Power Shifts

Spoiler alert: Big crowds don’t create change. Small, focused groups do.

I once had a client sheepishly tell me their event “only” had 15 people show up. My response? Be proud.

It’s not about the numbers—it’s about the purpose. I’ve seen this firsthand

Forget competitors or market downturns—politics is the real disruptor. In this episode, we unpack how New York’s Local Law 18 blindsided Airbnb, gutting its short-term rental market and handing hotels a massive win. Politicians, driven by optics and emotions, went after short-term rentals to fix housing affordability. The result? Hosts were decimated, rents skyrocketed, and surprise—housing supply didn’t improve. Join me as we explore how political whack-a-mole could take down your business next.

The first 100 days are critical for any new leader, but did you know they should also be a key focus for your public affairs strategy? In this video, I explore the origins of the “first 100 days” concept, from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ambitious start as president, and how it has since become a powerful benchmark for political leaders.

But this isn’t just about politics. It’s about how YOU can seize opportunities, tackle challenges, and get your issues on the agenda when a new government takes office. Learn how to position your organization for success by making the most of this vital period, when decision-makers are most motivated to act.

Don’t sit out the first 100 days – discover how to maximize your influence and help shape the future.

Advocacy is important—but it’s not enough.

If you want to thrive in today’s business landscape, you need to be more than just an advocate. You need to think like a campaigner.

What’s the difference? An advocate speaks up, but a campaigner does something even more powerful: they build movements. They’re unrelenting, engaging, and—most importantly—they don’t stop until they win.

Think about it. The most successful business leaders are not only influencing decisions behind closed doors, but they’re rallying people—customers, employees, and communities—around their cause.

So, what does this shift in mindset look like?

Most CEOs think they can sit back and let their public affairs or corporate affairs teams world shape their regulatory strategy. Wrong. The leaders who win are the ones who think like advocates.

What separates the winners from the also-rans?

Volkswagen, for the first time in its 87-year history, is shutting down plants in Germany. Workers are protesting, and the brand identity at the heart of VW is in question. But the real driving force? The regulatory landscape that’s reshaping the automotive industry.

It's been a summer of shocking and surprising political developments. But these events are often predictable. You just need to use your imagination and engage in the discipline of scenario planning.

Never assume 1+1=2 in politics, especially if you don't put in the effort.

I’ve encountered skepticism about voter mobilization countless times. The belief that voters don’t care enough or that their efforts won’t make a difference is common. However, I've seen firsthand how aligning a cause with voters’ values can turn apathy into action. Here’s a breakdown of how we achieved this.

Harley Davidson is not just a bike brand.

It is Americana.

It is Freedom.

And its dedicated fan base wraps itself in that identity.

So much so, that when Harley Davidson fans meet up at bike rallies, they talk about it as “the brand of freedom…in the land of freedom.”

At a recent rally, one fan put it this way: “Harley was like a brotherhood….now it’s just a ghost.”

What happened?