Chief Influencer®

Congressman Andy Kim serves as a U.S. representative for the Third Congressional District of New Jersey. In today’s 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 discusses his legal battle against New Jersey's 'county line' ballot system to promote fairness in elections. He also reflects 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 delves 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 emphasizes 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 

Candice C. Jones is the President and CEO of Public Welfare Foundation. The Foundation seeks to catalyze a transformative approach to justice in the United States that is community-led, restorative, and racially just by supporting the creation and implementation of an alternative vision of justice rooted in communities.

This week's episode delves into the profound impact of Candice’s experiences, including her involvement in tackling gun violence in Chicago, advocating for juvenile justice reforms, and supporting educational programs for incarcerated youth. Her experiences have profoundly shaped her approach to philanthropy and social justice. Candice underscores the importance of collaborating with people rather than titles and stresses the indispensable role of sustained, long-term efforts in effecting meaningful change.

You will gain insights into the vital role of strategic influence, both inside and outside organizations, in driving systemic change and the significance of maintaining balance, resilience, and focus over the long arc of justice work.

Takeaways:

• Building genuine relationships goes beyond official roles. Leaders must value and engage with people across all levels of an organization, acknowledging their contributions, regardless of their title.
• Accept that entering any new role or undertaking comes with a learning period. Effective leaders recognize that they won't have all of the answers on day one and commit to a journey of continuous learning and adaptation.
• Assemble a trusted circle of advisors or mentors who can provide sage advice and diverse perspectives. This network of support is invaluable for troubleshooting, strategizing, and maintaining perspective.
• Understand that meaningful change does not happen overnight. Engaging in long-term campaigns that gradually win hearts and minds requires consistent effort, patience, and resilience.
• Success involves initiating action and the will to repeatedly revisit, remind, and reinforce your vision and goals, especially in the face of setbacks or resistance.
• Acknowledge that the path towards meaningful progress is long, with the ultimate reward of achieving justice. Stay focused on the broader horizon, even when immediate gains seem elusive.
• Welcome the experiences you encounter as opportunities for personal and professional growth. A leader's openness to learn from every situation translates into wisdom that enriches their ability to lead effectively.

Quote of the Show:

• “You have to engage with people, educate them, keep moving them along… progress is not a clean line.” - Candice C. Jones

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-jones-a5b24b254 
• Public Welfare Foundation (Website): https://www.publicwelfare.org 

Shout Outs:

• Chicago CRED: https://www.chicagocred.org 
• Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice: https://idjj.illinois.gov 
• White House Fellows: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/fellows 
• Bryan Stevenson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanastevenson 
• Black Women Leading by Candice Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/black-women-leading-candice-jones 

Bob Witeck serves as the President of Witeck Communications, Inc., the oldest LGBTQ-owned business enterprise certified by the NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce). The organization is known for pioneering communication strategies and is dedicated to advancing LGBTQ communities globally. Witeck Communications focuses on leveraging data and personalized narratives to encourage corporations to recognize the LGBTQ market as an opportunity and to promote inclusive, fair, and equitable corporate policies.

In this episode, Bob stresses the significance of authenticity and engagement, cautioning leaders against silence as a strategy amidst risks. He underscores that success lies in communicating values and engaging with diverse communities.

Bob advises leaders to utilize data and personal narratives, noting that while data provides credibility and insight, authentic storytelling fosters deeper connections, leading to meaningful influence and change. He urges leaders to recognize the importance of visibility and representation, emphasizing that embracing differences can empower communities and enhance brand relationships.

Takeaways:

• Leaders need to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion not just as concepts but as strategic business imperatives that foster an environment of fairness and opportunity, thereby enhancing brand loyalty and corporate reputation.
• Silence is not a strategy for addressing risks. Open communication and value articulation are vital. 
• Use both data and storytelling to make a compelling case for change. Data provides credibility, while stories connect on an emotional level. 
• Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as crucial to business success, not just social responsibility. 
• Understand the importance of visibility and representation in empowering communities and strengthening brand relationships. 
• Recognize that navigating controversies requires reaffirming brand values rather than retreating into silence. 
• Approach DEI initiatives boldly and clearly, being mindful of language to avoid triggering unnecessary backlash. 
• Foster an environment where differences are celebrated, and inclusivity is seen as a strength, seeking to connect with all aspects of the consumer base.

Quote of the Show:

• “Embrace differences, celebrate values. Silence is not an option for authentic brands.”
• “Silence is not a strategy.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobwiteck 
• Witeck Communications Website: https://www.witeck.com 
• Business Inside Out (Book Link): https://a.co/d/609JwBU 

Shout Outs:

• NGLCC, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce: https://nglcc.org
• American Demographics Magazine
• The U.S. Census: https://www.census.gov
• American Airlines: https://www.aa.com 
• The Harris Poll: https://theharrispoll.com 
• GLAAD: https://glaad.org 
• GLSEN: https://www.glsen.org 
• The Matthew Shepard Foundation: https://www.matthewshepard.org 
• The HRC Business Advisory Council: https://www.hrc.org 
• Dylan Mulvaney: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmulvaney 
• Everything You Need to Know About the Bud Light and Dylan Mulvaney Fiasco: https://www.them.us/story/dylan-mulvaney-bud-light-drama-explained 
• Marriott International: https://www.marriott.com/marriott/aboutmarriott.mi 
• Arne M. Sorenson: https://news.marriott.com/news/2021/02/16/marriott-international-announces-the-unexpected-passing-of-arne-m-sorenson-president-and-ceo 
• PFLAG: https://pflag.org 

Annise Parker is the President and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund & Institute; they endorse and financially support LGBTQ+ candidates through the Victory Fund and provide training and support to run for office and serve effectively through the Victory Institute. They also foster a network among LGBTQ+ elected officials, offering leadership programs and facilitating regular exchanges to ensure effective representation and advocacy for constituents.

Annise Parker was the first former elected official to lead the Victory Fund, serving as mayor of Houston and making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ mayor of a major American city. She gained global recognition, including being named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2010. Parker has also been praised for her leadership in addressing climate change and has received accolades from various organizations, solidifying her reputation as a visionary leader.

In today's episode, Annise Parker shares her journey from electoral setbacks to emphasizing the significance of listening, understanding, and direct engagement in leadership while discussing strategies for promoting LGBTQ+ representation in politics and fostering diversity and inclusion.

Takeaways:

• A leader's ability to influence and effect change stems from being an attentive listener. Understanding your audience or community's experiences and perspectives is foundational to effective leadership.
• Success often requires resilience. If you're passionate about making an impact, be prepared to face setbacks and learn from them. Your determination to get up and fight for what you want, as many times as you need, is crucial.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion must be more than performative. It should reflect your organization's core values, translated into tangible support for your team and community.
• The willingness to admit mistakes and learn from them is a strength. Saying "You were right and I was wrong" fosters personal growth and builds trust within your team and with your constituents.
• Anticipate potential criticisms and challenges to your initiatives. A prepared response or strategy allows you to remain steadfast in your mission and values, even under pressure.
• Whether in public office or leading a company, having a genuine, unwavering commitment to your goals and principles will guide you through times of uncertainty and change.
• Successful leaders are not only resilient but also adaptable. If a strategy or approach fails, be willing to analyze the reasons, learn from the experience, and adapt your tactics to meet your objectives better.

Quote of the Show:

• “You have to be a good listener to be a good influencer. You have to understand what your audience experiences.” - Annise Parker

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annise-parker-7956bb6 
• LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Website: https://victoryinstitute.org 
• LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Website: https://victoryfund.org 

Shout Outs:

• Kathy Hubbard - Annise Parker’s wife
• The City of Houston: https://www.houstontx.gov 
• Time Magazine: https://time.com 
• The City Mayor's Foundation: http://citymayors.com 
• President Obama's Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/resilience/taskforce 
• C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group: https://www.c40.org 
• The Climate Disclosure Project: https://www.cdp.net/en 
• Scenic Houston: https://www.scenichouston.org 
• Holocaust Museum Houston: https://hmh.org 
• Rice University: https://www.rice.edu 
• The Out for America Map: https://outforamerica.org 
• The CDC: https://www.cdc.gov 
• Shevrin Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shevrin-jones-m-ed-916b776 
• Danica Roem: https://twitter.com/pwcdanica 
• Joel Osteen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-osteen-661bb3107 
• Fast Company Magazine: https://www.fastcompany.com 
• Chamber of Commerce: https://www.uschamber.com 
• The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com 
• Annise Parker on Wait, Wait… Don't Tell Me on NPR: https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me 
• Annise Parker on The Colbert Report: https://www.cc.com/video/67w2nh/the-colbert-report-annise-parker 
• Tom DeLay: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tom-DeLay 
• Dancing with the Stars: https://abc.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars 
• Dylan Mulvaney: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmulvaney 
• Everything You Need to Know About the Bud Light and Dylan Mulvaney Fiasco: https://www.them.us/story/dylan-mulvaney-bud-light-drama-explained 

Coach Kathy Kemper is the CEO and Founder of the Institute for Education and a Co-founder of Computer Science at the University of Southern California’s coding camp. In today’s episode, join host Anthony Shop and Coach Kemper as they delve into diplomacy, innovation, and global engagement. She shares her extraordinary journey from a professional tennis player to a prominent figure in Washington's political and tech leadership circles. 

Learn about Coach Kemper's innovative strategies to foster global engagement through the lenses of soft diplomacy, data, and innovation. Discover how she creates meaningful relationships across diverse backgrounds, emphasizing trust, transparency, and human connection as the cornerstone of her methods. 

Coach Kemper's journey illustrates the power of unconventional paths in shaping global leaders. Through her tireless efforts, Coach Kemper has earned accolades such as being recognized as one of Washington Life Magazine's "Tech 25", highlighting her profound impact on the technology landscape. 

Takeaways:

• Integrating humor into interactions can create a relaxed environment, fostering comfortable communication and relationship-building. Authentic interactions and lightheartedness can significantly boost rapport among team members and stakeholders. 
• Integrate a mix of expertise and perspectives in any team or event. By combining different professional backgrounds, more innovative and comprehensive solutions can be generated.
• As a coach, Kemper's main goal was to help others get better. Focusing on team members' continuous personal and professional growth. The satisfaction derived from improvement boosts morale and productivity.
• Rather than static interactions, Kemper advocates for dynamic activities for team-building. Active engagement can foster better connections and team unity, whether it's a casual walk or a hands-on task.
• Acknowledging and rewarding achievements can allow individuals to excel further in their fields.
• Promoting continuous learning and upskilling can empower employees to grow and adapt to new challenges and technologies.
• Rejection is a part of every journey. Coach Kemper emphasizes the importance of understanding that a 'no' provides more information and should not deter one from pursuing their goals. Resilience and tenacity are vital characteristics for leaders and their teams.

Quote of the Show:

• “A coach has to learn how to get the best out of their students. Everybody loves getting better at something.” - Coach Kemper

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-kathy-kemper-45930239 
• Institute for Education (Website): https://www.instituteforeducation.org 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Coach_Kemper 

Shout Outs:

• The Secretary of State: https://www.state.gov/secretary 
• Supreme Court Justice: https://www.supremecourt.gov 
• Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson: https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx 
• Patrick Graves Jackson, MD: https://www.medstarhealth.org/doctors/patrick-graves-jackson-md 
• Jennifer Griffin: https://twitter.com/JenGriffinFNC 
• Greg Myre: https://www.npr.org/people/348766539/greg-myre 
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ruth-Bader-Ginsburg 
• Martin D. Ginsburg: https://hls.harvard.edu/today/martin-d-ginsburg-58-1932-2010 
• Stephen G. Breyer: https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx 
• Joanna Breyer: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/305775/joanna-breyer 
• Katherine Tai: https://ustr.gov/about-us/biographies-key-officials/katherine-tai-ambassador 
• Todd Park: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-park-3232573 
• Stavros Lambrinidis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stavros-lambrinidis-74778672 
• David Edelman: https://cis.mit.edu/people/david-edelman 
• David Adler - Harnessing Serendipity: https://harnessingserendipity.com 
• Megan J Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msmith21 
• Lawrence H. Summers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-h-summers-a2a21a12 
• Donna E. Shalala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnashalala 
• John DeGioia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjdegioia 
• James George Ellis: https://www.marshall.usc.edu/personnel/james-george-ellis 
• USC Viterbi School of Engineering: https://viterbischool.usc.edu 
• Computer Science at USC: https://www.cs.usc.edu/academic-programs/undergrad/computer-science 

Yasmine Arrington Brooks is the Founder of ScholarCHIPS, a D.C. nonprofit aiding youth with incarcerated parents. She is also a speaker, model, author, poet, and host of Millennial Minds. Yasmine has been honored as a 2023 CNN Hero, and 2021 Washington Business Journal Top 40 Under 40, among others in recognition of her community service and engagement.

In today’s episode, she delves into her journey that began in high school at the age of 16, when she initiated ScholarCHIPS as a social venture within the LearnServe Fellows Program. Since then, she has overseen ScholarCHIPS' distribution of over $450,000 in scholarships to 88 scholars. Furthermore, Yasmine reflects on the remarkable milestones she has achieved in establishing and leading ScholarCHIPS and shares insights on leadership, the importance of authenticity, and maintaining personal and professional balance.

Takeaways:

• Maintain authenticity in all aspects of leadership. Authenticity allows you to connect with your audience, team, or stakeholders at a deeper, more personal level, leading to greater trust and stronger relationships.
• Don’t limit yourself by your current resources or capabilities. Dream big and take bold action to reach your goals. This attitude can also inspire and motivate your team to do the same.
• Steward influence with care, as it is a delicate thing. As a leader with influence, you should be cautious about how your words and actions may impact others, especially those who look up to you.
• Do not shy away from using your personal brand to further your professional objectives. Sharing your stories and experiences can help you connect on a deeper level with your audience and stakeholders.
• Nurture a growth mindset, keen for learning and experimenting. A growth mindset encourages continuous learning, fuels creativity, and leads to innovation.
• Remember that as a leader, your actions and words have the power to impact many people. Thus, always strive to be a source of positivity and motivation.
• Seek out inspiration from diverse sources outside your immediate field. This can provide a refreshing perspective on your own work and keep creativity flowing.

Quote of the Show:

• “You never know who's watching. So try your best to be who you really are, your authentic self. - Yasmine Arrington Brooks

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-arrington-brooks-66451220  
• ScholarCHIPS (For Children of Incarcerated Parents): https://www.scholarchipsfund.org 
• ScholarCHIPS Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/scholarCHIPS 
• ScholarCHIPS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scholarchipsfunddc 
• ScholarCHIPS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scholarchipsfund 
• ScholarCHIPS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScholarCHIPS 
• Yasmine Arrington's Blog: https://yasminearrington.blogspot.com 
• CNN Heroes Tribute - Yasmine Arrington Brooks: https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2023/12/12/cnnheroes-tribute-yasmine-arrington-brooks.cnn 
• Millennial Minds with YazzieSpeaks (Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millennial-minds-with-yazziespeaks/id1439935422 
• YazzieSpeaks Vol II YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YazzieSpeaksVolII 
• YazzieSPEAKS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YazzieSPEAKS 
• YazzieSPEAKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/YazzieSpeaks 
• YazzieSPEAKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yazziespeaks3.0 
• YazzieSPEAKS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yazziespeaks3.0 

Shout Outs:

• LearnServe International: https://learn-serve.org 
• LearnServe International Programs: https://learn-serve.org/programs 
• Brené Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenebrown 
• JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA): https://jlusa.org 

Molly Lenore is the Co-founder and President of Moey Inc., a pioneering company dedicated to crafting technology-infused experiences, installations, products, and exhibits at the convergence of art, science, technology, design, and education. With a focus on conceptualization, design, and realization, Molly specializes in curating technology-driven installations within interactive public spaces. Molly has graced prestigious institutions as a guest lecturer, including NYU, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Columbia University, Parsons School of Design, and the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. Beyond her professional endeavors, Molly channels her passion into LGBTQ+ sports, viewing them as a catalyst for community and inclusivity. Her involvement extends to serving on multiple boards, such as the National Gay Flag Football League, the New York Gay Football League, and the Big Apple Softball League.

In today's episode, Molly discusses the company's approach to creating exhibits that effectively communicate distinct messages. They walk the client through the ideation, design, and creation stages, focusing on building a narrative and understanding the audience. Molly also discusses how they have adapted to societal changes, specifically the pervasive use of smartphones. Furthermore, she discusses the importance of cross-generational and audience-centric design, developing trust with clients through honesty and openness.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the audience and tailoring the experiences to their needs, whether a museum exhibit or a leadership presentation, is crucial to understanding your audience's perspective, expectations, and interests. 
• A compelling message isn't just about influencing the audience but also about being open to the audience's influence. Leaders must balance imparting their vision while accommodating audience insights and feedback. This two-way interaction ensures messages resonate more deeply.
• Creating experiences that cater to and bridge different generations is crucial, thus fostering cross-generational communication and enhancing shared understanding.   
• Leaders must pilot initiatives or seek feedback before implementing ideas by creating prototypes and conducting user tests to adjust and perfect their projects.
• The impact of technology on audience behaviors, like the self-portrait culture sparked by smartphones, requires leaders to adapt their communication and engagement strategies accordingly. 
• Incorporating joy into any experience, be it an exhibition or a workplace meeting, can enhance engagement and success.

Quote of the Show:

• "When you put a design out into the world, it's no longer yours" - Molly Lenore

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-lenore-b20a771 
• Moey Inc. (Website): https://www.moeyinc.com 

Shout Outs:

• Joey Stein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-stein-5a71487a 
• American Museum of Natural History: https://www.amnh.org 
• NYU: https://www.nyu.edu 
• Harvard Graduate School of Design: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu 
• Columbia University: https://www.columbia.edu 
• Parsons School of Design: https://www.newschool.edu/parsons 
• The Academy of Art University: https://www.academyart.edu 
• The National Gay Flag Football League: https://ngffl.org 
• The New York Gay Football League: https://nygayfootball.org 
• The Big Apple Softball League: https://www.bigapplesoftball.com 
• Science Museum of Virginia: https://smv.org  
• The Intrepid Museum: https://intrepidmuseum.org 

Ghida Dagher, President and CEO of New American Leaders, leads the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrants, refugees, and their allies. Their mission is to provide the necessary tools for these individuals to realize their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive democracy. Whether through running for and holding elected office or engaging in civic action, Ghida and her team amplify immigrant voices, bringing them to the forefront of American politics.

Ghida's journey and career reflect a deep understanding of both struggle and opportunity, shaped by her multicultural background. Ghida firmly believes that her immigrant roots ground her, while her American experience propels her forward. Passionate about empowering underrepresented communities, Ghida has spearheaded numerous political campaigns, launched impactful policy initiatives, and served in Michigan, notably in Governor Whitmer's Executive Office as the Director of Appointments. Throughout her career, she has tirelessly worked to create opportunities and foster leadership within BIPOC and new American communities.

Ghida's dedication and achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized by publications such as Crain's Detroit Business and Arab American News. Most recently, the Carnegie Corporation of New York honored her as a "Great Immigrant, Great American," cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of immigrant empowerment and civic engagement.

Takeaways:

• Leaders must genuinely incorporate voices from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences into their spheres of influence, considering these perspectives in decision-making. The idea is to have these voices at the table and ensure they are heard and impact outcomes.
• Authentic storytelling is a crucial element. Personal narratives and lived experiences could engage audiences more effectively than traditional, often impersonal, communication methods. By sharing authentic stories, leaders stand a better chance of forging meaningful connections and motivating and inspiring their audiences.
• Leaders must embrace change, even when it brings unforeseen challenges. This involves altering the status quo, and leaders must prepare for the consequences of upsetting established norms.
• Effectively using social media platforms is crucial and essential in making elected officials more accessible and relatable. Sharing experiences, engaging in authentic communication, and promoting representation.

Quote of the Show:

• “Immigration is part of the origin story of America. It was yesterday, it is today and it will be tomorrow.” - Ghida Dagher.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghida-dagher 
• New American Leaders (Website): http://newamericanleaders.org 

Shout Outs:

• Kids of Immigrants: https://kidsofimmigrants.us 
• Daniel Buezo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-buezo-581815189 
• Gretchen Whitmer - Governor of the State of Michigan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchenwhitmer 
• Bo Schembechler
• Analise Ortiz: https://www.ortizforaz.com 
• Anna V. Eskamani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaveskamani 
• Shahana Hanif: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahanahanif 
• Nadia Mohamed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-mohamed-72792a163 
• Carnegie Corporation of New York: https://www.carnegie.org 

Kimberly Driggins is the Executive Director at Washington Housing Conservancy (WHC), which is pioneering the transformation of urban landscapes in the D.C. region. With a keen focus on creating thriving, inclusive, mixed-income communities, Kimberly's leadership at WHC since its inception in 2019 has been nothing short of revolutionary. 

With a stellar background in urban planning and real estate development, including pivotal roles as Director of Strategic Planning for the City of Detroit and Associate Director for Citywide Planning for the District of Columbia, Kimberly brings unparalleled expertise to the table. What truly sets Kimberly apart is her tireless commitment to uplifting community and residents' voices and her innovative approach to placemaking. As a board member of the National Landing Business Improvement District and former Chairperson of the Gehl Institute, Kimberly's influence transcends conventional boundaries, shaping cities for the people, by the people. 

In this episode, you'll gain invaluable insights from Kimberly as she joins Host Anthony Shop to share her groundbreaking tactics for redefining urban spaces. From her strategic vision to her hands-on experience and how she helps create inclusive communities that thrive and inspire.

Takeaways:

• Engage the community and be consistent. A consistent presence and genuine commitment are crucial when rebuilding trust in communities. Showing up in-person and making meaningful connections over time builds trust.
• Trust your gut and take risks. Stepping out of one's comfort zone, coloring outside the lines, and going against the grain can have an incredibly transformative effect.
• Leaders must be humble and empathetic, understanding that sometimes they must take responsibility for past injustices or mishaps, even if they were not directly involved. 
• Celebrating small wins while working towards the long game is crucial for building trust and motivating stakeholders, thereby creating lasting change.
• One of the keys to influence in the urban redevelopment and placemaking sphere is the effort to expand the definition of affordable housing. By making it more inclusive, it can be able to change perceptions and invite innovative solutions.
• Translate bold visions into tangible goals that various stakeholders can understand and rally behind. Kimberly emphasizes the critical role this translation plays in enabling her to implement innovative solutions in her work, hence showing the need to communicate effectively and convincingly.

Quote of the Show:

• “You can only move at the speed of trust.” - Kimberly Driggins
• “I really believe in being true to my word and living my values.” - Kimberly Driggins

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlydriggins 
• Washington Housing Conservancy (Website): https://washingtonhousingconservancy.org 

Shout Outs:

• City of Detroit - Planning & Development Department: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/planning-and-development-department 
• DC Office of Planning - https://planning.dc.gov 
• Anacostia Arts Center: https://anacostiaartscenter.com 
• Busboys & Poets: https://www.busboysandpoets.com 
• Scott Kratz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kratz-b522b64 
• BridgingDC - 11th Street Bridge: https://bbardc.org/project/11th-street-bridge-park 

Greg Kihlstrom is a best-selling author, speaker, and entrepreneur, who serves as an advisor and consultant to top companies on marketing, technology, marketing operations, customer experience, and digital transformation initiatives. Greg is the Host of an award-winning podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström Podcast, and has written numerous books, the latest of which is Priority is Action. Greg joins Host Anthony Shop for an insightful look into the way leaders should respond to advances in technology like generative AI, why it’s so important to try new things that push your limits, and how to influence lasting change within an organization.

Takeaways:

• Business leaders need to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. In an era characterized by digital transformation and constant change, leaders should be open to trying new things, even if they feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. This is a part of learning and growth.
• Leaders should comprehensively understand current technologies, even if they are not technologists. The utilization of AI and automation tools is becoming increasingly important across various sectors, so leaders need to know how these technologies can be used within their organizations and how they will impact their work.
• View failure as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a setback. Leaders should not be ashamed of the projects they have stopped or the initiatives that didn't work out. These can serve as valuable learning experiences for future endeavors.
• Influential leaders prioritize tasks based on their value-added and potential return on investment. There needs to be a discerning understanding of what they can do personally, delegate, and automate.
• Business leaders should adopt the mentality of lifelong learners. The ability to continuously learn new skills and stay adaptable in the face of change is crucial in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Quote of the Show:

• “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” - Greg Kihlstrom

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom/ 
• Greg’s Website: https://www.gregkihlstrom.com/ 
• Greg’s Books: https://agilebrandguide.com/product-category/all-products/books/ 
• GK5A Website: https://www.gk5a.com/
• The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström Podcast: https://www.gregkihlstrom.com/theagilebrandpodcast