Chief Influencer®

In this episode of Chief Influencer, guest host Lesley Lopez sits down with Francesca Ioffreda, Maryland’s first-ever Chief Innovation Officer. With a career spanning roles at Harvard University, Brookings Institution, and the Greater Washington Partnership, Francesca shares how her mission to expand economic opportunity led her to this groundbreaking role. She discusses how Maryland is tackling complex challenges like childhood poverty and economic mobility through human-centered design, data, and cross-sector collaboration.

A key driver behind this work is the state’s partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, which helped stand up Maryland’s innovation team and enable a new model for how government can operate. This conversation highlights a broader lesson about influence: the most effective leaders don’t just introduce bold ideas—they build trust, convene stakeholders, and co-create solutions with the people they serve. From launching tools like the Maryland Community Business Compass to working across government and applying AI to help agencies improve public-facing resources and work more efficiently, this episode offers a blueprint for leaders looking to turn vision into practical, measurable impact. 

Takeaways:

• Innovation Is About Solving Problems, Not Just Building Technology: Technology matters, but it is only part of the answer. The strongest innovation begins with understanding people’s needs and building solutions that respond to real challenges.
• Put People at the Center: Human-centered design and community engagement help leaders create solutions shaped by lived experience.
• Data-Driven and Heart-Led Wins: Great leaders combine rigorous analysis with empathy and lived experience.
• Influence Means Innovating With Community: The strongest leaders do not innovate in isolation. They build trust, stay close to communities, and shape solutions with the people they are meant to serve.
• Trust Is Built Through Showing Up: Relationships are built in community meetings and gatherings, over coffee, and through consistent engagement—not just in launch announcements.
• AI Should Free Humans to Be More Human: Used thoughtfully, AI can remove friction, save time, and allow public servants to focus on serving people.
• Results Build Momentum: Early wins and visible progress help build trust, strengthen confidence, and bring more people along.

Quote of the Show:

• “A core part of our theory of influencing is also allowing ourselves to be influenced by Marylanders. It's not just us innovating for others; it's that we are innovating together.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/francescaioffreda 
• Maryland State Innovation Team Website: https://innovation.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx 
• Maryland Community Business Compass: https://compass.maryland.gov/ 

In this special in-person episode recorded at The George Washington University, Anthony Shop sits down with Dan Simons, co-founder of Farmers Restaurant Group, to explore what it truly means to lead with influence in today’s complex and fast-moving world. Known for building a mission-driven hospitality brand that connects American family farmers to the urban table, Dan shares how success is not built on polished narratives—but on embracing the full picture, including failure, struggle, and growth.

Throughout the conversation, Dan challenges traditional notions of leadership, advocating for radical transparency, operational excellence, and a deeply human approach to business. From navigating criticism and scaling culture, to prioritizing mental health and aligning purpose with performance, Dan offers a candid and practical blueprint for leaders who want to build organizations that are both high-performing and deeply meaningful.

Takeaways:

• Don’t lead from the highlight reel—lead from the full story: Influence comes from authenticity. Sharing struggles and failures builds trust and creates a deeper connection with your team and audience.
• Operational excellence is the ultimate marketing strategy: Before investing in messaging, fix the fundamentals. If the product or experience fails, no amount of marketing can compensate.
• Start with internal influence before external impact: You cannot build brand advocates externally without first creating alignment, trust, and belief inside your organization.
• Treat criticism as data—not a personal attack: Filter feedback to identify the root issue. Remove emotion, find the signal, and use it to improve systems and performance.
• Humanize your business to stay relevant: Today’s audiences connect with people, not logos. Leaders must step forward and give their organizations a voice.
• Align mission with reality: Purpose matters—but it cannot come at the expense of sustainability. Strong businesses balance values with operational discipline.
• Coaching in the moment builds culture faster than policies: Real-time feedback, grounded in trust and relationships, drives performance and reinforces shared standards.

Quote of the Show:

• “If your business doesn’t have a voice, then by definition it can’t be in a conversation.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansimonssays/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansimonssays/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dsimonssays 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe9opWoLOjjTr7MlXOrooSA
• Founding DC Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founding-
• dc/id1800509479  
• Website: https://www.farmersrestaurantgroup.com/ 

What does it take to build influence when the stakes are deeply personal—and the audience is scattered across the globe? In this episode, Anthony Shop sits down with Mike Graglia, Founder and CEO of Cure SYNGAP1, to explore how one father turned a devastating diagnosis into a global movement accelerating research, building community, and driving toward a cure.

Mike shares how he leveraged authenticity, relentless communication, and a willingness to experiment to create a powerful platform that connects families, researchers, and industry leaders. From launching a low-production video podcast to becoming a trusted voice for a rare disease community, Mike demonstrates how leaders can “punch above their weight” by showing up consistently, building trust, and turning their personal story into collective action. This conversation is a masterclass in influence for anyone looking to mobilize stakeholders, build credibility, and lead with purpose.

Takeaways:

• Use your authentic voice—even if it’s not polished: Mike’s “low to no production value” podcast works because it’s real. Leaders don’t need perfection—they need trust.
• Communicate relentlessly (and repeat yourself): Influence isn’t about saying something once. It’s about reinforcing key messages in different ways until they stick.
• Turn one-to-one conversations into one-to-many platforms: Instead of repeating himself to hundreds of families, Mike scaled his impact through a video podcast—saving time while expanding reach.
• Build trust before asking for action: Whether it’s participating in research or supporting a cause, people act when they feel connected and informed.
• Be willing to experiment—and iterate quickly: Mike didn’t overthink launching his podcast. He tested, learned, and refined—embracing progress over perfection.
• Become a magnet by consistently showing up: By flooding the space with valuable, relevant content, Mike ensured families and stakeholders could find him when they needed help most.
• Leverage community to punch above your weight: With a small team, Mike mobilized volunteers, families, and partners—proving influence is about activation, not headcount.

Quote of the Show:

• “When you’re a small army trying to influence a huge and disparate population, I always tell people: start a podcast. It’s such a potent tool for amplifying your voice right now. And even though there’s so much noise out there, we all have our own niches—and rare disease is about as niche as it gets.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graglia/ 
• Podcast: https://curesyngap1.org/podcasts/syngap10/ 
• Website: https://curesyngap1.org/ 

In today’s fragmented and fast-moving influence landscape, what does it mean to lead with principle—and still drive real impact?

In this episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop sits down with Peter Goettler, President and CEO of the Cato Institute, to explore how principled leadership can be a powerful force for influence in Washington and beyond.

Peter shares how he has guided one of the nation’s most influential think tanks by staying grounded in core values—while evolving its strategy to meet the demands of a digital, decentralized world.

From expanding Cato’s reach beyond the Beltway to building a national network of over 20,000 educators, Peter offers a compelling look at how influence is earned through credibility, consistency, and connection.

Takeaways:

• Principle as a Competitive Advantage: In a world where positions shift quickly, Peter makes the case that consistency builds trust. Influence isn’t just about persuasion—it’s about credibility. When audiences know where you stand, they’re more likely to listen.
• Influence Through Common Ground: Rather than avoiding disagreement, Peter embraces it. By focusing on areas of alignment across political divides, leaders can move ideas forward without compromising core beliefs.
• Incremental Change, Strategic Direction: Big change rarely happens overnight. Peter shares how effective leaders pursue incremental progress—while staying aligned with a clear “north star.”
• Expanding Influence Beyond Traditional Channels: The think tank model has evolved. Instead of relying solely on white papers and policy elites, Cato now prioritizes distribution—leveraging digital platforms, real-time engagement, and viral moments to reach broader audiences.
• Investing in the Next Generation of Influence: Through its nationwide educator initiative, Cato is helping rebuild civic culture—equipping teachers and students with tools for civil discourse, critical thinking, and respectful disagreement.
• Leadership Without Imitation: Peter challenges the idea that leaders must follow the same playbook. Whether it’s skipping social media or redefining outreach strategies, authentic leadership means focusing on what drives the greatest impact—not what others are doing.
• Preparation Creates Breakthrough Moments: A viral exchange featuring a Cato expert wasn’t planned—but it was possible because of deep preparation, expertise, and clarity of conviction. Influence favors those who are ready.

Quote of the Show:

• “Being rooted in principle, being seen as having a high level of integrity and credibility, is a very important element in having influence, exerting influence, and ultimately persuading people.”

Links:

• Website: https://www.cato.org/ 

In this episode of Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop sits down with Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to explore what it means to lead and influence at a massive scale. With responsibility for serving over 17 million veterans, Dr. Lawrence shares how his transition from private sector consultant to government operator required a shift from advising to executing, all while navigating the complexity of one of the largest organizations in the world. From improving benefit delivery timelines to simplifying access and modernizing digital experiences, he emphasizes the importance of clarity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

A central theme of the conversation is the power of listening as a leadership tool. Through in-person town halls and direct engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, Dr. Lawrence gathers unfiltered feedback that directly shapes policy, communication, and innovation. He also highlights how leaders can extend their influence by embracing modern channels, creating content that educates, resonates, and drives action. Ultimately, this episode reveals that influence isn’t about visibility; it’s about delivering meaningful value, building trust, and ensuring the right message reaches the right people at the right time.

Takeaways:

• Turn Listening Into Strategy: Great leaders don’t just listen—they operationalize what they hear. Identify recurring themes from conversations, town halls, or feedback channels, and use those insights to drive decisions, prioritize initiatives, and shape communication.
• Translate Complexity Into Clarity: If your audience can’t easily understand your message or process, they won’t engage. Break down complex systems into simple, actionable steps and continuously refine the experience to meet rising expectations shaped by the private sector.
• Meet People Where They Are: Different audiences require different communication channels. Combine digital platforms, in-person engagement, and traditional outreach to ensure no one is left out—especially when serving diverse or underserved populations.
• Leverage Personal Platforms for Mission Impact: Your personal brand can be a powerful extension of your organization’s mission. Focus on sharing insights, answering real questions, and providing value—positioning yourself as a trusted source, not just a spokesperson.
• Start With What You Already Do Well: You don’t need to reinvent yourself to succeed on modern platforms. Identify your natural strengths—whether it’s teaching, storytelling, or simplifying ideas—and adapt them to formats like video, social posts, or short-form content.
• Make the Ask, Not Just the Awareness: Awareness alone rarely drives change. Clearly articulate what action you want your audience to take—whether it’s applying for a benefit, supporting a cause, or checking in on a colleague—and make it easy for them to follow through.
• Humanize Leadership: People connect with authenticity, not institutions. By showing up as a real person—sharing perspective, context, and even small personal touches—you build trust and make your message more relatable and memorable.

Quote of the Show:

• “We’re trying everything we can to get veterans the information they need that helps them access what they’ve earned. If you care about this issue passionately — if you think it's important, what are you doing with it? Don't be shy. Tell everybody about it."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaullawrence/ 
• Website: https://www.va.gov/ 

In this episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop speaks with Amy Martin Ziegenfuss, Chief Marketing Officer of Carnival Cruise Line, about how she's redefining cruise travel marketing. Amy walks through Carnival's shift toward mindset-based segmentation, moving beyond demographics to understand what travelers truly want, and how that approach can be applied across industries. She shares how Carnival uses a mix of external micro-influencers, employee-generated content, and live activations to bust cruise myths and bring the onboard experience to life for potential guests. The conversation also touches on the critical role of internal alignment, ensuring marketing promises match what the business can actually deliver, and closes with Amy's evolved view of influence as less about pushing ideas and more about building bridges.

Takeaways:

• Ditch pure demographic targeting. Move beyond age and income to understand your audience's mindsets and passions. Two people who look identical on paper can want completely different things from your brand.
• Go deep with niche influencers. Mega-influencers are great for big launches, but smaller, specialized creators, like a food blogger or a fitness expert, can tell a more credible, detailed story to the exact audience you're trying to reach.
• Look inside for your best storytellers. Your own team members are often natural content creators who already have authentic stories to tell. Formalizing that and giving them a little guidance can be more powerful than any paid campaign.
• Align internally before you publish. Before you promote something externally, make sure the teams responsible for delivering it are on board. A great marketing moment can quickly backfire if operations can't keep up with the demand it creates.
• Influence is about building bridges, not battering rams. The most effective leaders don't force their ideas through; they bring the right data, emotion, and empathy to create environments where great work can happen. Persuasion through collaboration almost always outlasts persuasion through pressure.

Quote of the Show:

• “So that’s what mindset does, right? To me, mindset segmentation unlocks the people who are most likely to want your brand, product, or service based on a whole range of factors.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-martin-ziegenfuss-9573382/ 
• Website: https://www.carnival.com/ 

In this special live episode of Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop moderates a powerful panel at the Face the Fight Coalition convening, bringing together influential leaders committed to reducing veteran suicide. The conversation features Chef Robert Irvine, Founder of the Robert Irvine Foundation; The Honorable Patrick Murphy, former U.S. Under Secretary of the Army and Iraq War veteran, and JoAnne Bass, 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force. Together, they share how personal influence, lived experience, and leadership at scale can drive meaningful change on one of the most urgent issues facing the veteran community.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists explore the intersection of authenticity, systems change, and storytelling, highlighting how influence must go beyond awareness to create real impact. From breaking down institutional silos to reimagining how we engage service members before they reach a crisis point, this episode underscores a critical truth: solving complex challenges requires both bold leadership and collective action. It’s a call for every leader to use their voice, platform, and relationships to move the mission forward.

Takeaways:

• Lead with Story, Backed by Data: Data earns trust—but stories move people to act. The most effective leaders use both to influence change.
• Break Down Silos to Scale Impact: Real progress requires collaboration across organizations, sectors, and systems. Shared mission must outweigh individual ownership.
• Use Your Personal Brand as a Force Multiplier: “Faces are the new logos.” Leaders must show up authentically and consistently to advance causes bigger than themselves.
• Start Early—Not at the Point of Crisis: Engagement with service members should begin at enlistment, not transition. Prevention starts with proactive connection.
• Prove It to Scale It: Innovative solutions must be backed by measurable outcomes. Data is the gateway to funding, adoption, and systemic change.
• Normalize Conversations Around Mental Health: Authentic leadership—especially vulnerability from the top—helps eliminate stigma and encourages people to seek help earlier.
• Reimagine Systems, Don’t Just Improve Them: Incremental change isn’t enough. Leaders must challenge outdated models and design solutions for the next generation.

Quote of the Show:

• "Ethos, pathos, logos... The data is incredibly important. But what moves people is when you can speak through their heads and their hearts." - Patrick Murphy
• “We’re gonna have to care about the outcome more than we care about our stuff.” - JoAnne Bass
• “Food breaks down barriers. It allows you to be your most authentic self—even in your most private moments.” - Robert Irvine

Links:

• Robert Irvine
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefirvine/ 
  • Website: https://www.robertirvinefoundation.org/ 
• JoAnne Bass
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-bass/ 
• Patrick Murphy
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmurphypa/ 
  • Website: https://hilcoglobal.com/ 

About Face the Fight®
Face the Fight® is a life-saving initiative uniting more than 250 cross-sector partners to dramatically reduce veteran suicide by 2032. Founded by USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, the movement breaks stigma, expands access to proven solutions, and builds a culture where seeking help is a sign of strength, ensuring every veteran and their loved ones are supported and never left to fight alone. Learn more at WeFaceTheFight.org.

This week, we’re revisiting our conversation with iconic guest Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist.

How can leadership in cybersecurity help shape the future of national security and public awareness?

In this episode of the Chief Influencer Podcast, guest host Liesl Riddle, Dean of George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, sits down with Craig to explore his ongoing philanthropic work and advocacy in cybersecurity. Often compared to Paul Revere for his efforts to sound the alarm, Craig has been a leading voice in raising awareness around the threats facing America’s digital infrastructure.

He shares how he’s working to influence key stakeholders, mobilize action, and protect both personal and national assets. From training veterans for careers in cybersecurity to building partnerships across universities and government agencies, Craig underscores the importance of collective effort in addressing today’s challenges. The conversation also highlights his leadership philosophy, rooted in the Golden Rule, and his deep commitment to supporting military families and veterans.

Takeaways:

• Mobilize the Whole Country on Cybersecurity: A national mobilization effort is needed to protect individuals, families, homes, jobs, and infrastructure from cyber threats. This involves raising awareness and actively encouraging everyone to participate in cybersecurity efforts.
• Segment and Focus on Key Areas: Cybersecurity efforts should be segmented by targeting specific sectors, such as workforce development and training for veterans and their spouses, to address particular needs effectively.
• Implement Cybersecurity Basics in Business: Businesses, especially utilities, should adopt basic cybersecurity hygiene, ensuring that employees and devices are secure both at work and at home. Employees should be educated on maintaining cybersecurity protocols in various environments.
• Invest in Tools to Cut Through Confusion: It’s important to acquire advanced tools that simplify and clarify cybersecurity efforts, such as technologies that detect and manage anomalies or potential threats efficiently.
• Be Ready for Adversity: Preparing for negative actions from adversaries, such as dirty tricks and cyberattacks, is crucial. Being ready means having robust defenses and contingency plans in place.

Quote of the Show:

• “Prepare to be as agile as you can because everything is way more unpredictable than it ever was.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craignewmark/ 
• Website: https://craignewmarkphilanthropies.org/ 

Today, we’re revisiting our conversation with Dr. Joel Braunstein, who is the CEO and Co-Founder of C₂N Diagnostics, a company dedicated to the development and commercialization of diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Braunstein offers insights from his extensive experience in the healthcare sector, detailing his academic journey and highlighting the pivotal role played by C₂N in advancing Alzheimer's diagnostics over the past two decades. Engaging in conversation with host Anthony Shop, Dr. Braunstein traces the evolution of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, from conventional methods to the groundbreaking blood test pioneered by C₂N, which provides a more accessible and less invasive diagnostic alternative.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Braunstein underscores the importance of early and accurate diagnosis in Alzheimer's disease management, emphasizing its potential for treatment intervention and its profound impact on patients and their families. He also addresses the challenges inherent in navigating the healthcare industry and stresses the significance of stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, Dr. Braunstein reflects on the complexities of communicating scientific advancements to diverse audiences, including patients, clinicians, and policymakers, highlighting the delicate balance between ethical responsibility and the imperative of raising disease awareness effectively.

Takeaways:

• Leaders should commit to relentless pursuit in their fields, especially when facing long-term challenges. For instance, Braunstein's dedication to Alzheimer's research underscores the importance of steadfast commitment to making a difference.
• Be transparent and evidence-driven in your communication, especially when introducing new technologies or innovations. Leveraging reliable data to support claims builds trust among stakeholders, from patients to practitioners.
• Develop a company culture rooted in a strong moral fiber. This moral basis helps navigate the complexities of balancing legal, marketing, and ethical considerations while ensuring the company's dealings enhance patient care and trust in the industry.
• Use professional networks like LinkedIn to share progress and highlights with a broader audience. This can enhance visibility among stakeholders and keep them informed about important milestones and innovations.
• Understanding and addressing the needs of patients and their families as primary stakeholders can significantly improve the effectiveness and reception of healthcare solutions. This places importance on simplifying the patient journey and making medical interventions more accessible and less invasive.
• Leaders should recognize the importance of stress relief and personal well-being in maintaining a productive and happy team. Enabling team members to pursue passions outside of work can foster a balanced and innovative workplace environment.

Quote of the Show:

• "It all starts with a high moral integrity, and this moral fiber permeates throughout all elements of the organization." - Joel Braunstein

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-braunstein-md-9456611 
• C₂N Diagnostics (Website): https://c2n.com 

Shout Outs:

• The Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/general-internal-medicine/training-education/fellowship/rwj 
• Brigham and Women's Hospital: https://eye.hms.harvard.edu/brighamandwomens 
• Johns Hopkins Carey Business School: https://carey.jhu.edu 
• Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu 
• Washington University School of Medicine: https://medicine.wustl.edu 
• Randall J. Bateman, MD: https://physicians.wustl.edu/people/randall-j-bateman-md 
• David M. Holtzman, MD: https://holtzmanlab.wustl.edu/people/david-m-holtzman-md 
• Ilana Fogelman, MD, MPH, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilana-fogelman-5142014 

We’re revisiting a powerful past conversation with Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, whose insights on leadership, storytelling, and movement-building remain just as relevant today.

In this episode, Steve reflects on how Senator Elizabeth Dole transformed a critical but largely invisible issue, the millions of family members caring for wounded veterans, into a national movement. He explains the difference between a mission and a movement, sharing how meaningful change requires both the science of research and the poetry of authentic storytelling.

Steve also discusses the growth of the Hidden Heroes Campaign and how building coalitions across sectors, including policymakers, caregivers, corporate partners, and influential voices like Tom Hanks and Savannah Guthrie, has helped expand support for military and veteran families nationwide.

Along the way, he shares lessons on authentic leadership, the power of persistence in driving policy change, and why the most effective movements are fueled by purpose, community, and a mission greater than oneself.

Takeaways:

• Clear mission or purpose: Having a mission larger than yourself drives personal motivation and organizational success, fueling health, vitality, and passion for your work.
• Authentic partnerships: Successful coalitions are built on genuine, passionate connections with partners who are sincerely committed to the cause, leading to long-term collaboration and impact.
• Balance evidence with storytelling: Combining factual evidence (science) with emotional storytelling (poetry) makes your message more credible, relatable, and impactful, especially in advocacy campaigns.
• Authenticity in endorsements: When selecting influential figures to endorse your cause, ensure they have a true connection to it for more meaningful, long-term advocacy support.
• Persistence pays off: Achieving long-term goals requires persistence. The passing of the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act highlights the importance of pushing forward despite setbacks and obstacles.
• Self-reflection and planning: Regular self-reflection and planning, through practices like quiet time, weekly sessions, or yoga, help maintain clarity, purpose, and proactive focus.
• Leveraging LinkedIn: Using platforms like LinkedIn to share achievements, highlight partnerships, and promote your mission strengthens relationships, increases transparency, and broadens your reach.

Quote of the Show:

• "It’s incredibly important to recognize the divisive times we are in, and that people are hungry for things that unite us and bring us together."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schwab7676/ 
• Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ 

Shoutouts: 

• Senator Elizabeth Dole 
• Senator Bob Dole 
•  Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act
• Hidden Heroes Campaign: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/campaigns-programs/hidden-heroes