empowerment amidst rapid technological change are explored, alongside a nuanced understanding of misinformation that goes beyond simplistic definitions. The episode underscores the importance of critical thinking and highlights the shared accountability of individuals, technology companies, and governments in constructing a more secure digital future. Takeaways: Get Educated and Engage with AI: Don't be intimidated by AI and new technologies. Take the time to learn about them, experiment with tools like chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini), and understand how they can assist you. However, always remember AI is a tool, not a complete solution, and requires your critical input and oversight.     Be Vocal About Your Technology Needs: As a user, you have agency. Voice your needs and expectations to technology providers regarding the features, privacy, and ethical considerations of the products and services they offer.     Prioritize Critical Thinking and Source Verification: In an age of rampant misinformation, cultivate critical thinking skills. Don't take information at face value, especially online. Question sources, seek context, and wait for verified facts before forming conclusions or sharing. This is particularly important for younger generations.     Advocate for and Support Comprehensive Cybersecurity Education: Recognize that cybersecurity literacy is crucial from a young age (K-12) through workforce development and for the general public. Support initiatives that promote this education, like coding and cybersecurity programs in schools or merit badges.     Understand the Nuances of Misinformation: Recognize that "misinformation" is often more complex than simply false facts. It can involve unverified information, rumors, and narratives that spread rapidly and shape public opinion before the truth is known. Be aware of how these dynamics work.     Influencers and Content Creators Must Embrace Ethical Responsibility: If you have a platform or influence, recognize the power you wield. Be mindful of the authenticity and potential impact of your words, and strive to use your influence ethically and responsibly.     Individuals Have a Role in National Cybersecurity: Understand that individual actions contribute to broader cybersecurity. Take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your workplace online, as this collectively helps protect national infrastructure and security.  Links: Camille Stewart GlosterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillestewartesq/  Website: https://www.cas-strategies.com/  Craig NewmarkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craignewmark/  Website: https://craignewmarkphilanthropies.org/  Ambassador Jaques Pitteloud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacques-pitteloud-83621a10/  Website: https://www.eda.admin.ch/washington  Reness DiResta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneediresta/  Website: https://www.reneediresta.com/ 

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 Bernays Stanford 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 Musk CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/  Wendy’s Twitter  McDonald’s Twitter Consumer 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/