Chief Influencer®

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, hosted by Anthony Shop, we brought together four leaders from diverse sectors to share insights on inspiring, influencing, and connecting with communities. 

Today’s guests include Daniel Buezo, Founder and CEO of Kids of Immigrants, Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of Points of Light, Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, and Gina Schaefer, Co-Owner of a Few Cool Hardware Stores and Author of Recovery Hardware. 

They discuss the importance of community, civic engagement, technology in education, and impactful events, from the Points of Light Awards to ComplexCon. Each guest emphasized the power of recognizing and supporting community efforts, fostering civic duties, and the mutual growth from leader-community interactions.

Takeaways:

• Leverage Unexpected Ideas: Great ideas often come from unconventional places. Don't be afraid to look outside your immediate industry for inspiration and solutions.
• Serve and Build Community: Dedicate efforts to building and serving your community. As demonstrated, community support can be a driving force and provide invaluable inspiration.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: Never stop learning because each new experience brings valuable lessons. Even seasoned leaders can benefit from continuous education and reflection.
• Recognize and Empower Others: Recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals in your community. Formal recognition can inspire and mobilize people towards community service.
• Utilize Technology Wisely: Use technology as an enabler to address challenges. Technology should complement and enhance your core vision and initiatives, not overshadow them.
• Foster Open Communication: Encourage open dialogues within your community and organization. Honest conversations can highlight critical issues and foster stronger relationships.
• Invest in Community Events: Hosting community events can significantly boost engagement and create a sense of belonging. It offers a platform for interaction that goes beyond traditional customer service.

Links:

Gina Schaefer: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaschaefer-speaker/ 
• Website: https://ginaschaefer.com/ 

 Daniel Buezo: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-buezo-581815189/ 
• Website: https://kidsofimmigrants.us/ 

Jennifer Sirangelo: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ 
• Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/ 

Jean-Claude Brizard

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-brizard-0080a810/ 
• Website: https://digitalpromise.org/ 

Peggy Rajski is an Oscar-winning filmmaker and a founder of The Trevor Project, the first 24/7 suicide prevention organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ young people. She recently concluded her 18-month term as Interim CEO of The Trevor Project. During that time, she focused on expanding crisis intervention services, strengthening partnerships with SAMHSA and Vibrant Emotional Health for the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, elevating Trevor’s prevention program strategy, and defeating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation through strategic advocacy. 

The Trevor Project remains a leading force in crisis intervention, driven by Peggy’s mission-first approach and commitment to leveraging storytelling for social impact. In celebration of her tenure and passing the baton to The Trevor Project’s new CEO, Jaymes Black, we are thrilled to resurface this interview with Peggy Rajski!

In this insightful interview, Peggy discusses her inspiration for founding The Trevor Project after directing her Oscar-winning short film Trevor. She details the challenges and successes, including the crucial HBO airing with Ellen DeGeneres, and the night the first-ever 24/7 suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth launched. She shares her thoughts on leadership, highlighting the importance of authenticity, allyship, and adaptability. Over 25 years, The Trevor Project has evolved with changes in media, and collaborated with notable figures like Daniel Radcliffe and Dylan Mulvaney. Peggy’s reflections underscore the power of passion, dedication, and resilience in making a significant impact.

Takeaways:

• After directing the film Trevor, Peggy saw the massive need amongst LGBTQ+ youth for some kind of support system. This need was the inspiration behind forming The Trevor Project and its mission, “to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, & questioning young people.”
• The motivation for Peggy’s film was seeing that LGBTQ+ young people were four times as likely to make an attempt on their lives than their straight peers. Peggy knew that the medium of film could be uniquely used to educate people on this issue.
• The most important group Peggy had to reach was the young people in dire need of The Trevor Project. Crucial to this were the relationships Peggy built with voices in the media interested in this larger story. 
• When Peggy realized that there was nowhere for LGBTQ+ youth to get specialized support, particularly with suicide prevention, the choice to take action and create resources was clear. 
• It’s vital to share your message through communication channels already used by your audience. The night that Trevor was presented by Ellen DeGeneres and aired on HBO Family, The Trevor Project call center received over 1,500 calls.
• Honesty is integral to building a cohesive brand that can speak uniquely to different stakeholders, such as donors, staff, and those being served. This requires being clear and consistent on what the brand stands for and its mission.
• Evolving how you meet your audience where they are is critical. The Trevor Project expanded its services from primarily voice-based to chat-based. This mirrors the growing shift amongst younger generations toward text messaging. The Trevor Project must continuously adapt to the times to continue serving LGBTQ+ youth.
• Peggy considers the expertise built up within The Trevor Project to be “open source” as the organization sits on many boards and commissions to help protect the mental health needs of historically underserved groups.
• Leaders need to be storytellers every day of their lives, throughout meetings, introductions, etc. To be a great storyteller, you must be clear, concise, and compelling. Your stories should convey who you are, what you’re doing, and the difference you want to make. 

Quote of the Show:
“Film can make you feel things. When it's working, it bypasses the brain and it goes to your heart.” - Peggy Rajski

Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeggyRajski 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyrajski/ 
The Trevor Project Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 

Shout Outs:
Dr. Jay Nagdimon - Mental Health Expert
Ellen DeGeneres - Comedian and TV Personality
Elton John - Musician
Sting - Musician
Daniel Radcliffe - Actor
Dylan Mulvaney - Influencer and Activist
Kara Swisher - Host of On With Kara Swisher
Scott Galloway - Author and Host of the Prof G Pod
Hard Fork - Podcast
Longform - Podcast
This American Life - Podcast
Serial - Podcast
Soul + Spirit - Podcast
Ten Percent Happier - Podcast
Tara Brach - Meditation teacher and Podcast Host

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop brings together highlights and lessons on LinkedIn from prominent leaders—Steven Taylor, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, Allan Golston, President of the United States Program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Emma Wade-Smith, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General.

The episode delves into how these leaders use LinkedIn to drive leadership and influence while maintaining authenticity. They discuss strategies for engaging with their team, combating isolation, and building a positive organizational culture through genuine interactions on LinkedIn. Key takeaways include the importance of authenticity, active engagement, and showing genuine care to leverage LinkedIn for impactful leadership

Takeaways:

• Prioritize Authentic Engagement: Engage genuinely on LinkedIn by responding personally to comments and messages. Avoid fake posts and always use your authentic voice, even if it includes typos.
• Listen with Heart and Mind: Show genuine interest in your team by listening to their concerns and taking actionable steps. Create structures that facilitate open communication, such as moving your office to a more accessible location.
• Two-Way Communication: Foster a two-way exchange on LinkedIn. Engage with followers by responding to their comments and questions, showing that you value their interaction.
• Personal Recognition: Use LinkedIn to recognize and uplift team members and colleagues by commenting on their achievements, birthdays, or work anniversaries. Personalized recognition can significantly boost morale.
• Thoughtful Content Sharing: Share content that resonates with your audience. Incorporate visuals like videos and images to grab attention. Avoid overliking, and engage meaningfully in conversations.
• Human-Centric Leadership: Demonstrate care for your team by acknowledging their hard work and involvement on social media. This builds a supportive and warm organizational culture.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay open to trying new LinkedIn features and techniques to see what best resonates with your audience. Adapt and innovate continuously to keep your engagement fresh and meaningful.

Links:

Steven Taylor,

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-taylor-a18b9b2/ 
• Website: https://www.arthritis.org/ 

Johnny C. Taylor Jr

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyctaylorjr/ 
• Website: https://www.shrm.org/ 

Allan Golston

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-golston/ 
• Website: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ 

Emma-Wade Smith 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmawadesmith/ 
• Website:https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office 

In today’s episode host Anthony Shop introduces Brooks Bell, a technology entrepreneur who shifted her career focus after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at age 38. Brooks founded Lead From Behind, a campaign powered by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, aimed at destigmatizing colonoscopies through celebrity awareness, significantly increasing public participation in the screening. 

She also discusses her new venture, Worldclass Clothing, designed to make colonoscopies more approachable and funding procedures for underinsured communities. The conversation highlights the importance of early detection, effective health communication, and leveraging humor and celebrity influence in public health campaigns. 

Takeaways:

• Identify Influencers: When promoting an initiative, identify key influencers whose personal stories or backgrounds align with your cause. This can significantly enhance the credibility and reach of your campaign. For example, the success of having Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney involved in the colonoscopy campaign shows the impact celebrities can have in normalizing and promoting essential but often stigmatized procedures.
• Leverage Personal Stories: Personal experiences can be powerful advocacy tools. Brooks Bell used her diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer to inspire and educate others about colon health. Leaders should explore how personal stories within their organization or community can be leveraged to advance their mission.
• Stay Informed and Adapt Regulations: Awareness of regulatory changes is crucial. For instance, the change in the recommended screening age for colonoscopies from 50 to 45 in 2021 highlights the importance of staying informed about updates. This allows leaders to make timely and relevant adjustments in their advocacy and policies.
• Rebrand for Broader Appeal: Sometimes, a new brand or sub-brand can effectively reach a wider audience. Brooks Bell's insight to create Lead From Behind, a brand that doesn't mention colon, rectal, or cancer, made the message more appealing to healthy individuals who might not typically engage with cancer-related content.
• Highlight Positive Outcomes: Emphasizing the positive results of an action can encourage participation. For example, informing people that their colonoscopy showed no signs of disease means they won't have to think about it for another decade can motivate them to get screened. Leaders can highlight these long-term benefits to promote engagement.
• Collaborate with Experts: Collaborations with agencies or experts in branding and public relations can significantly enhance a campaign. The partnership with Maximum Effort, a film production company owned by Ryan Reynolds, to build and launch Lead From Behind demonstrates how expert involvement can create a strong, recognizable brand.

Quote of the Show:

• "Cancer is sad and scary. Before my diagnosis, recognizing my mindset then, that's the audience we need to reach. We had to create something people would wear that's funny and energizes the cause without making them uncomfortable. 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksbellinteractive/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooksbell/ 
• Website: https://leadfrombehind.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• Colorectal Cancer Alliance: https://colorectalcancer.org/
• Brooks Bell Inc: https://www.brooksbell.com/ 
• Worldclass Clothing Website: https://www.worldclassclothing.com/ 
• Worldclass Clothing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldclass_clothing/ 
• Maximum Effort: https://www.maximumeffort.com/ 
• Ryan Reynolds 
• Rob McElhaney
• ZocDocs: https://www.zocdoc.com/
• AOL: https://www.aol.com/ 
• The Awkward Conversation That Led to My Colon Cancer Diagnosis at Age 38: https://www.today.com/health/essay

Host Anthony Shop interviews the Honorable Jacques Pitteloud, Switzerland's Ambassador to the United States. Since his appointment in 2019, Ambassador Pitteloud has leveraged his extensive Foreign Service career since 1987, serving in diverse locations such as Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Uganda. 

Pitteloud passionately discusses his mission to redefine perceptions of Switzerland. He underscores the robust economic and technological bonds between Switzerland and the U.S., underscoring the need to tailor communications for different cultural contexts.

Addressing the evolving landscape of diplomacy, Pitteloud highlights his innovative use of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to foster engagement and transparency. Drawing from his leadership experience across organizations of varying scales, he advocates for public education as a tool against misinformation, emphasizing the importance of trust in leadership.

Takeaways:

• Embrace Social Media: Leaders should be willing to leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to communicate their messages effectively. While there's a risk, approaching it with positivity and humor can significantly enhance engagement and brand image.
• Adapt Communication Style: It is crucial to understand and adapt to different communication styles based on cultural and linguistic contexts. Tailoring your message to fit the audience's expectations can build stronger connections and trust.
• Trust Your Team: Building trust within your team is essential. Start by assuming that your team members are competent and letting them do their jobs. Micromanaging can stifle creativity and productivity.
• Stay Educated: Continuous learning is vital for effective leadership. Regularly reading and staying informed about industry trends, history, and current events can provide a deeper understanding and better decision-making.
• Balance Personal and Professional Brands: Authenticity in leadership can be enhanced by blending personal passions and professional responsibilities wisely. Sharing personal interests or hobbies can make leaders more relatable and approachable.
• Address Misinformation Strategically: Given the rise of misinformation, it is vital to educate your audience and provide well-analyzed, contextually rich information. Immediate responses are less valuable than meaningful interpretations of events.
• Lead with Humor and Positivity: Humor and positivity in communication can make leaders more approachable and their messages more memorable. Self-deprecating humor, in particular, helps create a connection without offending others.

Quote of the Show:

• "There are so many embassies, so many countries vying for two minutes of attention from decision-makers. How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd? If social media is a means to achieve that, as long as it remains nice, decent, and sometimes even funny— why not? So, we made the video, and suddenly it was reaching hundreds of thousands. There were a few other instances, and then there was the Instagram thing. On We Are The Embassy of Switzerland, which I never thought would reach the 3.4 million mark. I mean, if Kim Kardashian needs some paying advice from me, she can call me."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacques-pitteloud-83621a10/ 
• Website: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home.html 

Shout Outs:

• Marcellus Rolle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcellus-rolle-116a432/ 
• Swiss Impact USA: https://swissimpactusa.com/ 
• Washington Post Article Featuring Ambassador Pitteloud’s Bird Painting: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/03/painted-bunting-great-falls-bird-watchers/
• Switzerland's (not Sweden's) Impact in the United States Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz_5V6DyEdM&t=9s 
• Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/ 

Today, we are honored to host Dr. E. Anders Kolb, President and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

With a distinguished background as a pediatric hematologist oncologist, Dr. Kolb's journey is intertwined with a deeply personal commitment—fueled by his wife's battle with follicular lymphoma—to eradicating these diseases. Today, he leads LLS with a vision that combines compassionate patient care with pioneering research.

In this episode, Dr. Kolb shares his insights on fostering community engagement, driving scientific innovation, and advocating for health equity. His leadership style, marked by empathy and a steadfast dedication to improving patient outcomes, underscores his role in guiding one of the most influential organizations in cancer research and patient support.

Takeaways:

• Embrace a Learner's Mindset: Always approach new situations with a willingness to learn, listen before acting, and consider experts' opinions. This mindset fosters continuous growth and effective problem-solving.
• Understand the Business: Take the time to deeply understand the business operations and challenges, even if it requires a significant investment of time, such as through a listening tour or similar initiative.
• Stay Connected to the Mission: Ensure that all team members remain focused on the organization's mission. Start meetings with a "mission moment" to ground everyone in the purpose of their work, which can keep the team inspired and aligned.
• Advocate for Patients and Families: As a healthcare organization, always prioritize the needs of patients and families in your initiatives. This strengthens any organization's credibility and trustworthiness and ensures that efforts are patient-centered.
• Inspire Through Communication: Use empathy in your interactions to connect emotionally with your team and motivate them. Sharing patient stories and emphasizing the impact of their work can enhance commitment and drive.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate humility and a willingness to learn from others, regardless of your position. This leadership style fosters a collaborative environment and encourages others to adopt a similar approach.
• Solve the Big Problems: Lean into the challenges faced by the community you serve. Collect stories and data to identify systemic issues and work collaboratively to find meaningful solutions. This approach ensures that the organization addresses the root causes of problems effectively.

Quote of the Show: 

• "In our company meetings, we always start with a mission moment, grounding ourselves in the patient experience and celebrating exciting innovations from our research funding. This ensures everyone is present, inspired, and ready to dive into our work."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-anders-kolb-md-5508a7a/ 
• Website: https://www.lls.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• Nemours Children’s Health: https://www.nemours.org/ 
• Sidney Kimmel Medical College: https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/colleges-schools-institutes/skmc.html
• Delaware Today: https://delawaretoday.com/ 
• Philadelphia Magazine: https://www.phillymag.com/ 
• SEMA: https://sites.sema.org/awards/award_sema_news_articles.php 
• Fast Company: https://www.fastcompany.com/ 
• AKACA: https://advocacy.lls.org/a/akaca 
• Myeloma Link: https://www.lls.org/myeloma-link
• LLS PedAL: https://www.lls.org/dare-to-dream/pedal 
• FDA: https://www.fda.gov/ 

In this episode, host Anthony Shop introduces Bryan Corbett, President and CEO of MFA, the voice of the global alternative investment industry. The conversation explores Bryan's extensive background in both public and private sectors, including his tenure at the Carlyle Group and his role in the George W. Bush administration. 

Key topics include the significance of alternative investments, MFA's approach to member engagement, effective communication strategies, and leveraging social media. Bryan also shares insights on leadership philosophy, teamwork, and accountability, offering valuable lessons for leaders on internal and external influence, underscored by the importance of clear goals and consistent communication.

Takeaways:

• Effective Communication: Emphasize the importance of clear and focused communication, both internally within the organization and externally with stakeholders. This includes tailoring messages for different audiences and ensuring they are concise and relevant.
• Member Engagement: Develop a coverage model where each member is assigned an executive responsible for maintaining the relationship. This personalized approach ensures members feel valued and addresses their specific needs.
• Proactive Media Strategy: Highlight the shift from a reactive to a proactive media strategy, stressing the importance of conveying the industry’s message first, building media relationships, and preparing for TV appearances with clear, simple messages.
• Utilizing Social Media: Illustrate the significance of using LinkedIn for outreach and communication to maintain relationships and share key content effectively.
• Goals and Accountability: Establish clear, organization-wide goals that cascade to individual teams, fostering alignment, accountability, and performance tracking. This practice was essential for building trust and ensuring focus on shared objectives.
• Team Collaboration and Leadership: Leverage team input and foster a collaborative environment in leadership style. Recognizing the value of collective insights, empowerment of the team drives better decision-making.
• Adapting Practices from Other Industries: Implement a coverage model borrowed from investment banks to enhance member engagement. This adaptability demonstrates the importance of learning from other industries' practices and customizing them to fit organizational needs.

Quote of the Show:

• "Whenever there's skepticism, you have to address it. It's not just about having a good story; you need the data and research to back it up." 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-corbett
• Website: https://www.mfaalts.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• Carlisle: https://www.carlisle.com/ 
• CNBC’s Squawkbox: https://www.cnbc.com/squawk-box-us/ 
• Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/ 
• Noah Theron: https://www.mfaalts.org/team/noah-theran/ 
• President George W. Bush
• The White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ 

In this episode, Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, shares her inspiring journey. From founding the Global Fund for Children at just 23 years old to revitalizing Society for Science, Maya has pioneered impactful initiatives. 

This show highlights her role in establishing a vast grassroots network for vulnerable children, her strategic transformation of the Science News Media Group and her work ensuring a strong future for the Society’s world-class STEM competitions. Maya's leadership emphasizes the power of storytelling and community engagement in education and youth empowerment, offering valuable advice on fostering entrepreneurial spirit and leveraging storytelling for influence in leadership roles.

Takeaways:

• Empower Your Team: Hire exceptionally smart people and give them the freedom and support to innovate. Allow them to bring their best ideas forward and give them opportunities to take initiative.
• Leverage Storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool for making connections and influencing others. Personal, relatable stories can build lasting connections and help convey your organization's mission and values.
• Promote Community Building: Actively reach out to and engage with your community members, whether alumni, employees, or partners. Building an organic, engaged community can lead to valuable collaborations and stronger support for your mission.
• Innovate Through Feedback: Listen attentively to your audience's needs and adapt your products and services accordingly. Engaging with your users, like teachers or students, can provide critical insights that drive innovation and improvement.
• Develop Young Talent: Create programs and opportunities to bring in and nurture young talent. Encouraging project-based learning and offering platforms for young people to showcase their skills can lead to the discovery and development of future leaders.
• Capitalize on Serendipity: Be open to opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Networking and building relationships in unconventional situations can lead to significant support and partnerships.
• Intrapreneurial Culture: Foster an intrapreneurial spirit within your organization. Encourage your team members to think like entrepreneurs, bring their ideas to the table, and drive projects that can transform and grow the organization.

Quote of the Show:

• “Failure gives you more answers than you know. Science opened my mind to new ways of thinking about the world.”

Links:

• Twitter: @mayaajmera
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaajmera/ 
• Personal Website: https://www.mayaajmera.com/ 
• Company Website: https://www.societyforscience.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• The Global Fund for Children: https://globalfundforchildren.org
• Science News Media Group: https://www.sciencenews.org/ 
• Regeneron: https://www.regeneron.com/ 
• Regeneron Science Talent Search: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/ 
• Back to School: https://www.amazon.com/Back-School-Journey-Maya-Ajmera
• Every Breath We Take: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Breath-We-Take
• Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: https://www.amazon.com/Children-Australia-Zimbabwe-Photographic-Journey
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences: https://www.amacad.org/
• National Science Board: https://www.nsf.gov/nsb/ 
• Duke University: https://duke.edu/ 
• The Aspen Institute: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/ 
  • Henry Crown Fellowship: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/henry-crown-fellowship/ 
• Echoing Green Fellowship: https://echoinggreen.org/fellowship/ 
• Richard B. Fisher: Former Chairman of Morgan Stanley 
• Dr. Prem Parkash Sehgal
• Dr. Vickers Burdett
• Dr. Margaret Hollyday
• John Hecklinger: Co-CEO of Global Fund for Children
• Hayley Roffey: Co-CEO of Global Fund for Children  
• Kennedy Odede: Founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities
• Meg Garlinghouse: Vice President, Social Impact for LinkedIn 
• Dr. Cheryl Dorsey: President of Echoing Green 
• Wendy Young: President of Kids in Need of Defense 

Congressman and Chief Influencer Andy Kim was recently victorious in the NJ primary election for the United States Senate representing the Third Congressional District of New Jersey. Congratulations, Congressman Kim! In celebration of his achievement, we are pleased to revisit his insightful interview with our host, Anthony Shop, from earlier in the campaign season. As we approach Independence Day, it's inspiring to see leaders like Congressman Kim embodying the spirit of service and dedication to our nation.

In this episode, Congressman Kim delves into his journey from serving in various government roles, including at the Pentagon and in Afghanistan, to campaigning for the United States Senate. 

As a career public servant and the first Democratic member of Congress of Korean descent, Congressman Kim emphasizes the importance of integrity, bipartisanship, and advocacy for democracy. He discussed his legal battle against New Jersey's 'county line' ballot system to promote fairness in elections. He also reflected on the personal and professional challenges faced when taking a stand against party norms. Highlighting the profound impact of his efforts to maintain the Capitol's dignity post-January 6th, Congressman Kim stresses the significance of authenticity and connecting with constituents through storytelling. 

He also delved into the critical need for leadership that embraces risk, engages with diverse perspectives, and is rooted in a commitment to public service and democratic values. Congressman Kim emphasized the power of showing up, engaging earnestly in both digital and physical spaces, and maintaining a commitment to service above self.

Takeaways:

• Leaders should always remember they are part of something larger than themselves. Engaging in public service or contributing to communal goals can guide decisions and actions, fostering a holistic approach to leadership.
• In today's digital age, leaders need to be physically present and authentically engage through digital platforms. Direct access to social media allows leaders to showcase their genuine selves, building trust and rapport with their audience.
• A key characteristic of influential leaders is their ability to take calculated risks after considering all available information. This willingness to step into the unknown while being informed can lead to monumental changes and growth.
• Through storytelling, leaders can connect deeper, sharing personal motivations and beliefs. This cultivates a stronger, more personal connection with the audience, allowing leaders to communicate and inspire action effectively.
• Creating an environment where honest and diverse opinions are valued is crucial for leaders. This ensures a well-rounded understanding of situations and fosters a culture of openness and trust.
• Leaders must learn to be comfortable with discomfort to cultivate resilience and adaptability. This ability allows them to navigate challenges more effectively and take bold steps when needed.
• By recognizing and valuing the contributions of others, leaders can foster teamwork and collective success. Leadership is not about individual accolades but about collaboratively working towards common goals.

Quote of the Show:

• 
  “If you're only having comfortable conversations in life, it means you're not talking to everyone you should be talking to.” - Congressman Andy Kim

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kim-511969  
• Andy Kim for New Jersey (Website): https://www.andykim.com 
• US Congress - Andy Kim: https://clerk.house.gov/members/K000394 

Shout Outs:

• The Pentagon: https://www.defense.gov 
• The U.S. Department of State: https://www.state.gov 
• The White House National Security Council: https://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc 
• The U.S. Military: https://www.usa.gov/us-military 
• Behind the viral photo of Rep. Andy Kim: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/behind-viral-photo-rep-andy-kim-cleaning-midnight-after-riots-n1253519 
• President Barack Obama on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barackobama 
• Susan Rice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amb-susan-rice 
• General David H. Petraeus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpetraeus 
• General John R. Allen: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/602794 

Authentic leadership originates from one's core character and values, which guide their actions and decisions. Embracing this approach enhances leadership effectiveness. It demands deep self-understanding and acceptance, as this authenticity steers our choices and inspires others.

In our latest episode, Dr. Gregory Fowler, President of the University of Maryland Global Campus, joins host Anthony Shop to discuss how authenticity impacts leaders and allows us to create connections with our audiences. Tune in to discover how authenticity inspires us all to be positive influences and shape a future where genuine self-expression leads to greater empowerment.

Takeaways:

• Lifelong learning and adapting to new challenges are important for any leader. Leaders should model this by continuously seeking new knowledge and encouraging a culture of ongoing education within their organizations.
• Learning practical skills can support any type of professional growth. These skills empower individuals to adapt, innovate, and excel in their careers, laying a solid foundation for long-term success and versatility in a dynamic work environment.
• Intentional and transparent educational design is crucial for success. By clearly communicating the objectives and benefits, individuals can understand the path to their goals.
• Be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of diverse populations. This includes providing accommodations or flexibility as support.
• Social media platforms can be a valuable tool for sharing success stories and connecting with potential audiences. By elevating real experiences, institutions can inspire and motivate others.
• The traditional residential college experience is evolving, with more students seeking flexible, online, and competency-based education. Schools must adapt to this shift by offering programs that meet the needs of today's learners.
• Leadership is often influenced by personal experiences and the support of family and community. Leaders can draw strength and inspiration from their backgrounds and use these stories to connect with and inspire others.

Quote of the Show: (Options)

• “I say that we have to be like Sherpas on a mountain. We have to be capable. We can't climb the mountain for you, but we can climb it with you.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorywfowler/ 
• UMGC Website: https://www.umgc.edu/ 

Shout Outs:

• Roy Romer: WGU Pioneer
• Michael Okerlund Leavitt: Founder of WGU
• WGU: https://www.wgu.edu/
• Nathan Graw