Chief Influencer®

Social Driver
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Marketing
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Washington is the Center of Influence - in the U.S. and arguably the world. Chief Influencer® spotlights leaders who have figured out how to break through in today’s fragmented and noisy world. Social Driver teamed up with The George Washington University College of Professional Studies and The Communications Board to recognize these leaders as Chief Influencers and highlight how they inspire and influence others.

  1. 5d ago

    Building an Infrastructure of Influence with Lisa Lawson

    Lisa Lawson, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, has built a career creating change. From her earlier years as a lawyer and lobbyist to now leading one of the nation’s largest philanthropies focused on children and young people, Lisa has seen how influence works across business, government, philanthropy, and local communities. In this episode of Chief Influencer, Lisa joins host Anthony Shop to discuss why some of the most powerful influence is local, how leaders can identify the right messenger for the right audience, and what it takes to build an “infrastructure of influence” that lasts beyond any one person. They also explore the importance of pairing data with human stories, giving people a clear role in the change you want to create, and using your own influence to elevate others. Lisa shares lessons from her work with young people, the science behind her book Thrive, and decades of work at the Annie E. Casey Foundation to show what long-term influence can accomplish. Takeaways: Some of the most powerful influence is local. Issues become more personal and less abstract when people can see how decisions affect the communities, schools, businesses, and people they know.The CEO isn’t always the right messenger. Effective influence means thinking carefully about the message, the messenger, and the timing, then equipping trusted voices with the information they need.Build an infrastructure of influence. Lasting change requires more than one influential person. It takes data, advocates, researchers, organizations, lived experts, and an ecosystem that can sustain the work over time.Pair data with stories. Data establishes the scope of an issue, but numbers alone rarely move people. Lisa says, “Data and a story is influence.”Give people something to do. Influence shouldn’t stop at helping someone understand a problem. Leaders need to be specific about the change they want to see and help people understand their role in making it happen.Listen before you build the solution. Lisa encourages leaders to engage lived experts early, compensate them for their expertise, prepare them to participate, and follow up so they know how their contributions made a difference.Be a gracious steward of your influence. A leader’s platform doesn’t have to be about self-promotion. Lisa sees it as an opportunity to give visibility and influence back to the people and organizations doing important work.Influence belongs to all of us. Lisa believes social media and declining trust in institutions have shifted influence beyond a small group of traditional power brokers, giving everyday people more ability to create change. Quote of the Show: “You need to be able to go from a simmer to a boil….So you can't just decide today, ‘Oh, I wanna influence X.’ You gotta be evergreen in building that infrastructure so that when the opportunity happens, you can boil and you can seize a moment where public will or political will might be in your favor.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsonlisamaria/ Website: https://www.aecf.org/ “Thrive” Book Link: https://a.co/d/0ePCa4uS  Shout Outs: Thrive by 25KIDS COUNT NetworkFederal Reserve Bank of RichmondUPS FoundationUCLA Center for the Developing AdolescentSolutions Journalism NetworkSoul Family Framework

    Building an Infrastructure of Influence with Lisa Lawson

  2. Aug 26

    Influence is About 'Soft Power' with Vivian Schiller

    Vivian Schiller has spent her career at the forefront of nearly every major transformation in modern media. From serving as President and CEO of NPR and Global Chair of News at Twitter to leading NYTimes.com and serving as Chief Digital Officer of NBC News, Vivian has repeatedly stepped into moments of disruption and helped organizations navigate what comes next. In this episode of Chief Influencer, Vivian joins host Anthony Shop to discuss what decades of leading through change have taught her about trust, influence, and leadership. They explore why soft power can be more effective than formal authority, why great leaders don’t need to be the smartest people in the room, and how curiosity, listening, empathy, and kindness help bring people together. Vivian also shares her perspective on the changing media landscape, the growing influence of creators, and why the biggest threat from AI may not be believing something fake, but reaching a point where people stop believing anything at all. Takeaways: Soft power is the real power. Influence built through relationships, collaboration, and trust can accomplish more than relying on a title or organizational hierarchy.You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. Strong leaders know how to surround themselves with expertise, listen, connect the dots, and bring people together around a shared goal.Curiosity makes you a better listener. Vivian connects curiosity to listening, empathy, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground.Meet people where they are. Leaders and institutions can’t simply expect audiences to come to them. They have to understand how people discover and consume information and adapt accordingly.Influence comes from providing value. Whether information comes from an individual creator or a major institution, Vivian believes authority is earned through the value, rigor, honesty, and transparency you bring to your audience.AI is creating a new challenge for trust. The greater danger may not be that people fall for one convincing deepfake, but that they begin to assume anything could be fake and stop trusting what they see and hear altogether.The tools change, but influence remains human. Technology and platforms continue to evolve, but Vivian believes influence still comes back to curiosity, listening, empathy, and finding commonality with others. Quote of the Show: “If your power is derived solely by an organizational chart and by your saying, ‘I’m the boss, you report to me,’ you’ve already lost. Soft power is the real power.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianschiller/ Website: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/  Shout Outs: Søren KierkegaardPatrick J. McGovern FoundationNPRThe New York TimesTwitterNBC NewsCNNDiscovery Times ChannelCraig Newmark Philanthropies

    Influence is About 'Soft Power' with Vivian Schiller

  3. Aug 19

    The Art of Diplomatic Disruption with Randy Rutta of the NHC

    How do you create meaningful change when the people at the table don't always agree on how to get there? Randall “Randy” Rutta, CEO of the National Health Council, has spent decades answering that question. From contributing to the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act to bringing together nearly 200 organizations around a collective patient voice, Randy has built his career around finding common ground and turning influence into impact. In this episode of Chief Influencer®, Randy joins host Anthony Shop to discuss why influence begins with listening, how leaders can build consensus, and why relationships must be built long before you need them. They explore the idea of “diplomatic disruption,” the ability to challenge systems while maintaining trust and collaboration, and why expertise, honesty, human stories, and lasting relationships remain essential to creating meaningful change. Takeaways: Listen before you try to influence. Understanding the experiences and perspectives of the people most affected by an issue is the starting point for finding meaningful common ground.Build relationships before you need them. Influence isn't transactional or tied to one specific ask. The strongest relationships are built consistently over time.Consensus makes influence more powerful. Bringing different voices together around a shared goal gives decision-makers greater confidence that a solution has meaningful support.Pair expertise with lived experience. Data and credentials matter, but stories help people see the faces behind the facts and understand why an issue matters.Know when to be diplomatic and when to disrupt. Leaders can challenge systems without treating every disagreement as a confrontation. Change often begins with good-faith conversation and collaboration.Be honest about what you don't know. Credibility comes from sharing your expertise while being equally transparent about its limits.Keep people at the center of innovation. Whether you're developing policy, technology, or a new organizational strategy, involving the people affected by your decisions can lead to stronger outcomes.Turn influence into impact. Engagement for the sake of engagement isn't enough. Effective influence should ultimately move people toward a meaningful goal. Quote of the Show: “Influence is a 365-day-a-year sort of thing. It can't be transactional.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-rutta-1622952/ Website: https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/  Shout Outs: PCORI: https://www.pcori.org/ EastersealsAmerican Autoimmune Related Diseases AssociationAmericans with Disabilities ActCoalition for Health AIDigital Medicine SocietyConsumer Technology AssociationPatient Experience and Innovation Center

    The Art of Diplomatic Disruption with Randy Rutta of the NHC

  4. Aug 12

    The Power of Influence Is Built in the Little Things: Chief JoAnne Bass

    In this episode of Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop sits down with JoAnne "Jo" Bass, the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and the first woman to serve as the highest-ranking enlisted leader of any U.S. military service. Over 31 years in uniform, Chief Bass advised the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force on the readiness, resilience, and well-being of more than 600,000 airmen and their families, and she brings that experience directly to bear on how leaders build trust, communicate under pressure, and create cultures where people speak up. The conversation ranges from the debrief rituals Chief Bass used after every mission to gather honest feedback to her now-famous observation that leaders must not confuse the chain of command with the chain of communication in an era when information moves faster than any official channel can control it. She also speaks candidly about carrying the weight of being "the first" without letting it become the whole story, and about why showing up as a real, human leader online, not just an institutional voice, builds the kind of trust that makes harder messages land. Whether you're leading a military unit, a company, or a cause, this episode is a masterclass in earning trust before you need it. Takeaways: Build Trust Before the Crisis: Trust isn't built on speeches or big platforms — it's built in the small, everyday interactions, decisions, and relationships that form a leader's reputation long before any crisis hits.Don't Confuse the Chain of Command with the Chain of Communication: Hierarchy still matters, but information now moves instantly and horizontally. Leaders who rely solely on top-down messaging get outpaced by the narrative.Speed Beats Perfection in a Crisis: In today's information environment, whoever shares their version of events first tends to shape the narrative — regardless of accuracy. Waiting to "see if it blows over" can cost leaders the chance to shape the story at all.Institutionalize the Debrief: After every mission, Chief Bass and her team gathered to ask what went well and what could improve — creating a standing structure for honest, upward feedback regardless of rank.Let People See You're Human: Chief Bass learned that leaders who show personality and authenticity — not just polished institutional messaging — earn the kind of trust that makes people willing to engage with harder, more important content.Let the "First" Be a Byproduct, Not the Goal: Chief Bass didn't set out to be the first woman in her role; she focused on doing the job well and building strong teams, and let recognition follow rather than define her.Recruit for Mission Clarity: Veterans bring a rare ability to define a mission, communicate it clearly, and execute with limited resources — a skill Chief Bass believes is underused in corporate and academic leadership development. Quote of the Show: "Trust is built in the little things. It's not built on the speeches. It's not built on the big platforms." Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-bass/  Shout Outs: Face the Fight: wefacethefight.org Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence, U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsSimon Sinek

    The Power of Influence Is Built in the Little Things: Chief JoAnne Bass

  5. Aug 5

    How Great Leaders Earn Trust Through Action with Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine

    Robert Irvine has spent decades leading under pressure, transforming organizations, and championing causes larger than himself. But as he explains in this episode of Chief Influencer, influence isn't about being the loudest voice in the room—it's about earning trust, building relationships, and bringing people together around a shared mission. In conversation with Anthony Shop, Robert reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped him, from an early experience in the Royal Navy that forever changed his view of teamwork to the role empathy played in transforming his approach on Restaurant Impossible. Together, they explore what it takes to lead meaningful change, build credibility over time, and use influence in service of something greater than yourself. Takeaways: Trust is earned through consistency: Influence isn't built by having the loudest voice. Robert explains that trust develops when people consistently see you follow through, stay committed, and deliver on your promises over time.Great leaders never stop listening: One of Robert's biggest leadership breakthroughs came when he realized he wasn't listening enough. Understanding people's motivations and challenges ultimately made him a far more effective leader than simply telling them what needed to change.Persistence creates momentum: Systemic change rarely happens overnight. Robert shares how decades of persistence—and refusing to abandon a mission he believed in—eventually created the momentum needed to transform military food systems.Relationships are the foundation of influence: Whether changing public policy or leading a business, Robert believes influence begins long before you ask for support. Building genuine relationships creates the trust necessary to move important ideas forward.Leadership is about elevating others: Early in his career, Robert believed success meant personal excellence. A lesson from his Royal Navy training taught him that real leadership means helping everyone around you succeed—not just yourself.Vulnerability strengthens leadership: Some of Robert's most meaningful leadership moments came when he allowed himself to be human. Empathy and vulnerability have become essential parts of how he connects with people and builds trust. Quote of the Show: "Leadership isn't about you. It's about taking people with you on that journey." Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefirvine/ Website: https://linktr.ee/robertirvinefoundation

    How Great Leaders Earn Trust Through Action with Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine

  6. Jul 29

    Why Trust Is the Real Currency of the Creator Economy with Christian Tom

    Christian Tom has built his career at the intersection of government, technology, media, and digital strategy. After leading digital strategy at the White House, Now This, and Twitter, he is now helping shape the future of creator-led media. In this episode, Christian shares why influence has shifted from institutions to individuals, what brands often get wrong when working with creators, and why leaders need to become more comfortable trying new things as media continues to evolve. He also reflects on lessons from communicating during moments of national crisis, explains why platforms like YouTube and Reddit are changing how people consume information, and makes the case that while technology will continue to change, trust will always be at the center of influence. Takeaways: Creators have become one of the most trusted sources of information: People are increasingly turning to creators and personality-driven content instead of traditional institutions. Leaders need to understand where audiences are already spending their time and attention.The best creator partnerships are built on trust: Brands get better results when they allow creators to communicate in their own authentic voice instead of scripting every message. Audiences can quickly tell when content feels forced.Leaders need to be willing to experiment: Trying new platforms, formats, and communication styles is essential for staying relevant. Not every idea will succeed, but innovation requires a willingness to test and learn.Meet audiences where they are: Effective communication isn't about being everywhere. It's about showing up on the platforms your audience already uses and delivering information in a way that feels natural.Relationships create lasting influence: Christian shares that small acts of professionalism and respect can open unexpected doors years later. Influence is often built long before you realize it.Trust will always outlast technology: Platforms and algorithms will continue to evolve, but trust remains the foundation of meaningful influence. The leaders who build genuine relationships will always have an advantage. Quote of the Show:  “The cultural, electoral, and monetary value —for digital media today and for the foreseeable future— will be led by creators." Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cltom/ AND Media Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/another-normal-day/  Shout Outs: Landon Morgado: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landon-morgado-92a4491b/ Aisha Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisha-shah-99362089/ John Della Volpe: https://iop.harvard.edu/about/staff/john-della-volpe Kareem Rahma: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareem/?hl=en Subway Takes: https://www.youtube.com/@SubwayTakes Keep The Meter Running: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk0wGsyxJWebbz1JwkbZDipr8S2eh3qvN Higher Ground Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@highergroundproductions Hunter Prosper: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunter_prosper/ Stories from a Stranger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFkVrdA6zxM&list=PLMar0AT704Q7wE9lSrMXDQmFx8kd_E27A Matt Buechele: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/That Sounds Like A Lot Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thatsoundslikealot Vox Media: https://www.voxmedia.com/ Derek Thompson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-thompson-b2253549/ Everything is Television Article: https://www.derekthompson.org/p/why-everything-became-television  Megan Coyne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-e-coyne/ The Moment LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMoment_LIVE Meredith Lynch: https://www.instagram.com/meredithmlynch/Rebecca Sananes: https://www.instagram.com/rebzsays/

    Why Trust Is the Real Currency of the Creator Economy with Christian Tom

  7. Jul 22

    The Influence Playbook: Josh Resnik on Trust, Listening, and Leadership

    What creates influence in a world overflowing with information? In this episode of Chief Influencer®, Anthony Shop sits down with Josh Resnik to discuss how leaders can build trust, navigate complexity, and make better decisions in an increasingly volatile political and regulatory environment. Josh spent nearly a decade at FiscalNote in multiple executive roles, including General Counsel, COO, and ultimately CEO and President, before stepping down in June 2026.  Drawing on a career that spans law, media, technology, business development, and executive leadership, Josh shares lessons on communication, stakeholder management, and why influence is often the result of listening rather than persuading. The conversation explores the future of public affairs, the growing role of AI in decision-making, and why trusted information has become a competitive advantage. Josh also explains why the most effective leaders focus on solving problems, helping others succeed, and building credibility over time. Whether you're leading a company, shaping policy, or managing change, this episode offers valuable insights on trust, technology, and influence in today's rapidly evolving world. Takeaways: Influence is built on trust, and trust starts with listening. The strongest leaders spend more time understanding others' perspectives than trying to persuade them.Effective communication requires consistency and audience awareness. While the core message should remain the same, leaders must tailor how they communicate based on the needs and priorities of different stakeholders.Public affairs leaders create the most value when they connect policy developments directly to business outcomes. Understanding how external issues impact organizational goals helps elevate public affairs from a support function to a strategic driver.AI can dramatically improve productivity and decision-making, but it cannot replace human judgment. Leaders must combine technology with experience, context, and critical thinking.Trusted information is becoming more valuable as content becomes easier to create. Organizations that can provide authoritative, reliable insights will have a significant advantage in an AI-driven world.Influence often grows as a byproduct of helping others solve problems. Leaders who focus on supporting colleagues, building relationships, and creating value naturally expand their impact over time.The future belongs to organizations that can combine technology, data, and human expertise. Success will come from using AI to enhance decision-making while preserving the relationships and judgment that drive meaningful outcomes. Quote of the Show: "Make it your mission to solve interesting problems and help other people. The influence will just be a byproduct of those behaviors, of the listening, the building trust, and really with those things as the foundation." Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshresnik/ Website: https://fiscalnote.com/

    The Influence Playbook: Josh Resnik on Trust, Listening, and Leadership

  8. Jul 15

    Influence Is a Feeling: Lessons in Authentic Leadership from [solidcore] CEO Bryan Myers

    In this episode of Chief Influencer®, Anthony Shop sits down with Bryan Myers, President and CEO of [solidcore], to explore why the most effective leaders don't lead from a distance—they lead through experience, authenticity, and connection. Bryan shares how becoming a [solidcore] coach helped him build credibility with employees, clients, and industry peers, and why understanding the frontline experience is essential for any leader. The conversation dives into personal branding, vulnerability, servant leadership, and the balance between staying authentic while adapting to different audiences. Bryan also explains why influence is less about persuasion and more about how you make people feel. From coaching under the blue lights to showing up in private equity boardrooms in a pink suit, Bryan offers a powerful reminder that leadership works best when people see the human behind the title. Takeaways: Credibility is built when leaders take the time to understand the frontline experience firsthand. By spending time alongside employees and learning what their work actually involves, leaders gain valuable perspective and earn trust that can't be achieved through a title alone.Authenticity doesn't mean showing up the same way in every room—it means staying true to who you are while adapting to the audience. Great leaders understand how to adjust their communication style to different situations without compromising their values or identity.Personal brands are built through consistency, not performance. A strong personal brand comes from regularly sharing your genuine perspectives and values, not from chasing trends or trying to create a polished image.The strongest leaders create environments where vulnerability and honesty are encouraged. When leaders are transparent about challenges and willing to admit they don't have all the answers, they create a culture built on trust and open communication.People connect with people, not institutions. Accessibility builds trust. Leaders who are approachable, visible, and willing to engage directly with employees, customers, and stakeholders create stronger relationships and deeper loyalty.Successful brands know exactly who they serve—and who they don't. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, the strongest brands stay focused on their core audience and consistently deliver an experience that aligns with their values.Lasting influence comes from making people feel valued, capable, and understood. The most influential leaders help others recognize their potential and leave people feeling more confident, empowered, and supported. Quote of the Show: “Real influence is really about how you make people feel. When they are in your presence, when you are working alongside them, because when you figure out the unlock to making them feel the way that you want, that is when they will run through a brick wall for you.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myersb/ Website: https://www.solidcore.co/

    Influence Is a Feeling: Lessons in Authentic Leadership from [solidcore] CEO Bryan Myers
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About

Washington is the Center of Influence - in the U.S. and arguably the world. Chief Influencer® spotlights leaders who have figured out how to break through in today’s fragmented and noisy world. Social Driver teamed up with The George Washington University College of Professional Studies and The Communications Board to recognize these leaders as Chief Influencers and highlight how they inspire and influence others.

Information

  • Creator
    Social Driver
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Social Driver
  • Show Website
    Chief Influencer®

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