Chief Influencer®

Elizabeth G. Taylor, Executive Director at the National Health Law Program, is a passionate advocate who has dedicated her career to fighting for Americans' access to essential health programs like Medicaid. Starting as a public defender, Elizabeth has continued her fight, now representing the nearly 80 million Americans who rely on these programs. Her message is simple but powerful: Medicaid is vital to the health of millions, and cuts to these programs are not an option.

One of the key themes Elizabeth touches on is the power of collaboration. She discusses how she builds strong partnerships, depends on the wisdom of her colleagues, and facilitates meaningful dialogue, both within her organization and among partners. Her approach to influence and coalition-building offers valuable lessons for anyone in advocacy.

This episode is an inspiring reminder of the impact of persistence, partnerships, and clear communication in the fight for justice and health equity.

Takeaways:

• Persevere in Advocacy: Stay resilient and committed when fighting for important causes, as sustained effort is key to making a difference.
• Emphasize Key Issues: Clearly highlight the essential nature of critical programs, ensuring their importance is understood and cuts are not an option.
• Engage Public Input: Leverage public commenting processes to collect personal stories, emphasizing the significance of expert voices and the administrative record.
• Build Strong Partnerships: Cultivate and value key partnerships, recognizing the strength they bring through collaboration and shared wisdom.
• Promote Open Dialogue: Foster transparent communication, both within your organization and among partners, to strengthen collective impact.
• Share Successes: Showcase successful initiatives and real-world examples to demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of your efforts.
• Adopt a Multi-Channel Strategy: Use a variety of approaches to spread your clear, concise message across multiple platforms to reach a wide audience.

Quote of the Show:

• “ We are confident enough of who we are and what we bring to the table that we don't need sharp elbows.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-g-taylor-250739a1/ 
• Website: https://healthlaw.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• My Care Counts: https://whymycarecounts.org/

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. This year's theme, "The Future of Leadership," focused on the evolution of leadership in response to changes in healthcare, technology, policy, and crisis management. The conference equips leaders with tools to navigate current challenges and future opportunities, ensuring their leadership adapts to a rapidly changing world.

At the event, host Anthony Shop moderates a powerful panel of CEOs who discuss 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 share 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 emphasizes the value of using LinkedIn to reach wider audiences and the importance of commenting, liking, and reposting relevant content to amplify organizational messages.

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/ 

How can building strong relationships and fostering collaboration drive success in leadership and organizational growth?

In this interview, Jeff, CEO of Prevent Blindness, reflects on his career in public health and leadership. Since joining in 2003, Jeff has led key initiatives like the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health and the Focus on Eye Health National Summit.

He discusses the importance of advocacy in shaping public policy and securing funding for eye health, balancing data with storytelling for effective outreach. Jeff also highlights how digital platforms like LinkedIn help maintain critical relationships.

Throughout the conversation, Jeff emphasizes the value of relationships and collaboration, drawing from his experience as CEO and on boards. He shares insights into tackling challenges such as misinformation and ensuring equitable access to eye care while staying true to Prevent Blindness' mission.

Takeaways:

• Building Strong Relationships Over Time: Build relationships proactively by engaging regularly and supporting others' initiatives, creating a foundation for future collaboration.
• Combining Data with Storytelling: Influence stakeholders by blending compelling narratives with data; real stories paired with data make your message powerful and memorable.
• Use Both In-Person and Digital Tools for Relationship Building: Leverage LinkedIn to stay connected, keeping interactions meaningful by staying informed on your network's achievements.
• Advocacy is Key for Non-Profit Success: Engage in coalition-building and bipartisan efforts to advance legislation and secure funding, ensuring eye health is included in broader healthcare discussions.
• Celebrate Team Members and Their Achievements: Publicly recognize and celebrate team milestones to boost morale and emphasize each member's importance to the organization's mission.
• See Yourself as a Team Member First and a Leader Second: Approach leadership roles as a facilitator, respecting others' input and promoting group success over individual authority.

Quote of the Show:

• “The relationship between the CEO and a board really is a partnership. It’s about figuring out what their need is, what your need is, and how to bring that together to advance the mission that you’re a part of.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftoddjd/ 
• Website: https://preventblindness.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• National Health Council: https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/
• Sue Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-corbett-5b003b13/ 
• National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health 
• Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit 
• National Youth Violence Prevention Center 
• Vision 2020 USA Board 
• International Agency for the Prevent of Blindness 

How can a mission greater than yourself fuel meaningful change and inspire others to join the movement? 

Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation shares key lessons he learned from Senator Dole, including the importance of having a mission greater than yourself for true health and vitality. 

Steve discusses how authentic storytelling and persistence helped grow the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s mission into a nationwide movement, through the Hidden Heroes Campaign, with support from influencers like Tom Hanks and Savannah Guthrie. He reflects on the power of coalition-building and leadership, stressing the need to never give up, even when the path to change is challenging.

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 Heros Campaign: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/campaigns-programs/hidden-heroes 

How can leadership in cybersecurity 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 Newmark, founder of Craigslist, to discuss his philanthropic efforts. Craig, often compared to Paul Revere, has been at the forefront of raising awareness and driving action on cybersecurity issues critical to protecting American infrastructure. He shares his strategies for influencing key stakeholders and the importance of safeguarding both personal and national assets. Highlighting the need for mass mobilization, Craig emphasizes training veterans and fostering partnerships with universities and government agencies. The conversation also touches on his leadership approach, grounded in the Golden Rule, and his unwavering dedication 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/ 

Ever wonder how we can find our authentic voice in a world full of competing messages?"

This week’s episode is a special bonus edition! We’re bringing you exclusive content from our live interview with Terry Szuplat, a speechwriter for President Barack Obama. This interview was recorded at George Washington University and is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! 

The focus of this episode is on audience questions and hearing Terry’s insights on career advice, aligning with an organization’s values, and finding one’s voice as a communicator. He also shares his experiences with public speaking, the evolution of Obama as an orator, and the dynamic between leaders and their speechwriters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication skills, mutual respect in leadership, and the value of continuous learning and adaptation.

Takeaways:

• Align with organizations and individuals whose values reflect your own: Partnering with like-minded people fosters a more harmonious, productive environment and strengthens shared goals.
• Develop your unique voice as a communicator: Cultivating your authentic voice sets you apart, making your communication more impactful. Embrace authenticity and stay true to yourself.
• Meet the speaker where they are: Understanding and empathizing with the perspective of your audience leads to more meaningful, effective communication.

Quote of the Show:

• “Crises are great character revealers, aren’t they? I worked for Barack Obama for eight years, and not once did he raise his voice at me, despite the many reasons he could have. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet never lost his cool. If the President of the United States could maintain composure, treat people with respect, and keep it together, that’s the kind of boss we all deserve.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/ 
• Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/say-it-well/ 

Today, we’re featuring some of the most inspiring guests we’ve had on the show - and it just so happens they are all women. You’ll hear from Oscar winner turned Trevor Project Founder Peggy Rajski, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker,  CNN Hero Yasmine Arrington, White House Cyber Czar Camille Stewart Gloster, ad agency legend Cary Hatch, Points of Light CEO Jennifer Sirangelo, healthcare innovator Silvia Taylor, Science luminary Maya Ajmera, Substack influencer Lia Haberman, and Accenture diversity champion Nedra Dickson. 

This powerful episode dives into authentic leadership and the art of influencing both within large organizations and in the wider community. The conversation covers a range of impactful topics, from translating marketing and finance to engaging younger audiences, combating misinformation, and building personal brands. The guests share their personal journeys and invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, embracing failure, fostering inclusivity, and championing supplier diversity. 

Takeaways:

• Translate Across Disciplines: Understand different terminologies, such as finance and corporate speak. As a leader or influencer, being fluent in the languages relevant to your stakeholders is essential to gaining credibility and a seat at the table.
• Prioritize Listening and Learning: Authentic listening is key. Leaders should intentionally create opportunities to hear from their audience, staying connected and responsive to their needs.
• Address Misinformation Proactively: Focus on spreading credible, fact-based information rather than chasing down every piece of misinformation. Tailor your message to highlight benefits and facts that resonate with your audience.
• Commit to Solving Problems: Recognize critical moments and take decisive action when challenges arise. Whether it's creating new solutions or improving existing ones, proactive problem-solving is essential for leadership.
• Be a Good Listener: Effective influence begins with listening. Understanding your audience's needs and perspectives allows for more impactful communication and decision-making.
• Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Use setbacks as opportunities to learn. Embracing failure and applying those lessons can sharpen your approach and enhance your influence.
• Build and Maintain a Personal Brand: Actively define and promote your personal brand. Whether within an organization or externally, a strong personal brand helps you connect with your audience and drive impact.

Links:

• Cary Hatch: 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryhatch/ 
• Jennifer Sirangelo
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ 
• Silvia Taylor 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviabtaylor/ 
• Peggy Rajski 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyrajski/ 
• Annise Parker 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annise-parker-7956bb6/ 
• Maya Ajmera 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaajmera/ 
• Yasmine Arrington Brooks 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-arrington-brooks-66451220/ 
• Camille Stewart Gloster
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillestewartesq/ 
• Lia Haberman 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liahaberman/ 
• Nedra Dickson 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedra-dickson-051b361/ 

Emma O’Brian, the Senior Vice President of Strategy for Dow Jones, delves into her career trajectory, the role of business intelligence, and the evolving media landscape. She heads growth and innovation efforts at Dow Jones, overseeing strategy, M&A, and R&D initiatives, and serves as a member of the executive leadership team. She differentiates between news for general consumers and business intelligence for professionals, emphasizing the importance of providing relevant and context-rich information for both. 

Emma also discusses adapting media output to varied consumer preferences, leveraging technology for personalized content, and maintaining journalistic integrity as fundamental to her approach. Her journey, which started as a TV booker and evolved into strategic leadership roles, underscores the value of pragmatism, neutrality, and data-driven decision-making. The dialogue further explores the balance between current audience needs and future market adaptations, emphasizing internal influence and strategic stakeholder management.

Takeaways:

• Lead Growth and Innovation: Strive to be at the forefront of growth and innovation within your organization. Always seek new opportunities to expand and improve.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various teams and departments. Bringing diverse teams together can help solve complex problems efficiently.
• Continuously Upskill: Invest in your education and skills. Advanced degrees or certifications can help you stay competitive and open doors to new career opportunities.
• Embrace New Media and Personal Branding: Build and maintain a strong personal brand. In today's digital world, personal brands can be as powerful as corporate logos.
• Build Internal Influence: Focus on building trust and working behind the scenes. Being an honest broker can be more effective than seeking the limelight.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure all relevant stakeholders have a voice in decision-making processes. This fosters trust and leads to better, more inclusive decisions.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Base strategies and decisions on data rather than intuition. Test and validate ideas before full implementation to ensure they are grounded in factual insights.

Quote of the Show:

• “It's not so much a career ladder, but more like a walk around a mountain. You keep taking new opportunities and growing. Eventually, you look back and realize that you've arrived, not by climbing a straight path, but by gaining the experience that gives you a holistic view of what it takes to run a business, manage a P&L, and understand the true outcomes.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmavobrian/ 
• Website: https://www.dowjones.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• Almar Latour: https://www.linkedin.com/in/almarlatour/ 
• Emma Tucker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-tucker-b84a424/ 

Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA), shares his insights into the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle (AV) industry. With an extensive background in association leadership and policy advocacy, Jeff discusses the current state of AV technology, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the significant progress being made in states across the country. 

He highlights the societal benefits of AVs, such as improving mobility for those unable to drive and enhancing supply chain logistics. Jeff also outlines AVIA's efforts to establish a federal policy framework for AVs, stressing the importance of maintaining American leadership in this transformative field. Throughout the conversation, Jeff offers strategies for effective advocacy, the role of storytelling in policy communication, and the challenges of managing diverse business interests within AVIA. 

Takeaways:

• Foster Growth and Innovation: Continuously develop strategies to drive growth, increase revenue, and expand impact. Regularly assess and refine your management and operational approaches.
• Communicate Effectively: Deliver clear, compelling messages by combining data with emotional storytelling to effectively convey your vision and objectives.
• Emphasize Benefits: Highlight the broad benefits of your innovations or policies—such as safety improvements or economic gains—to build support and address concerns.
• Know Your Audience: Tailor your message to the specific interests and needs of your stakeholders, showing how your initiatives align with their priorities.
• Promote Opportunities: Recognize and showcase the economic and social benefits of new technologies or policies, demonstrating how they can improve quality of life and increase access for communities.
• Balance Data and Emotion: While data is essential, balance it with emotional narratives to create a persuasive and relatable message. Compelling stories often inspire action.
• Build Strong Foundations: When launching new initiatives or organizations, focus on establishing solid processes, culture, and operational norms. This foundation supports flexibility and innovation.

Quote of the Show:

• “The reason we have language is to be understood. The reason we have advocacy is to be understood and be able to kind of move the needle on certain things. It's not about being the wonkiest person out there. It's about being the one who's most effective at delivering a message.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-farrah-5343853/ 
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/theavindustry.org 
• Website: https://theavindustry.org/ 

The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy is a leading advocate for mental health and addiction. As a former Congressman, Patrick was instrumental in passing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 and has spent years fighting for policy change. After leaving Congress, he founded The Kennedy Forum and co-founded One Mind to advance brain health.

In this episode, Patrick delves into the challenges and stigmas faced by those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders and the impactful decision to share his own story in his book, A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction; and the courageous stories of others in his more recent book, Profiles in Mental Health Courage. 

Takeaways:

• Be authentic and vulnerable: Share your own story, including struggles and failures, to create genuine connections and inspire others. Authenticity can turn adverse events into strengths, as people appreciate honesty and are more likely to support you when they see you are genuine.
• Build coalitions: Diverse coalitions can drive impactful change. By bringing together different perspectives and points of view, you can create a broader consensus and develop policies or solutions that are more robust and widely accepted.
• Forge bipartisan support in times of polarization: Build bipartisan support by focusing on shared goals and values, using persistence and personal connections to bridge divides in polarized times.
• Connect with your audience through storytelling: Use stories and analogies to make complex issues more relatable and to motivate people to join your cause or mission. Tailored storytelling can rally support and drive collective action.
• Persist through adversity: Use challenges as learning experiences and opportunities to build resilience. Persistence, even in the face of setbacks, is key to achieving long-term goals and making a difference.
• Leverage personal experiences for advocacy: Use your story to highlight broader issues, fostering empathy and inspiring change.
• There is no health without mental health: Advocate for integrating mental health into healthcare, highlighting its connection to physical health and the need for community-based support to reduce costs and improve recovery.

Quote of the Show:

• "We live in a polarized world, but the shared human experience of our mental health can unite us across all divides. These issues transcend the toxic reactivity between opposing sides."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-j-kennedy-6821ba165/ 
• Website: https://www.patrickjkennedy.net/ 
• Books: 
  • “Profiles in Mental Health Courage”: https://a.co/d/0kFiw9G 
  • “A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction”: https://a.co/d/2ObOEdP