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