Chief Influencer®

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 Fauci
  • Documentary: 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 Sand
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsand1/ 
  • Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa 
• Danica Roem
  • Facebook: 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 Woods
  • LinkedIn: 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 Smith

Links:

• 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-szuplat

Shout Outs:

• Former President of the United States, Barack Obama
• Tim Walz
• Geroge 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 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/ 

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 Tubman
• Howard 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/