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.

Takeaways:

• Start every day with stillness to set your strategy: Gary begins each morning with meditation and yoga, using stillness as the foundation for clarity before stepping into chaotic policy environments.
• Lead with compassion to build authentic, long-term relationships: Gary emphasizes that empathy—not pressure or transactions—is what creates trust with policymakers and partners.
• Practice gratitude consistently to renew energy and prevent burnout: Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships, grounds your leadership, and maintains resilience in high-stress fields.
• Redefine influence as education, not persuasion: Rather than selling a point of view, Gary focuses on educating members of Congress with honesty, transparency, and real-world context.
• Abandon rigid scripts and prepare to respond in the moment: After a transformative yoga retreat, Gary stopped scripting meetings and shifted to more authentic, adaptive conversations.
• Invest in relationships beyond positional power: Washington’s hierarchy is temporary—what endures is how people experience you as a human being, not the title you hold.
• Advocate for democratized, accessible information: Gary believes modern influence includes helping people navigate complex issues using real-time tools—podcasts, digital platforms, and transparent communication.

Quote of the Show:

• “Compassion is influence. When you lead with empathy, people listen differently.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-jacobs-99966035/ 
• Website: https://garymjacobs.com/ 

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.

Takeaways:

• Start from within. The best nonprofit leaders know their greatest advocates begin inside their organization — among staff, volunteers, and board members.
• Authenticity builds trust. Blending the personal with the professional creates genuine connection and strengthens influence.
• Share the stage. Elevate others’ stories — staff, partners, or community members — to make your message more powerful and human.
• Think beyond your niche. Broaden your conversations to connect with new audiences and partners aligned with your mission.
• Be strategic but consistent. Plan ahead, but remember: even one thoughtful post or comment can make a meaningful impact.
• Show up visually. “Faces are the new logos” — leaders who put themselves out there amplify credibility and relatability.
• Leverage collaboration. Partnerships and cross-sector storytelling can expand your reach and deepen impact.

Quote of the Show:

• “If people understand your ‘why,’ they may not agree with every decision, but they’ll understand it.” – Jean Accius

Links:

• Kathryn Godburn Schubert
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/ 
  • Website: https://swhr.org/ 
• Jean Accuius
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accius4/ 
  • Website: https://chcimpact.org/ 
• Jennifer Sirangelo
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ 
  • Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/ 
• Lidia Soto-Harmon
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-soto-harmon-a921a213/ 
  • Website: https://thesca.org/ 
• Steven Schwab
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schwab7676/ 
  • Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ 

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.

Takeaways:

• Communicate more—and more consistently. Great leaders are “Chief Reminding Officers” who repeat key priorities across channels until they stick.
• Know your strengths and build around them. Use tools like Gallup StrengthsFinder to balance influencers, executors, relationship builders, and strategic thinkers across your team.
• Adapt your leadership as you scale. Move from doing everything yourself (“Superman”) to empowering other leaders (“Captain Americas”) who can build their own high-performing teams.
• Personalize advocacy. Whether engaging staff or lawmakers, tailor messages to individuals. Authentic, human communication wins over one-size-fits-all tactics.
• Communicate, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Transparency during uncertainty builds trust faster than waiting for perfect answers.
• Measure and prove impact. Tie public affairs objectives to measurable outcomes, including financial value, to strengthen organizational credibility.
• Sustain your own energy. Prioritize rest, exercise, and downtime so you can bring your best self to your work and lead for the long haul.

Quote of the Show:

• “Communicate when it’s most difficult to communicate—that’s when people need it most.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaliowirth/ 
• Website: https://www.quorum.us/ 

Shoutouts: 

• Adrian Newey Autobiography: https://a.co/d/0RHW62Z 

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.

Takeaways:

• Visibility is Influence. “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Representation creates pathways for others and strengthens democracy.
• Meet People Where They Are. True influence requires empathy, listening, and finding shared values—even across ideological divides.
• Resilience Is the Secret Weapon. Failures and setbacks are part of leadership. Learn, adapt, and rise stronger.
• Authenticity Builds Trust. Being transparent about your journey invites connection and fosters credibility.
• Invest in Future Leaders. Training and mentorship create pipelines for sustainable impact.
• Use Your Platform Wisely. In today’s digital world, leaders must tell their own stories with clarity and purpose.
• Democracy Thrives on Inclusion. The more diverse the voices at the table, the stronger our institutions become.

Quote of the Show:

• “If you're not at the table, you're on the menu. You have to show up, but you have to do that authentically.”

Links:

• Evan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-low-1952064/ 
• VF LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoryfund/
• VF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoryfund/ 
• Website: https://victoryfund.org/ 

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.

Takeaways:

• Start with Accessibility, Not Adoption. Focus on educating and empowering people to understand technology, even before they use it.
• Build Trust Through Relationships. Demystify complex topics by connecting on a human level and using plain, relatable language.
• Be Consistent. Whether it’s publishing weekly or showing up daily, consistency is the foundation of influence.
• Bridge the Gaps Between Worlds. Influence happens at intersections—between policy and innovation, Washington and crypto, tradition and disruption.
• Simplify the Story. Translate technical concepts into simple truths. As Cleve says, blockchain just “securely verifies information and facilitates exchange without third parties.”
• Own Your Journey. Mistakes and pivots are part of building credibility—own them, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
• Lead with Passion and Purpose. Influence isn’t about titles; it’s about showing up consistently for what you believe in.

Quote of the Show:

• “Be consistent. Whether you have five readers or five million, keep showing up—because that’s what builds influence.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmesi/ 
• Butterscotch Media Website: https://butterscotch.media/ 
• Blockchain Foundation Website: https://theblockfound.com/ 

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

Takeaways:

• Punch Above Your Weight: Small organizations, or even small nations, can make a major global impact. The key is focusing on credibility and expertise. By demonstrating competence and thought leadership in specific areas, you can command respect far beyond your size. As Ambassador Sparber noted, smaller players often need to be better in order to be taken seriously, but that higher standard can also become their strength.
• Consistency Builds Trust: Influence doesn’t come from one-off actions. It is built steadily over time through repetition, reliability, and steadfast advocacy. When others know what you stand for and can count on you to show up consistently, you become a trusted voice in your field.
• Leverage Core Strengths: Instead of trying to do everything, focus on what you do uniquely well and use that as a platform for broader contributions. Liechtenstein, for example, leveraged its expertise in financial services to fight global human trafficking through the Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST) initiative. Every leader or organization has a comparable strength they can amplify for outsized influence.
• Relationships Matter Most: At the heart of influence are people. Personal, face-to-face relationships often outlast policy shifts, headlines, or crises. Ambassador Sparber emphasized that trust built through genuine human connection creates enduring goodwill and opens doors for meaningful dialogue, even years down the road.
• Use Digital Diplomacy: Influence today requires showing up both in-person and online. Platforms like LinkedIn offer unique opportunities for direct engagement and visibility, particularly in spaces where others may not yet be active. By being intentional and authentic in digital spaces, leaders can extend their reach and strengthen relationships formed offline.
• Leave a Trace: True influence is not always immediate or obvious. Often, it’s about leaving a trace, planting seeds of understanding, trust, or possibility that may only bear fruit later. Whether it’s a conversation, a symbolic act, or a coalition built quietly behind the scenes, the impact often unfolds in unexpected but powerful ways.
• Do What You Love: Passion is one of the most powerful drivers of influence. When you pursue work you truly enjoy, you naturally develop expertise and authenticity, which others are drawn to. Ambassador Sparber encouraged leaders to focus on what they love to do, because that’s where they will be both most effective and most inspiring.

Quote of the Show:

• “To be effective, you must be consistent in what you advocate for and in what you believe is important, while also treating problems as your own and considering how you can contribute to solutions; credibility then emerges from the expertise and know-how you can reliably bring, and often smaller players must excel beyond larger ones to make a meaningful impact.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georg-sparber-30222413a/ 
• Website: https://www.liechtensteinusa.org/ 

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.

Takeaways:

• Make opportunities accessible. Paying young people for their contributions opens doors that unpaid experiences often close.
• Connect by caring. Influence starts with genuine curiosity—ask questions, listen deeply, and show you care (even if it means carrying cupcakes up a mountain).
• Lead from the field. Authentic leadership means rolling up your sleeves and experiencing the work alongside your team.
• Bridge policy and practice. Real change happens when systemic solutions connect with on-the-ground realities.
• Be real on social media. Skip the polish—authentic, immediate, and heartfelt posts resonate most.
• Move from mentorship to sponsorship. It’s not enough to guide; leaders must actively open doors and advocate for emerging talent.
• Celebrate progress. Help teams look back at how far they’ve come—it fuels momentum for what’s ahead.

Quote of the Show:

• “Influence means tapping into previous chapters of your life to find helpful connections, information, or proven methods that you can implement in your current chapter. It's the ability to reflect on that path—that trail, if you will—and use it to propel yourself forward.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-soto-harmon-a921a213/ 
• Website: https://thesca.org/ 

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.

Takeaways:

• Influence Should Flow, Not Force: Leaders should see influence as an emotional connection, not a power play. Forcing decisions creates resistance, but influence that flows—rooted in empathy and shared values—opens minds and builds trust.
• Authenticity Strengthens Leadership: Showing up as your true self makes you a more inclusive and effective leader. Leaders who embrace their identities create space for others to do the same, fostering stronger teams and deeper trust.
• Share the Stage to Elevate Others: Leadership isn’t about always being the face of the mission. By highlighting team members and giving them visibility—such as panel discussions at The Trevor Project—leaders amplify voices and strengthen organizational culture.
• Focus on Shared Humanity to Bridge Divides: When engaging with skeptics or opponents, emphasize shared values (like protecting youth) rather than differences. Framing influence around humanity creates openings for dialogue across political or cultural divides.
• Be Strategic About Where You Show Up: You can’t be everywhere at once. Leaders should prioritize the spaces where they can have the greatest influence, delegate when possible, and give themselves permission to say no.
• Build Coalitions to Tackle Systemic Challenges: Big missions require collaboration. Leaders should partner with other organizations, share best practices, and co-create solutions to achieve lasting impact.
• Influence Starts Inside the Organization: External influence is only sustainable if internal teams feel seen, heard, and connected. Leaders must go beyond town halls—engaging in smaller, authentic conversations that build trust and align people with the mission.

Quote of the Show:

• “You can be yourself—you can embrace your multitudes—and still be a leader. That’s what makes us powerful. That’s what makes us more influential.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejaymesblack/ 
• Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 

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.

Takeaways:

• Lead with service, not ego. Influence grows when you focus on helping others create their stories rather than positioning yourself as the star.
• Make your organization “porous.” Remove barriers and invite people in—whether for community events, partnerships, or unexpected collaborations.
• Balance reverence with honesty. Honor sacrifice while also “confessing the horrors” of difficult truths—holding tension builds credibility and trust.
• Leverage technology to deepen human connection. Use immersive storytelling tools, but root them in authentic voices and real history.
• Play to your board members’ strengths. Align their passions and assets with your mission to multiply your organization’s impact.
• Expand influence through partnerships. Collaborate outside traditional boundaries (tattoos, cannabis, sports) to connect with new audiences.
• Guard public trust. Transparency, ethics, and accountability are non-negotiable—especially when leading institutions that carry civic responsibility.

Quote of the Show:

• “I have learned that by calling people or articulating a vision, a hopeful future for an organization, being able to articulate the purpose of the organization, and inviting people if that resonates with them to be a part of it, is a really powerful way of influencing others.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattnaylor/ 
• Website: https://www.theworldwar.org/ 

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.

Takeaways:

• Center the "Why," but Evolve the Narrative: While the foundation began with Isabella's personal and magnetic story, Erin strategically expanded the narrative to include other children and different rare cancers. This not only allowed her family some privacy but also scaled the foundation's reach and impact by resonating with a wider community.
• Embrace Authentic Communication: Erin advocates for a leadership style that is real and direct, even if it feels "crass". She found that channeling her genuine frustration and anger connected deeply with her target audience of mothers and supporters who felt the same way, proving that authenticity builds trust and inspires action.
• Find Power in the "Messy Middle": ISF thrives by filling the gaps between small grassroots efforts and large national organizations. By focusing on community-based needs like funding nurse navigators, mental health services, or fertility preservation programs not covered by insurance, "messy middle" nonprofits can make a critical and tangible impact.
• Build a Community, Not Just an Audience: Erin emphasizes knowing her donors personally, creating a "community tribe" where people feel seen and part of the mission. This deep sense of community fosters loyalty and powerful, word-of-mouth advocacy that fuels growth.
• Reinvent Fundraising by Focusing on the Experience: To combat donor fatigue, Erin developed a fundraising event "disguised" as a fun, desirable experience—a meet-and-greet with stars from Bravo's Southern Charm—that prioritized the audience's enjoyment. This strategy generated unprecedented buzz and financial success by meeting the audience where they are, rather than leading with the organization's brand.
• Influence is About Legacy: Erin defines influence as the ability to leave a legacy that makes the world a better place. By educating her community and empowering them to become advocates, her influence extends through a "telephone game" of shared stories and passion, ensuring her daughter's impact will last forever.
• Pause Before Starting Your Own Foundation: When advising parents experiencing loss, Erin suggests they take time and first consider partnering with an established organization. This approach allows them to channel their passion productively without immediately taking on the lifelong emotional weight and market challenges of running a founder-led nonprofit.

Quote of the Show:

• "We're out there raising money for kids who haven't even been diagnosed yet... It's not about saving a person, it's about saving a generation of kids that are coming up, and that makes it what's even more special".

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinrsantos/ 
• Website: https://isabellasantosfoundation.org/