Chief Influencer®

In today’s information ecosystem, influence is no longer about having the loudest voice — it’s about having the most trustworthy one.

In this powerful conversation, Anthony Shop sits down with Dan Gaylin, President and CEO of NORC at the University of Chicago and author of Fact Forward: The Perils of Bad Information and the Promise of a Data-Savvy Society. Dan has built his career helping leaders navigate high-stakes decisions with rigorous, trustworthy research. Under his leadership, NORC has tripled in size, expanded globally, and strengthened its reputation as a trusted, nonpartisan research institution.

But this episode goes far beyond organizational growth.

It explores a defining leadership challenge of our era: how to build influence and trust when information is abundant, truth feels fragmented, and every individual now acts as producer, distributor, and consumer of data.

Takeaways:

• Ask better questions first. Influence begins with defining the right problem — not jumping to conclusions.
• Practice “fit for purpose” thinking. Make sure the data you use actually answers the question you’re trying to solve.
• Build data literacy as a leadership skill. In a democratized data world, leaders must know how to separate signal from noise.
• Lead with transparency. Trust grows when you clearly explain how conclusions were reached — and where limits exist.
• Don’t push data beyond its limits. Conviction is not a substitute for evidence; credibility depends on restraint.
• Use AI wisely: distrust and verify. Treat AI as a powerful tool — but interrogate its answers before acting on them.
• Grow through quality, not ego. Sustainable influence comes from impact, integrity, and consistency — not arbitrary growth targets.

Quote of the Show:

• “Sustainable influence requires credibility. And credibility comes from demonstrating consistency and integrity and being good at what you do and being well aligned with your core values.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-gaylin-387a5610/ 
• Website: https://www.norc.org/ 
• Book: https://a.co/d/08BwhXMY 

Today, we’re re-airing our conversation with Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, to coincide with the Face the Fight convening in Louisville, hosted at Humana’s corporate headquarters, where leaders from across sectors are coming together around veteran mental health and suicide prevention.

Tiffany shares her unexpected journey from Harvard Law School to leading a major philanthropic foundation — a path shaped by lived experience, deep listening, and a passion for community.

We explore how early moments, like volunteering with seniors as a youth, continue to influence her approach to leadership and social impact. Tiffany reflects on what it means to leave your title at the door, the surprising power of sitting in the back of the room, and how true influence is rooted in curiosity and co-creation.

From building intergenerational programs to reshaping how we serve communities, Tiffany’s insights are both personal and profoundly actionable. Whether you're a leader, changemaker, or simply curious about what it means to make a difference, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• Shaping Health Equity: Tiffany is pioneering health equity by mobilizing funding, partnerships, and research aimed at tackling the root causes of poor health. This includes a holistic approach to nutrition, emotional well-being, disaster recovery, and resource deployment.
• Value of Curiosity: Tiffany’s journey highlights the importance of curiosity. Her career path shifted dramatically because she was curious about the foundation work at Eli Lilly. Curiosity can open new career opportunities and lead to fulfilling roles that align with your passion and values.
• Community Listening: The Humana Foundation emphasizes community listening. By creating a Senior Council of high school seniors and senior citizens, the foundation ensures their work is community-centered and relevant to the people they serve. Consider forming advisory groups with diverse perspectives to guide your projects.
• Empathy as Influence: Empathy is a powerful form of influence. Tiffany suggests that listening to people’s challenges and really understanding their needs can drive meaningful change. Practice active listening and strive to connect with others on a deeper level to be a more effective leader.
• Accessibility in Processes: The open application process at the Humana Foundation is designed for transparency and respect for non-profits' time. It includes a short-form application and clear communication about acceptance or rejection. Make your processes transparent and provide clear feedback to foster trust and efficiency.
• Leave the Title at the Door:*Tiffany emphasizes the importance of humility and accessibility. By choosing to sit in the back of the room rather than the reserved front seat, she connects with people on a more personal level. Engage with people where they are, leave your title at the door, and be approachable.
• Use Digital Presence Authentically: Tiffany is hands-on with her LinkedIn presence to share her work and insights regularly. She combines personal elements (like her love for hats) with professional updates to maintain authenticity. Use social media platforms to share your story and mission, and be transparent and consistent in your communication.

Quote of the Show:

• “I think you have to find spaces where you can leave your title at the door and be accessible to others. Personally, I have an aversion to sitting in the front row—I’d rather be alongside the people who are most impacted and who are driving real change. I believe you should always seek out those who know more than you, especially when it comes to the challenges and opportunities ahead.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-benjamin-0127893/ 
• Website: https://www.humana.com/ 

Anthony Shop sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist Brody Mullins to explore how corporate America transformed Washington — and how influence itself is being redefined yet again. Drawing from his book The Wolves of K Street, Brody explains how corporations had surprisingly little sway in Washington prior to the 1970s. Economic turmoil during the Carter era triggered a turning point, prompting companies to build sophisticated lobbying operations, invest heavily in campaign contributions, and shift from relationship-based “inside influence” to broad, public-facing “outside influence” campaigns designed to shape constituent opinion.

But the rules are changing again. Brody argues that under President Donald Trump, power has reconcentrated in the White House, creating what he calls an “audience of one” environment. Traditional committee-by-committee lobbying has given way to direct executive access, while media fragmentation and the collapse of traditional gatekeepers have transformed how influence campaigns operate. From Google’s successful grassroots mobilization to TikTok’s failed imitation, Brody unpacks why some influence efforts break through, and others backfire,  and why authenticity, especially from real constituents, still matters most in a noisy, AI-driven world.

Takeaways:

• Start with where power actually sits. Influence strategies must adapt to the current power structure — whether that’s 535 lawmakers or one decision-maker. Before launching any campaign, leaders should map the true centers of authority and align their tactics to the individuals who actually control outcomes.
• Access is not the same as persuasion. Writing a check may get you in the room, but it doesn’t guarantee policy outcomes. Influence ultimately depends on the strength of your argument and how well it aligns with the decision-maker’s incentives and priorities.
• Don’t ignore Congress long-term. Executive power may be concentrated now, but political cycles shift — and institutional relationships still matter. Savvy leaders build durable bipartisan relationships that will outlast any single administration.
• Narrowcast strategically. Reaching the right 535 people can be more impactful than reaching 5 million. Precision targeting often delivers a higher return on investment than broad awareness campaigns that lack a clear policy objective.
• Mobilize authentic voices. Real constituents with real stories carry more weight than automated campaigns or paid advocates. Lawmakers are far more responsive to credible, human experiences from voters in their districts than to mass-produced messages.
• Understand media incentives. In today’s fragmented environment, outlets often reward amplification over accuracy — tailor your strategy accordingly. Effective communicators recognize how business models shape editorial priorities and craft messages that break through without compromising credibility.
• Own your distribution channels. As traditional media declines, building your own content platforms can ensure your message reaches key audiences. Leaders who invest in direct communication channels reduce their reliance on gatekeepers and maintain greater control over narrative and reach.

Quote of the Show:
"Maybe part of lobbying and influence, though, is just being able to have the conversation... Access gets you the conversation... You need that access to have the argument. And sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brody-mullins/ 
• Website: https://www.brodymullins.co/ 
• Podcast: https://www.thewolvesofkstreet.com/podcast 

Wade Foster, Co-Founder and CEO of Zapier, explores what real, lasting influence looks like in a world driven by algorithms, automation, and AI. From his early days growing up in Jefferson City, Missouri, to building one of the most influential workflow automation platforms in the world, Wade reflects on how influence is created not through visibility alone, but through action that meaningfully changes how people work and live. At the heart of Zapier’s success is a simple but powerful idea: helping people connect systems, eliminate friction, and unlock potential that already exists.

Throughout the conversation, Wade shares candid lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and trust—from why “default to action” matters more than over-planning, to how leaders can responsibly use AI without eroding authenticity. He explains how Zapier learns from its customers, builds influence internally before externally, and uses transparency to scale a remote-first culture. Ultimately, Wade redefines influence as something far more enduring than attention: the ability to shape behavior, empower others, and build systems that help people show up differently long after the moment has passed.

Takeaways:

• Redefine Influence as Behavior Change: Real influence isn’t about likes or visibility—it’s about changing how people act, work, or think long after the interaction is over.
• Default to Action, Not Perfection: Learning happens fastest through doing. Act, observe the results, and iterate—momentum beats waiting until everything feels “ready.”
• Build Influence From the Inside Out: You can’t create advocates externally without first empowering and aligning your internal team. Culture is your first audience.
• Use Technology to Create Connection, Not Distance: Automation and AI should free people to focus on higher-value work and relationships—not replace human judgment or responsibility.
• Delegate the Work, Not the Responsibility: AI can execute tasks, but leaders must remain accountable for the outcomes. Trust is built when humans stay in the loop.
• Create Space for Learning to Overcome Apathy: Workshops, shared problem-solving, and community learning moments help people break out of the status quo and adopt new tools.
• Tell Stories, Not Just Strategies: Data informs, but stories inspire. Leaders who can translate complex ideas into relatable narratives are far more likely to mobilize others.

Quote of the Show:

• “Default to action. You learn more by doing than by planning.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadefoster/ 
• Website: https://zapier.com/ 

As LinkedIn continues to solidify its role as the front line for executive visibility, institutional trust, and digital leadership, we’re re-airing one of the most timely conversations in the Chief Influencer archive. Recorded at the National Health Council’s Health Leadership Conference last year, this discussion has only grown more relevant as leaders across sectors rethink how influence is built and measured online.

The National Health Council (NHC) Leadership Conference brings together leaders from top patient organizations and nonprofits to foster connections, discuss leadership topics, and share best practices in nonprofit management. At the event, host Anthony Shop moderated a powerful panel of CEOs who discussed their roles as Chief Influencers on LinkedIn. The panel features Chuck Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association; Katie Schubert, President and CEO of the Society for Women's Health Research; and Steve Taylor, President & CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. They shared insights into their success on LinkedIn, focusing on how they have built trust, maximized engagement, and fostered personal connections through the platform.

The CEOs offer practical tips on content strategy, posting frequency, and how to engage with comments and tags. They highlight the impact of their social media presence in achieving meaningful outcomes such as talent recruitment and securing major funding. The discussion highlights the importance of utilizing LinkedIn to reach a broader audience and the value of commenting, liking, and reposting relevant content to amplify organizational messages effectively.

Takeaways:

• CEOs see ROI from LinkedIn: Make it a habit to regularly connect with peers, industry leaders, and your audience. For instance, the speaker encourages everyone to connect with him on LinkedIn as a first step toward meaningful engagement.
• Faces Are the New Logos: Personal presence is key to building trust. Share your personal experiences and stories to create a deeper connection with your audience. Remember, trust is built through people, not just organizational logos.
• Share the Stage: Celebrate and promote others. Instead of focusing solely on your own achievements, highlight the successes and contributions of colleagues and partners. This not only amplifies your message but also uplifts others.
• Build Internal Champions: Cultivate a strong internal network within your organization. True external support begins with advocacy and engagement from within your own team.
• Embrace the Gray: Blend your professional and personal brand by showing up authentically. While different contexts may call for varying levels of personal sharing, authenticity should always be at the core.
• Engage with Content: Actively like, comment, and share relevant posts. This increases visibility and sparks conversations, making networking just as important as posting your own content.
• Schedule and Be Consistent: Use scheduling tools to ensure regular content posting at optimal times. Reposting or sharing valuable content with your own insights can further boost engagement. Repurposing content from other platforms, like Instagram, can also be effective on LinkedIn.

Links:

• Chuck Henderson
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesdhenderson/ 
  • Website: https://diabetes.org/ 
• Kathryn Godburn Schubert 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/ 
  • Website: https://swhr.org/ 
• Steven Taylor
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-taylor-a18b9b2/ 
  • Website: https://www.arthritis.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• Eric Racine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericracine/ 
• Jean Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanwrightmdmba/ 
• Randall Rutta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-rutta-1622952/ 
• National Health Council: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-health-council/ 

Patient-centered advocacy is often discussed as a principle, but far less often practiced as a discipline. In this episode of Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop speaks with Dr. Eric Racine about what it truly means to put patients at the center—and why influence in healthcare depends on trust, alignment, and proximity to lived experience. Eric shares how personal loss early in his life shaped his belief that innovation only becomes progress when patients can access it, and how his early career as a clinical pharmacist revealed the real human needs preventing access to those innovations.

Now U.S. Head of Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy at Sanofi, Eric reflects on how his definition of influence has evolved—from performance and expertise to presence, listening, and partnership. He explains why patient advocates are among the most effective leaders he has ever learned from, why clarity on the problem matters more than debating solutions, and why the future of influence belongs to those who can align people and systems without losing humanity—especially in an AI-accelerated world.

Takeaways:

• Influence is a system, not a function. Lasting impact comes from trust, credibility, and alignment—not titles or volume.
• Patient access is personal. Eric shares how the loss of two siblings to a rare disease shaped his belief that innovation only matters if it reaches patients.
• The human factor matters most. A formative lesson from Eric’s time in Detroit showed that even the best clinical solutions fail if basic human needs are overlooked.
• The people closest to the problem see most clearly. Patient advocates bring unmatched clarity, urgency, and credibility—and are among the most effective influencers in healthcare.
• From performance to presence. Great leaders don’t need all the answers; they need to be present, listen deeply, and align others around the right problem.
• Alignment beats authority. Progress happens when leaders align on the problem, define shared outcomes, and create space for collaboration.
• True patient centricity is a discipline. It requires engaging patients and advocates early—co-defining problems, not reacting to finished solutions.
• AI elevates judgment, not humanity. Eric believes the future belongs to leaders who pair technology with emotional intelligence, trust, and authentic influence.

Quote of the Show:

• “Influence today is about … clarity. It's about trust. It's about helping people that you work with [see] the real problem.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericracine/ 
• Website: https://www.sanofi.com/en 

The meal is the entree that opens the door...It’s maybe the only time someone is going to see a person in a given day or even a given week, depending on where they’re living.

Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, explores this question by highlighting that her organization provides far more than just nutrition; it offers a "more than a meal" service that includes safety checks, home repairs, and social connection. While the brand is recognized by nine out of ten voting adults, Hollander emphasizes the urgent need to turn awareness into action as part of the "End the Wait" initiative, as one in three providers currently maintains a waiting list due to funding failing to keep pace with rising costs. She advocates for this mission by presenting a stark economic reality to decision-makers: the cost of providing a senior with a nutritious meal, a visit, and a safety check for an entire year is equivalent to just one day in a hospital or twelve days in a nursing home.

To lead a federated network of over 5,000 community-based programs, Hollander utilizes a "people-centered" influence strategy shaped by her previous experience as a Chief People Officer. Because the model prevents "command and control" leadership, she focuses on building trust, listening to local providers, and aggregating the network's collective power—such as chicken purchases that rival the volume of a major fast-food chain. This empathetic approach extends to her internal team, where she fosters an award-winning culture through flexible work policies, accountability, and personal touches like singing to employees on their birthdays. By tailoring her messaging, she demonstrates that effective influence is about finding the specific language that resonates with a stakeholder's values.

Takeaways:

• Influence hasn’t changed—delivery has. Ellie explains that while platforms and tools evolve, influence still comes down to trust, credibility, and inspiring action.
• Meals on Wheels is “more than a meal.” Beyond nutrition, the organization delivers safety checks, social connection, and independence—often serving as the eyes and ears in a senior’s home.
• The urgency of the waitlist crisis. One in three Meals on Wheels providers has a waitlist, driven by rising demand and funding that hasn’t kept pace with inflation or population growth.
• Ending the wait. Ellie discusses the End the Wait initiative—a bold national platform to drive action and ensure that no senior who needs Meals on Wheels is left waiting.
• People-first leadership. Drawing on her background as a former Chief People Officer, Ellie shares how employee engagement, flexibility, and accountability can coexist—and fuel performance.
• Tailoring the message. Whether speaking with lawmakers, donors, or community leaders, Ellie explains how she adapts her language to resonate—without losing sight of the mission.
• Stories that move people. From volunteers learning sign language to connect with clients, to partnerships that keep seniors safe at home, Ellie highlights the human moments that drive influence.

Quote of the Show:

• “Understanding what individual providers are grappling with, what they’re dealing with on the ground on a day-to-day basis, is so important. So listening is critically important.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-hollander-6418a/ 
• Website: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ 

We are revisiting our impactful conversation with Chuck Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), whose mission-driven leadership is reshaping the fight against the diabetes epidemic. Since stepping into the role in early 2020, Chuck has leveraged his background in the private sector and athletics to champion critical initiatives, including insulin affordability, health equity, and expanded access to life-changing technologies. Throughout the interview, he offers a masterclass in authentic leadership, discussing the importance of staying accessible, fostering transparency, and utilizing modern platforms like LinkedIn to amplify a nonprofit’s mission. By sharing his personal connection to the cause and his strategies for navigating a shifting workplace landscape, Chuck delivers a powerful call to action that remains as urgent and relevant today as the day it was recorded.

Takeaways:

• Embrace a Team-Oriented Leadership Philosophy: Learning from Chuck's experience as an athlete, fostering an inclusive and team-centric environment is crucial. Ensure every member understands their role and how they contribute to the collective success.
• Maintain a Mission-Driven Focus: Chuck's daily reflection on his impact highlights the importance of grounding leadership decisions in the organization’s mission. Regularly ask yourself what you've done to advance your mission and set clear, impactful goals.
• Consistency in Communication: Regular touchpoints like monthly town halls, bi-weekly newsletters, and quarterly meetings are essential. This consistency keeps the team aligned, engaged, and informed about strategic directions and wins.
• Be Intentional with Engagement: Whether it's giving out personal contact information, being active on social media, or responding to both positive and negative feedback, intentional engagement fosters authentic connections and builds trust.
• Promote Organizational Brand: Use platforms like LinkedIn to share the organization’s achievements, highlight team members, and build new relationships. Prioritize showcasing the organization’s impact over self-promotion.
• Show Up Authentically: Your presence, both online and offline, should reflect genuine commitment and transparency. Authenticity builds credibility and trust, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.
• Adapt and Innovate Continuously: Being proactive about adopting remote work, investing in training, and listening to stakeholder feedback are critical. Innovation and adaptation help in staying ahead and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

Quote of the Show:

• “No one person is greater than the team. It takes all of us; each one of us has a role to play in this fight.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesdhenderson/ 
• Website: https://diabetes.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• Champion Fire and Security: https://championfiresecurity.com/ 
• Cotton Bowl Athletic Associaton: https://www.cottonbowl.com/ 
• Texas A&M’s Letterman Associaton: https://www.aggielettermen.org/ 
• Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ 
• Tracey D. Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceydbrown/
• Dions Dream: https://dionschicagodream.com/ 
• Baxter: https://www.baxter.com/ 
• Eli Lilly and Company: https://www.lilly.com/ 
• Medicare:https://www.medicare.gov/ 
• Medicaid: https://www.healthcare.gov/ 

Dr. Jean Accius, President and CEO of Creating Healthier Communities and a globally recognized authority on health equity and longevity, joins host Anthony Shop for a compelling conversation about what it truly takes to influence across sectors, build trust, and drive lasting social impact. Dr. Accius reflects on his Haitian upbringing and the guiding wisdom of his grandmother, who taught him “Tout moun se moun,” meaning every person is a human being. That simple but profound truth fuels his life’s mission to ensure that a person’s ZIP code no longer shapes their health, opportunity, or life expectancy.

Grounded in data and lived experience, Dr. Accius discusses the stark reality that life expectancy can vary by decades between neighborhoods only a few miles apart. He challenges leaders to confront the forces that create these disparities and to recognize that the most pressing problems of our time do not respect boundaries. In an era defined by disruption, he urges leaders to get close to the communities they serve, collaborate beyond traditional silos, and build coalitions grounded in trust, accountability, and measurable action.

Takeaways:

• Influence Begins with Proximity and Permission: Jean reminds leaders that influence is not defined by a title but by the permission others give you to earn their trust. You cannot influence what you refuse to understand, and trust cannot grow from a distance. His message is clear: leaders must get close, listen deeply, lead with humility, and demonstrate consistency.
• Health Equity Requires Cross-Sector Courage: Life expectancy can vary by 20 to 30 years between neighborhoods only a few miles apart. Jean emphasizes that these gaps are not biological. They are shaped by policy, power, and unequal access to opportunity. Since the most urgent problems ignore boundaries, the solutions must bring sectors together with intention and courage.
• Every Leader Is Going Through a Fire: Across business, government, and community organizations, leaders are facing unprecedented disruption. Jean insists that the ones who succeed are those who acknowledge the fire, adapt with resilience, collaborate openly, and commit to moving forward with others.
• Collaboration Must Be Measurable to Matter: Drawing on his experience building major coalitions, Jean reinforces a guiding truth: collaboration without measurement is simply conversation. Real impact requires shared goals, shared metrics, and shared accountability.
• LinkedIn as a Leadership Room Without Walls: Jean views LinkedIn as one of his most powerful tools for influence. It allows him to elevate community voices, highlight innovation, inspire leaders, and build meaningful partnerships. His presence on the platform has led to new collaborations, new funding, and national engagement.
• Rethinking Workplace Giving for a New Era: CHC now approaches corporate engagement as Workplace Solutions and Innovation. This model supports multigenerational workforces with programs that strengthen mental health, caregiving, volunteerism, and employee engagement. It also improves retention, productivity, and organizational trust.
• Redefining Influence: From Success to Significance: Jean reflects on how his understanding of influence has evolved. Influence is not about doing more or accumulating more. It is about service, connection, and shared humanity. For him, significance begins with the belief his grandmother instilled in him: every person counts.

Quote of the Show:

• “Influence is about permission. And permission requires trust.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accius4/ 
• Website: https://chcimpact.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• Dr. Johnny Parker
  • Frontstage Backstage Book: https://a.co/d/hyfK27T 

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, former Member of Congress and now the Executive Director of GW’s Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM), shares the deeply personal story of immigrating from Ecuador, watching her mother work multiple jobs, and discovering early the power of resilience, community, and education. These experiences shaped her leadership philosophy and her belief that influence begins with listening.

Debbie reflects on her time representing Florida’s 26th District, how she navigated a diverse constituency from Miami to the Keys, and the critical role of bipartisanship in addressing issues like climate change, immigration, and criminal justice reform. She also offers an honest look at the realities of public service—balancing family, confronting disinformation, and facing electoral challenges—all while staying grounded in purpose.

Today, at GSPM, she’s preparing the next generation of leaders to rise above partisanship, embrace critical thinking, and approach politics with integrity, curiosity, and courage. Her story is a testament to the power of personal narrative, the necessity of coalition-building, and the importance of inspiring others to recognize their own agency.

Takeaways:

• Influence Starts with Listening: Debbie shares that arriving in the U.S. as a teenager taught her “the art of listening,” a value that remains central to her leadership. Listening with curiosity—especially across difference—is what allows leaders to build trust, understand stakeholders, and create meaningful coalitions.
• Navigating the Noise of Technology and Social Media: Social media plays a major role in how constituents communicate—but also poses risks. Debbie discusses how leaders must distinguish real community feedback from bots, misinformation, and AI-generated content, all while staying grounded in values and not getting distracted by the noise.
• Turning Personal Stories Into Policy Impact: Her decision to run for Congress was sparked by seeing firsthand how the lack of access to healthcare harmed her community. Personal stories—like those shared by incarcerated women in a Judiciary Committee hearing—often have the greatest influence on policymakers, more than cable news or the loudest voices online.
• The Power of Authenticity: Debbie reflects on the pressure to present a “perfect” front as an immigrant woman in politics, and how letting go of that was key to connecting with people more deeply. Authenticity, vulnerability, and showing one’s full self are essential to building trust.
• Leading With Bipartisanship and Relationship-Building: Serving a swing district taught her that progress is impossible without cooperation. She shares how building relationships—across her own party and the other side—enabled her to address issues like environmental protection with colleagues who shared common concerns.
• Preparing the Next Generation of Public Leaders: At GSPM, Debbie is shaping future leaders who can think critically, work across partisan divides, and address major challenges—from AI to international conflict—with integrity and courage. Students’ optimism and commitment give her hope for the country’s future.
• Defining Influence Today: Debbie defines influence as the ability to remind people of their own power—bringing them together, helping them see their shared values, and catalyzing collective action toward a common purpose. She sees herself as a “vehicle” who helps activate that power in others.

Quote of the Show:

• “Influence is reminding people of the power they already have.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-mucarsel-powell-0077437/ 
• Website: https://gspm.gwu.edu/