Chief Influencer®

This special episode of Chief Influencer features guest host Liesl Riddle, Dean of the College of Professional Studies at the George Washington University, and Lorraine K. Lee, a bestselling author and authority on workplace communication and executive presence. Lorraine, known for her work with top-tier organizations like Amazon, Zoom, and Cisco, shares insights from her book 'Unforgettable Presence' and her extensive experience as a keynote speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice. She discusses the concept of 'presence'—its importance, definition, and how to cultivate it effectively. Lorraine also emphasizes the significance of personal branding, listening, storytelling, and maintaining a strong LinkedIn presence. Additionally, she shares strategies for introverts and the impact of influence on professional growth. Throughout the episode, Lorraine provides practical tips and frameworks to help professionals at any stage enhance their visibility and build a successful career.

Takeaways:

• Upgrade your LinkedIn profile with three quick changes to boost visibility and credibility. Simple tweaks like updating your headline, adding a professional photo, and refining your summary can make your profile stand out to recruiters and peers.
• Craft a unique and powerful introduction using the UPI (Unique and Powerful Introduction) framework. Introducing yourself with authenticity and impact helps you make memorable first impressions in professional settings.
• As an introvert, contribute after meetings by following up with thoughtful written input. If you’re not comfortable speaking up in real time, sending a follow-up email or message ensures your ideas are heard and valued.
• Take ownership of your career by thinking and acting like the CEO of your own professional journey. Proactively set goals, seek opportunities, and make strategic decisions to drive your career forward.
• Use feedback loops and regular iteration to accelerate your personal and professional growth. Consistently seeking feedback and making small improvements helps you learn faster and achieve better results.
• Apply the "TEA Method" to improve your video presence and communication effectiveness. Focusing on both the depth and breadth of your message ensures you connect with your audience and convey your expertise.
• Advocate for yourself by sharing your story, as illustrated in the "Audiobook Recording" example. Telling your own story with confidence can open doors and inspire others to recognize your value.

Quote of the Show:

• “Presence is for everyone, at every level. When we approach our careers with intention and proactive energy, we create better outcomes.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee/ 
• Website: https://lorraineklee.com/ 
• Book: https://amzn.to/3Hdv79r
• Free weekly career tips: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 

Anna Palmer, the founder and CEO of Punchbowl News, a media company focused on the power, people, and politics of Washington, D.C.. Palmer details the creation and growth of Punchbowl News, which she co-founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide an insider's perspective on the U.S. Congress. She explains that her company’s success is built on a community-centric model that views its audience as members, not just subscribers, fostering a two-way relationship through newsletters, podcasts, premium content, and live events. Palmer repeatedly emphasizes that authenticity, trust, and providing unique, analytical reporting are essential for cutting through the noise of the modern media landscape and building a sustainable business that can thrive in the age of AI.

Takeaways:

• Build a Community, Not Just an Audience: Palmer attributes Punchbowl News's success to treating its audience as "community members". This creates a "flywheel" effect where readers, event attendees, and sources are part of an interconnected ecosystem, fostering deep loyalty and a sustainable business model that isn't solely reliant on advertising or search traffic.
• Authenticity is the Key to Trust: In a world where people are "flooded with so much information," Palmer insists that authenticity is what allows a brand to cut through the clutter. This is achieved by moving away from scripted corporate messaging, showing personality, and being open and quick to admit when you are wrong, which builds significant trust with your audience.
• Human-Centered Reporting is the Defense Against AI: While Punchbowl News uses AI as a business tool, Palmer believes the key to journalistic relevance is creating original, analytical content that an AI cannot. She notes that AI can't be "in the basement of the Capitol" to ask a senator a question and interpret the nuanced answer, making human reporting invaluable.
• Modern Journalists Must Be Multimedia Experts: According to Palmer, a reporter's job has evolved from simply writing to being a "Swiss Army knife" with multimedia skills. She emphasizes the need for journalists to be adept at podcasts, video, events, and social media to connect with audiences across different platforms.
• Effective Newsletters Require Consistency and Value: As a veteran of newsletter journalism, Palmer advises that success in a crowded inbox depends on providing unique content that people can't get elsewhere. She stresses the importance of frequency and consistent timing to build a habit for readers.
• Influence is More Fragmented and Accessible: Palmer notes that the nature of influence in Washington has changed. It is no longer concentrated among a few traditional power brokers but has become more fragmented across different platforms like podcasts and social media. This creates more opportunities for different voices to exercise influence.
• Personal and Professional Brands are Blurring: Palmer acknowledges that the Punchbowl News brand is deeply intertwined with the personal brands of its founders. She has become more active and "human" on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, finding that showcasing the authentic person behind the corporate announcements pays dividends.

Quote of the Show:

• “Having trust, authenticity, and a message that really resonates are gonna be three key things to actually keep that influence and try to grow it.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-palmer-124a295/ 
• Website: https://punchbowl.news/ 

Shout Outs:

• Jake Sherman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-sherman-6baa0b9/ 
• John Bresnahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bresnahan-a6919294/ 
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ 

In this heartfelt episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop sits down with Mary Fete, Executive Director of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). A registered nurse by training, Mary shares how listening has been the foundation of her leadership, fueling a global nonprofit that spans 120 countries and supports thousands of families affected by rare disorders. She reflects on the transformative power of empathy, the importance of collaboration over expertise, and her role in pioneering medical breakthroughs, including a historic clinical trial for XLHED. As she prepares to pass the baton after more than two decades, Mary discusses her hopes for the future and what it truly means to lead with heart.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Begins With Listening: Mary emphasizes that listening is both a clinical and leadership skill. Her philosophy of “listen first, talk less” has shaped NFED’s programs, research, and family support systems.
• You Don’t Have to Be the Expert: True influence comes from bringing the right people into the room. Mary models collaborative leadership by creating spaces where diverse experts—and lived experiences—drive innovation.
• Global Impact Starts With Personal Connection: Despite serving families in over 120 countries, NFED remains deeply personal thanks to Mary’s intentional relationship-building and trust-first approach.
• Technology as a Humanizing Tool: From AI advisory boards to using databases to remember personal family milestones, Mary shows how nonprofits can leverage tech to enhance—not replace—authentic relationships.
• From Seed Funding to Scientific Breakthroughs: NFED’s 30-year commitment to research led to the groundbreaking EDELIFE clinical trial, showing how a small nonprofit can play a central role in global medical advances.
• Storytelling Drives Advocacy: Mary empowers families to share their lived experiences to influence policy and funding, reinforcing that personal stories are powerful tools for public impact.
• Legacy of Heartfelt Leadership: As she prepares to step down, Mary hopes to be remembered not for titles or milestones, but for leading with compassion, listening deeply, and creating a true sense of family and belonging.

Quote of the Show:

• “You have to remind yourself that listening is much more powerful than talking… You don’t have to fill the space in the room with your voice all the time.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-fete-19949a33/ 
• Website: https://nfed.org/ 

In this special Chief Influencer Power Breakfast episode, Anthony moderates a dynamic panel featuring five powerhouse nonprofit CEOs. Together, they explore how leaders can harness the power of personal branding to amplify their missions and drive greater impact.

You'll hear real-world strategies and inspiring stories from:

📌 Steve Schwab (Elizabeth Dole Foundation)

📌 Jean Accius (Creating Healthier Communities)

📌 Katie Schubert (Society for Women’s Health Research)

📌 Jennifer Sirangelo (Points of Light)

📌 Lidia Soto-Harmon (Student Conservation Association)

Discover practical tips for staying authentic, elevating others, and using social platforms to build influence. Whether you're leading a nonprofit or looking to grow your own leadership brand, this conversation will equip you with the insights to take the next step forward.

Takeaways:

• Start from Within: Make sure your internal team, staff, board, and volunteers understand and champion your mission. Internal alignment fuels external influence.
• Prioritize Authenticity: Share real, personal stories in your own voice. This helps build trust and deepens audience connection. Don’t be afraid to show who you are behind the title.
• Use Social Media Strategically: Even simple tactics like tagging people and using @ mentions can significantly expand your reach and engagement.
• Create a Posting Routine: Block small pockets of time, like at the airport or between meetings, to engage on platforms like LinkedIn. Consistency matters more than frequency.
• Leverage Visual Tools: Think creatively about how to drive connections. For example, use a LinkedIn QR code on your name badge to make networking easy and immediate.
• Elevate Others: Use your platform to spotlight team members, partners, and community leaders. Sharing the stage amplifies your mission and builds goodwill.
• Engage Without Overthinking: You don’t have to post every day. Commenting, liking, or resharing valuable content is just as impactful, and a great way to start building your presence.

Quote of the Show

• "It’s irresponsible for nonprofit leaders not to have a LinkedIn presence." — Steve Schwab

Links:

• Kathryn Godburn Schubert
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/ 
  • Website: https://swhr.org/ 
• Jean Accuius
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accius4/ 
  • Website: https://chcimpact.org/ 
• Jennifer Sirangelo
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ 
  • Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/ 
• Lidia Soto-Harmon
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-soto-harmon-a921a213/ 
  • Website: https://thesca.org/ 
• Steven Schwab
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schwab7676/ 
  • Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ 

What does it take to protect freedom of expression in a time when Americans are more divided than ever? 

Jan Neuharth is the Chair and CEO of the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to fostering First Amendment freedoms for all. She shares the story of how she led the organization through a bold transformation—from operating a museum on Pennsylvania Avenue to becoming a mission-driven force for digital education, public programs, and national impact. From honoring young journalists and comedians at the Free Expression Awards to empowering students with their First Amendment rights through campus outreach and storytelling, Jan reflects on how the Freedom Forum connects with Americans across generational and ideological divides.

She also shares leadership lessons on influence, including the importance of listening, trust, and process in navigating change. Tune in to hear how Jan’s diverse career—from Capitol Hill to corporate law to novel writing—has shaped her authentic leadership style and deep commitment to civic engagement and free expression.

Takeaways:

• Lead with Listening: Influence starts by understanding your audience. Whether you're guiding organizational change or connecting with the public, listening first builds trust and informs better decisions.
• Preserve the Best, Improve the Rest: This philosophy, inherited from Jan’s father Al Neuharth, is a powerful framework for innovation. Regularly assess what’s working and have the courage to evolve—even beloved institutions like museums.
• Make the Mission Personal: Humanize big ideas like the First Amendment by tying them to everyday experiences—books, fashion, music, sports fandom. Personal relevance drives engagement.
• Adapt Messaging for Different Levels of Engagement: Think in tiers: skimmers, swimmers, and divers. Tailor your content to meet people where they are—whether they want a quick TikTok or a deep-dive article.
• Invest in the Next Generation: Empowering young people with knowledge of their rights, as the Freedom Forum does through its Free Spirit program and campus initiatives, ensures the future of civic engagement and journalism.
• Stand Firm on Principles, Not Partisanship: Uphold core values like free expression consistently, even when the subject matter is controversial. Integrity and viewpoint neutrality build long-term credibility.
• Turn Disruption Into Opportunity: When COVID hit just after the museum closed, the Freedom Forum used the moment to go digital-first. Challenges can be catalysts for reinvention if approached with strategic clarity.

Quote of the Show:

• “You don't change the story for every person. You tell it in a different way, but you're still rooted in the same principles.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janneuharth/ 
• Website: https://www.freedomforum.org/ 

Allan Golston is the President of the United States Program at The Gates Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and ensuring equitable academic and economic outcomes for all students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and students of color. 

Allan's unique leadership approach hinges on the power of influence through reciprocity, authenticity, and storytelling. In today's episode, Allan delves into his career journey from public accounting to philanthropy, the importance of building trusted partnerships, the evolution of leadership styles, and leveraging digital platforms like LinkedIn for reciprocal influence. 

Stay tuned to gain valuable insights on balancing data-driven decision-making with personal storytelling to drive impactful change and the importance of creating authentic connections in both personal and professional spheres.

Takeaways:

• Treat leadership as a continuous practice, not a destination, and continuously strive for self-improvement. Allan Golston emphasizes that leadership is an ongoing process. He makes it a point to learn and grow each day, preparing to be even better the next day. This practice of self-reflection and ongoing improvement can help leaders stay dynamic, relevant, and effective.
• Be authentic in your leadership and influence based on genuine interactions rather than projecting a persona. Early in his career, Golston found that employers expected employees to project a certain persona or dress a certain way as part of instilling confidence in clients. However, as his career evolved, he realized that authenticity became crucial for effective leadership as his responsibilities grew. Leaders should focus on genuine connections and interactions, which build trust and authenticity.
• Embrace a two-way influence model. Listen and be open to being influenced while also trying to influence others. This influence needs to be reciprocal. Authentic listening and a willingness to be influenced are as important as trying to guide or direct others. This approach builds mutual respect and understanding.
• To drive meaningful impact, deeply understand your audience. This is crucial for making informed and impactful decisions. Leaders must invest time learning about their internal and external teams and stakeholders and broader audiences to tailor their actions and communications effectively.
• Aim to ensure equitable outcomes in your leadership practice and organizational goals. Leaders should prioritize creating inclusive environments and opportunities that benefit all, especially the underrepresented or marginalized groups.
• Openly share your personal stories and learn from the stories of others. This practice fosters a deeper connection and understanding within the team, helping to build a cohesive and empathetic workplace culture.
• Start interactions with personal concerns and show genuine interest in your team’s well-being. Instead of diving straight into work-related discussions, begin with personal conversations. Asking about someone's well-being or family circumstances shows empathy and builds a culture of care and support.

Quote of the Show:

• “I fundamentally believe that influence has two key dimensions. Number one is that it has to be reciprocal. You have to be open to being influenced as much as you are trying to influence. The second is that you have to know when it’s best to influence directly or empower others to influence and carry the critical messages.” - Allan Golston

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-golston 
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Website): https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/

Shout Outs:

• Stryker: https://www.stryker.com 
• Harley-Davidson: https://www.harley-davidson.com 
• Aspen Institute - The Henry Crown Fellowship Program: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/henry-crown-fellowship 
• The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: https://www.rwjf.org 
• The William Jewell College: https://www.jewell.edu 
• John Lewis: https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Lewis-American-civil-rights-leader-and-politician 

Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, founding partner of Face The Fight, and one of TIME's 100 most influential philanthropists, 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/ 

Frederique Irwin, President and CEO of the National Women’s History Museum, discusses her transformative vision for the museum to become a dynamic, digital-first institution reaching audiences nationwide. She reflects on her diverse career, starting from founding 'herCorner' to leading impactful initiatives at the Sorenson Impact Center. Fred highlights the significance of empowering women and her unexpected yet strategic move into nonprofit leadership. The conversation also covers the museum's advocacy for the Smithsonian’s New Women's History Museum on the National Mall, their digital-first strategy, and the campaign 'She’s Not a Footnote and Neither Are You.' The interview underscores the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and adapting to market needs as vital components of influence.

Takeaways:

• Simplify Your Message: As Frederique shared, her mother taught her to make complex stories accessible. Translate complex information into simple, relatable terms that your audience can easily understand and engage with.
• Embrace a Digital-First Approach: The National Women's History Museum has successfully adopted a digital-first strategy, making their content accessible online. This is critical for reaching a broad audience, especially in today's digital age.
• Test and Iterate: Before committing to a complete overhaul (like a new website), test smaller initiatives to see how your audience responds. Frederique emphasized the importance of trying out different ideas and gradually amplifying what works.
• Focus on Authentic Storytelling: Authenticity is key. Frederique’s strategy involves consistent storytelling centered around women’s achievements. Real stories resonate more with audiences compared to generic, heavily messaged content.
• Know Your Audience: Identify and prioritize your primary audience to maximize impact. For the National Women’s History Museum, the focus is on educators and students, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Use Contemporary Campaigns: The 'She’s Not a Footnote' campaign highlights the importance of making historical content relevant and engaging today. Find creative and modern ways to package and present your content to maintain relevance.
• Listen to the Market: Pay attention to your audience’s feedback and be willing to adapt your strategies based on market responses. This iterative approach is fundamental in entrepreneurship and critical in ensuring your efforts align with audience needs.

Quote of the Show:

• "I stay aligned with what feels genuine, keeping my message focused on women and making sure that comes through clearly on LinkedIn and social media."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederiquecirwin/ 
• Website: https://www.womenshistory.org/ 

Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, shares his thoughtful and consistent approach to member engagement, both within his team and across his organization’s national network. From recognizing the power of elevating member voices through authentic storytelling, Matt shares how he positions people as the most valuable influencers.

Takeaways:

• Hire a Great Team and Empower Them: As a leader, it's important to hire a talented team and then give them the space to excel. Provide guidance but avoid micromanaging to foster creativity and independence within the team.
• Always Follow Up: Responsiveness and consistent follow-up are crucial, especially in a service-oriented organization. This promotes reliability and trust both internally with your team and externally with clients or members.
• Build a Unified Team: Ensure that everyone on your team understands the common goal. Different skills and styles are valuable, but alignment on what the organization is trying to achieve is essential for collective success.
• Make Clear and Direct Requests: When engaging with stakeholders, whether in advocacy or business, make sure to establish a connection and clearly articulate your ask. This enhances the effectiveness of your communication efforts.
• Use Challenges as Motivators: Leverage crises or significant policy issues as opportunities to galvanize your team and membership. This can help highlight the importance of engagement and shared goals.
• Tell Your Story: Authentic storytelling from members or stakeholders is highly effective. Personal stories resonate more and help build trust and influence in various audiences.
• Embrace Change and Innovation: Trade associations and organizations should be forward-thinking about utilizing technology and data. Embrace change and continuously look for ways to innovate and grow, whether through strategic acquisitions or other means.

Quote of the Show:

• “We have 800,000 of them in franchising...small businesses are the most trusted institutions in America.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhaller/ 
• Website: https://www.franchise.org/ 

Rob Sand is the 33rd State Auditor of Iowa, known for his commitment to transparency, accessibility, and accountability in government. Elected in 2018, Sand previously served as Iowa’s Chief Public Corruption Prosecutor, where he led the investigation into the largest lottery rigging scheme in American history.

He emphasizes the importance of being accessible to constituents through initiatives like Transparency Tuesdays, a weekly Facebook Live series where he directly engages with the public. Sand’s approach challenges traditional political norms by promoting openness and demystifying government processes.

In this conversation, he also reflects on his career journey, discusses his book The Winning Ticket, and underscores the importance of clear communication and public trust in governance. At the core of his philosophy is a belief in working with anyone to do good and upholding integrity in public service.

Takeaways:

• Constituent Influence Challenges: As an elected official, Rob must influence everyday people to create meaningful impact. This is increasingly difficult due to rising partisanship and the weakening of traditional political coalitions.
• Government Transparency Education: Rob provides an open look into how state government works. He educates the public about his role as state auditor and broader government functions.
• Statewide In-Person Engagement: Rob connects with Iowans by visiting all 100 county seats. These face-to-face conversations build trust and allow him to hear concerns directly.
• Direct Social Media Use: Rob actively manages his own social media accounts. This personal touch enhances authenticity and keeps constituents informed and engaged.
• Weekly Facebook Live Updates: Every Tuesday evening, Rob hosts “Transparency Tuesdays” on Facebook Live. He highlights his recent work and answers questions from viewers.
• Authentic Public Presence: Unlike many public figures who fear live interactions, Rob embraces them. His unfiltered approach resonates with people who value honesty and accessibility.
• Breaking Down Barriers: Rob uses social media to bridge the gap between government and citizens. This invites Iowans into meaningful dialogue and helps build community.
• Sharing Innovative Practices: Rob identifies effective practices from across counties and shares them statewide. He values practical solutions over partisanship, ensuring good ideas reach everyone.

Quote of the Show:

• “It's important for people to have a sense of the ability to reach their government, to reach levers of whatever degree of power and to actually have an interaction there”

Links:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobSandIA  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robsandia/  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robsandia/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsand1/  
• Website: https://robsand.com/  
• The Winning Ticket: https://a.co/d/c9xQN6w