This special edition of the Chief Influencer podcast brings together some of the most powerful moments from conversations with seven remarkable leaders who are shaping the future of influence across public policy, mental health, women’s rights, technology, journalism, and social impact.
Each guest: Jaymes Black, Patrick J. Kennedy, Kathryn Godburn Schubert, Craig Newmark, Frédérique Campagne Irwin, Steve Schwab, and Anna Palmer, approaches influence with authenticity, courage, and a deep commitment to service. Their stories illuminate how true influence is built: through connection, clarity, empathy, and a willingness to speak boldly for those who need it most.
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We’re excited to re-air this powerful conversation with Terry Szuplat, former White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama and author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience.
Originally released as an in-person discussion, this episode quickly became a listener favorite for its timeless insights into authentic communication. Terry explores why simplicity, clarity, and personal storytelling matter more than ever—especially in a noisy digital age. Whether you missed it the first time or are revisiting it for fresh inspiration, this conversation offers practical guidance for leaders, communicators, and anyone striving to speak with impact.
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"When you tell the stories that only you can tell, then no one can steal your words, ever."
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In this powerful episode, Anthony Shop sits down with Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN, the world’s leading nonprofit driving disability inclusion and accessibility across global business. With a career shaped by personal experience, public policy, and transformative corporate partnerships, Jill shares how she has helped build a global movement rooted in the belief that disability is a strength and a critical competitive advantage for companies.
Jill brings more than leadership insights; she brings stories of CEOs, next-gen talent, global boards, and individuals who found their voice through disability inclusion. Together, these stories illustrate how influence fueled by authenticity, visibility, and data can create lasting change.
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Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality, is the national organization advancing legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families. Darra stepped into the role at a pivotal moment, when more than 600 anti-LBGTQ+ bills were introduced across the country, and she brings more than two decades of leadership at the intersection of advocacy, culture change, and community-building.
Darra shares how Family Equality advances its mission through a simple but memorable framework: (ACE) Advocate, Connect, Educate. From fighting for policy protections at every level of government to convening the largest LGBTQ+ family gathering in the world, Family Equality is working to secure freedom, safety, and belonging for every family.
Throughout the episode, Darra offers rich insights on the role of storytelling, coalition-building, and people-centered leadership, and how influence becomes strongest when leaders bring the personal and professional together. As a parent of three, Darra discusses her own experience navigating unequal family recognition in a hospital setting and how that fuels her fight for nationwide protections.
This conversation reveals how influence today is less about transaction and more about trust, humanity, and bringing people along a shared journey.
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In this special live edition of the Chief Influencer podcast, recorded at The George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, host Anthony Shop sits down with Dr. Ellen M. Granberg, the 19th president of GW and the first woman to lead the institution in its 200+ year history.
President Granberg shares her journey from accidental leader to national influencer in higher education, offering candid insights on authenticity, influence, student success, and leading through historic change. She reflects on GW’s ambitious new strategic framework, Raising Higher: GW’s Path to Preeminence, and why she believes Washington, D.C., will remain the epicenter of influence for generations of students.
This episode explores leadership rooted in purpose, community, and adaptability, hallmarks of a true Chief Influencer.
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Max Friedman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Givebutter, an all-in-one nonprofit fundraising and CRM platform that has powered nearly $2 billion in donations. Having started the company in his college dorm room, Max's journey highlights the blend of self-taught technical skills and a mission-driven approach to make online giving fun, social, and transparent.
In this episode, you’ll learn how Givebutter's unique branding and commitment to transparency have contributed to its success and how Max's leadership strategies, especially in a remote work environment, emphasize values and culture to drive impact and growth.
Additionally, Max shares insightful advice on engaging the next generation of donors, adapting nonprofits to modern fundraising techniques, and the importance of building a strong team culture even when remote. Tune in to discover how Givebutter is revolutionizing the fundraising landscape and inspiring change across the nonprofit sector.
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Gary Jacobs, widely known as The Zen Lobbyist, to explore how mindfulness and authenticity can fundamentally reshape influence in Washington. Drawing from decades of experience in health policy, government relations, and organizational leadership, Gary shares his journey from early-career advocate to a leader who grounds his work in stillness, compassion, and gratitude. He recounts the personal health challenges, including anxiety, panic attacks, and even a stroke, that forced him to slow down, reevaluate his identity, and adopt mindful practices that now guide both his life and his approach to influence. Through stories of policymaking, personal transformation, and professional reinvention, Gary illustrates how bringing humanity back into advocacy creates deeper trust and more effective impact.
Gary also reflects on major milestones in modern healthcare, from the rise of HMOs to Medicare Advantage to value-based care, and what he learned from being inside some of the most consequential policy moments of the last several decades. He explains why relationship-building, not pressure or transactions, sits at the heart of sustainable influence, and why democratizing access to information is the next frontier of advocacy. Together, Gary and Anthony explore how leaders can foster connection in an increasingly tech-driven, high-pressure environment and why influence today requires not only strategic skill, but emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a willingness to lead with empathy.
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We’re re-airing one of our most popular Chief Influencer® episodes, and for good reason. In this fan-favorite panel conversation, host Anthony Shop brings together an inspiring lineup of nonprofit leaders to talk about how they use their personal brands to power their missions and amplify impact.
Featuring Steve Schwab (Elizabeth Dole Foundation), Jean Accius (Creating Healthier Communities), Katie Schubert (Society for Women’s Health Research), Jennifer Sirangelo (Points of Light), and Lidia Soto-Harmon (Student Conservation Association), this conversation explores how today’s nonprofit CEOs are showing up authentically, building community through digital storytelling, and leading with purpose in an ever-changing world.
We loved this conversation for its honesty, insight, and generosity, and it clearly resonated with our listeners, too. Whether you missed it the first time or are ready for a fresh dose of inspiration, this replay is packed with timeless lessons on leadership, authenticity, and influence for good.
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Alex Wirth, Co-Founder and CEO of Quorum, joins Anthony Shop to explore what it really takes to lead with influence, from the Senate floor to the tech boardroom. Alex shares how he built one of Washington’s top civic tech startups from a Harvard dorm room and scaled it to more than 330 employees. He breaks down his “Hacker and Hustler” founding model, the evolution from “Superman” to “Captain America” leadership, and why consistency, clarity, and communication define great leaders.
In this insightful conversation, Alex reveals his approach to influence inside organizations and in Washington, D.C., including how Quorum helps Fortune 500 companies, associations, and nonprofits advocate effectively. From using AI to personalize congressional outreach to leading with authenticity and transparency, Alex shows how influence today means building movements, not just managing teams.
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Evan Low, President and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, joins host Anthony Shop for a powerful conversation about resilience, representation, and authentic leadership. Evan’s story comes full circle—from being one of the Victory Fund’s youngest endorsed candidates to now leading the organization that once believed in him.
He shares lessons from his historic career, including his work advancing marriage equality and finding common ground across ideological divides. Evan reflects on what it means to lead with authenticity, how visibility fuels influence, and why meeting people where they are—especially in times of polarization—is essential for progress. With characteristic optimism, he reveals how today’s challenges have sparked a new wave of leaders stepping forward to serve and why he believes the future of democracy depends on ensuring every voice is heard and seen.
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Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director of the Blockchain Foundation and Founder of Butterscotch Media, joins Chief Influencer® to share her remarkable journey from the halls of Washington to the frontlines of Web3 innovation. A former Obama Administration appointee, Cleve discusses how her “aha moment” with Bitcoin set her on a mission to create an inclusive digital economy, one that prioritizes accessibility over adoption.
In this wide-ranging conversation, she explains how blockchain can be demystified through trust and relationships, why public policy and tech innovation must work together, and how influence today is built not through status but through consistency. Cleve also reflects on her evolution as a thought leader, building a 10,000-subscriber media platform from a simple Mailchimp newsletter, and offers timeless advice on how to stay grounded, passionate, and true to your purpose in a world that’s changing faster than ever.
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Ambassador Georg Sparber, Liechtenstein’s representative to the United States, shares how influence operates in both highly visible and quietly strategic ways. From the honor of throwing a ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game to spearheading global initiatives against human trafficking, he illustrates how even small players can “punch above their weight” on the world stage.
He explains Liechtenstein’s unique blend of entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and democratic tradition, while also reflecting on how credibility is built through consistency, expertise, and persistence. Ambassador Sparber also highlights the evolving role of diplomacy in the digital age, using platforms like LinkedIn to extend reach and foster genuine relationships. His stories, from honoring a fallen soldier with Liechtenstein heritage at Arlington National Cemetery to forging international coalitions at the UN, reveal a powerful message: influence is about leaving a trace that can grow into impact
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Lidia Soto-Harmon, the President and CEO of the Student Conservation Association (SCA), shares several key lessons around leadership, youth empowerment, and conservation. Lidia emphasizes the importance of providing paid, hands-on environmental conservation opportunities for young people across all 50 states, covering everything from trail building to historic preservation and fire prevention. A central idea is that this tangible work, often performed in teams and disconnected from technology, not only preserves natural spaces but also empowers youth, giving them a sense of agency and helping to combat climate anxiety. This approach fosters teamwork and provides young people with real-world skills and the satisfaction of seeing the direct impact of their efforts.
The conversation also delves into Lidia's personal leadership philosophy, which is rooted in being approachable and "real". She uses creative tools, such as her "selfie with my CEO" patch, now updated with a QR code linking to her LinkedIn profile, to forge genuine connections with both young people and adults. She advocates for a leadership style that is hands-on and curious about the experiences of those in the field, rejecting a top-down approach. Lidia emphasizes the crucial importance of leaders transitioning from mentorship to actively sponsoring diverse talent, thereby opening doors for others in tangible ways. Her identity as a Cuban American immigrant informs her commitment to inclusion and her responsibility to be a visible, approachable role model for the next generation.
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Jaymes Black (they/she/he pronouns), CEO of The Trevor Project, to explore what authentic influence looks like in practice. Jaymes reflects on their early missteps in leadership and how mentors helped them understand that true influence flows from empathy and connection rather than force. They share how embracing their authentic self not only transformed their own leadership but also empowered them to create space for others, whether by centering team members in organizational conversations or elevating LGBTQ+ youth as the true face of the mission. From building coalitions to tackling systemic challenges, to prioritizing where they can have the most impact, to leading with shared humanity in the face of political division, Jaymes offers powerful lessons on influence rooted in authenticity, courage, and collaboration.
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Dr. Matthew Naylor, President and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Under his leadership, this Kansas City landmark has become more than a museum; it’s a living, breathing front porch for the community and a destination for visitors from around the globe.
Dr. Naylor shares how the museum honors those who served while also “confessing the horrors of war,” using immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology to connect history to today’s challenges. He reflects on what it means to make an institution porous, inviting the community in for everything from the Stars and Stripes Picnic to championship parades, and why influence comes not from being the center of the story, but from serving others and helping them create their own memories.
Along the way, listeners will hear lessons in leadership, philanthropy, and trust, from rethinking board engagement, to building unexpected partnerships (yes, even around tattoos and cannabis), to using language as a tool for uniting rather than dividing.
If you’ve ever wondered how influence can be rooted in service, humility, and storytelling, this episode is for you.
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Erin Santos Primis, the founder and executive director of the Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF), shares her journey of transforming the unimaginable loss of her daughter, Isabella, into a lasting impact for children with rare pediatric cancers. Starting with a local 5K that raised $7,000 during her daughter's treatment for neuroblastoma, Erin has propelled ISF to raise over $18 million. She discusses the foundation's evolution from focusing on her daughter's story to embracing the stories of other children, which expanded their mission to support all rare pediatric cancers. Erin offers a look into her authentic and sometimes "crass" communication style, the importance of building a true community around a cause, and the strategic decision to operate in the "messy middle" of nonprofits—filling gaps that larger organizations may overlook and smaller ones cannot afford. She also reveals her innovative fundraising strategies, such as creating events that prioritize attendee experience over explicit branding, and offers advice to other parents who are considering starting a foundation in the wake of loss.
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Today, we are re-airing our conversation with Dr. E. Anders Kolb to celebrate an exciting milestone: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is now Blood Cancer United. This new name reflects the organization’s commitment to uniting everyone impacted by the 100+ different types of blood cancer.
Dr. Kolb, President & CEO, brings both professional expertise as a renowned pediatric hematologist oncologist and a deeply personal commitment shaped by his wife’s battle with follicular lymphoma. In this episode, he shares powerful insights on fostering community engagement, driving scientific innovation, and advocating for health equity.
His leadership, rooted in empathy, purpose, and a vision for better patient outcomes, underscores why Blood Cancer United is one of the most influential organizations in cancer research and patient support.
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Dr. Brian Castrucci, President and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, shares his journey from early-career public health professional to nationally recognized chief influencer. He describes his philosophy of venture philanthropy, approaching the foundation not as a traditional grant-maker, but as a risk-tolerant changemaker, much like an investor on Shark Tank. For Dr. Castrucci, philanthropy’s greatest asset isn’t cash, it’s the courage to take risks and go where others won’t. This mindset is reflected in the foundation’s efforts to boost vaccination rates among conservatives and in the strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships it forges across the public health sector.
He reflects on pivotal career moments, including advice from a mentor to go "be a pirate" before returning to philanthropy and the experience of being passed over for the CEO role, a setback he now sees as crucial for shifting his focus from personal achievement to organizational growth. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Castrucci emphasizes the importance of building an authentic, bottom-up work culture, using storytelling to advance public health, and embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth.
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Nneka Chiazor, President of the Public Affairs Council, discusses the evolving role of influence, leadership, and authenticity in today’s complex and fast-paced environment. Drawing on her deep experience in both the public and private sectors, including leading 1,200 employees at Cox Communications, Nneka shares why public affairs is no longer a cost center but a strategic investment in social capital. She unpacks her “Mercy Framework” for thoughtful leadership, discusses the importance of internal influence, and reflects on how leaders must now show up with intention, reliability, and heart. From the Queen Elizabeth II communication rule to the power of LinkedIn as a platform for authentic thought leadership, this episode is filled with real talk, practical insights, and inspiring wisdom.
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Graham McMahon, President and CEO of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), discusses how he's revolutionizing medical education not as a compliance task but as an invigorating journey for clinicians. McMahon brings a wealth of experience from Harvard Medical School and the New England Journal of Medicine, advocating for learning as a lifelong privilege. Key topics include the evolution of educational approaches, the importance of applying information contextually in patient care, and fostering collaboration across medical hierarchies. Emphasizing trust and authenticity, McMahon also reflects on personal identity in leadership and how endurance running teaches perseverance and resilience. This conversation illustrates the transformative impact of education on clinician performance and patient outcomes, grounded in humility and professional integrity.
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