Chief Influencer®

Social Driver
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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. Terry Szuplat on How to Say It Well and Find Your Voice (Re-Air)

    15H AGO

    Terry Szuplat on How to Say It Well and Find Your Voice (Re-Air)

    We’re excited to re-air this powerful conversation with Terry Szuplat, former White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama and author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience. Originally released as an in-person discussion, this episode quickly became a listener favorite for its timeless insights into authentic communication. Terry explores why simplicity, clarity, and personal storytelling matter more than ever—especially in a noisy digital age. Whether you missed it the first time or are revisiting it for fresh inspiration, this conversation offers practical guidance for leaders, communicators, and anyone striving to speak with impact. Takeaways: Talk Like a Human: Communicate with clarity and avoid jargon so your message resonates.Know Yourself Deeply: Authentic influence starts with understanding your identity and values.Utilize Personal Stories: Your unique experiences create connection and credibility.Prepare Thoughtfully: Terry’s 50-25-25 rule helps craft messages that hit the mark.Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection: Audiences value sincerity more than flawless delivery. Quote of the Show: "When you tell the stories that only you can tell, then no one can steal your words, ever." Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/about/Say It Well: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/say-it-well-terry-szuplat Shout Outs: Former President Barack ObamaTim WalzThe George Washington University College of Professional Studies

    39 min
  2. Disability Is a Strength: How Business Leads the Future of Disability Inclusion | Jill Houghton

    6D AGO

    Disability Is a Strength: How Business Leads the Future of Disability Inclusion | Jill Houghton

    In this powerful episode, Anthony Shop sits down with Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN, the world’s leading nonprofit driving disability inclusion and accessibility across global business. With a career shaped by personal experience, public policy, and transformative corporate partnerships, Jill shares how she has helped build a global movement rooted in the belief that disability is a strength and a critical competitive advantage for companies. Jill brings more than leadership insights; she brings stories of CEOs, next-gen talent, global boards, and individuals who found their voice through disability inclusion. Together, these stories illustrate how influence fueled by authenticity, visibility, and data can create lasting change. Takeaways: Disability as a Strength—and a Source of Innovation: Jill describes how her own learning disability shaped her understanding of disability inclusion and purpose. She explains why disability is not a deficit but a “natural part of the human experience” that brings insight, adaptability, and innovation to business.From Policy to Business: Where Real Influence Happens: After early work supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act, Jill realized that legislation alone can’t change attitudes. Business, she says, has unmatched power to accelerate disability inclusion—especially when leaders see disability inclusion as good for business, not just good intentions.The Rise of Cross-Industry “Frenemies”: Jill shares how competitors across tech, finance, and healthcare have become collaborators through Disability:IN—driving each other to improve, learn, and push the movement forward.Inside the Disability Index: Jill breaks down the origins, purpose, and future of the Disability Index, now in its 12th year and undergoing a major modernization. She reveals why companies crave maturity models, benchmarking, and transparent reporting—and how measurement fuels momentum: “What gets measured matters.”Visibility as a Strategy for Influence: Jill discusses why encouraging leaders to talk openly about disability—internally and publicly—is essential. Visibility creates momentum, breaks stigma, and empowers others to come forward.Stories That Change Culture: From Microsoft’s Jenny Lay-Flurrie openly identifying as deaf, to a senior executive who uses captions in secret finally naming his disability, Jill shows how storytelling unlocks culture change.Influence as Connection, Trust, and Listening: Jill closes with her personal definition of influence: using your power for good by listening first, building trust, and responding authentically to the needs of others. Quote of the Show: “Disability is a strength and a natural part of the human experience.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-houghton/ Website: https://disabilityin.org/

    44 min
  3. Why All Influence Is Personal: Darra Gordon on Leading With Heart

    DEC 10

    Why All Influence Is Personal: Darra Gordon on Leading With Heart

    Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality, is the national organization advancing legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families. Darra stepped into the role at a pivotal moment, when more than 600 anti-LBGTQ+ bills were introduced across the country, and she brings more than two decades of leadership at the intersection of advocacy, culture change, and community-building. Darra shares how Family Equality advances its mission through a simple but memorable framework: (ACE) Advocate, Connect, Educate. From fighting for policy protections at every level of government to convening the largest LGBTQ+ family gathering in the world, Family Equality is working to secure freedom, safety, and belonging for every family. Throughout the episode, Darra offers rich insights on the role of storytelling, coalition-building, and people-centered leadership, and how influence becomes strongest when leaders bring the personal and professional together. As a parent of three, Darra discusses her own experience navigating unequal family recognition in a hospital setting and how that fuels her fight for nationwide protections. This conversation reveals how influence today is less about transaction and more about trust, humanity, and bringing people along a shared journey. Takeaways: Lead With Lived Experience to Build Trust: Influence deepens when you ground your message in what’s personal. Share the real stories—your own and those of your community—that reveal the stakes and human impact behind your mission.Equip People to Tell Their Own Stories: Everyday advocates are powerful change agents. Provide families, supporters, and community members with tools and guidance to safely and confidently share their experiences, especially when those stories can influence policy.Build Resilience Through People-Centered Leadership: Organizations can only move fast if their foundations are strong. Invest in your team’s wellbeing, listen deeply, and create a culture where people feel supported—so they can stay mission-focused even in challenging environments.Use Community to Spark Collective Action: Connection is a catalyst for advocacy. Bring people together—in person or online—to create belonging, generate energy, and inspire them to take action on shared priorities.Make Coalitions Your Force Multiplier: No one drives systemic change alone. Identify shared interests across sectors, movements, and political perspectives, then build coalitions that amplify each partner’s strengths and expand the impact beyond what any one group could achieve.Be Nimble, Even When the Mission Is Steadfast: A fast-changing world requires operational agility. Build a strong organizational core while keeping systems flexible enough to pivot quickly in response to political, economic, or cultural shifts.Influence Through Listening, Not Leverage: Persuasion in today’s climate isn’t about transactions—it’s about trust. Listen first, understand the concerns and motivations of the people you’re trying to reach, and bring them along by showing how your shared goals align. Quote of the Show: “Storytelling shows people who we are—the joy, the laughter, the everyday parts of being a family. All influence is personal. It’s not transactional—it’s built on trust.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darra-gordon-99730243/ Website: https://familyequality.org/

    41 min
  4. Influence Over Authority: President Ellen Granberg on Building Trust and Leading with Authenticity

    DEC 3

    Influence Over Authority: President Ellen Granberg on Building Trust and Leading with Authenticity

    In this special live edition of the Chief Influencer podcast, recorded at The George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, host Anthony Shop sits down with Dr. Ellen M. Granberg, the 19th president of GW and the first woman to lead the institution in its 200+ year history. President Granberg shares her journey from accidental leader to national influencer in higher education, offering candid insights on authenticity, influence, student success, and leading through historic change. She reflects on GW’s ambitious new strategic framework, Raising Higher: GW’s Path to Preeminence, and why she believes Washington, D.C., will remain the epicenter of influence for generations of students. This episode explores leadership rooted in purpose, community, and adaptability, hallmarks of a true Chief Influencer. Takeaways: Lead Through Influence, Not Authority: President Granberg emphasizes that formal power rarely drives progress; informal networks, trust, and relationships do. Leaders should invest time in understanding how influence actually flows inside their organizations and use that knowledge to move initiatives forward.Build Strategies With Your Community, Not For Them: The boldest parts of GW’s strategic framework originated from community feedback. Co-creation strengthens ownership, alignment, and ambition. Leaders should treat listening sessions not as a formality but as a genuine source of direction.Stay Flexible: Use a Compass, Not a Checklist: In an unpredictable world, rigid multi-year plans quickly become obsolete. Granberg’s “strategic framework” approach shows that leaders should focus on direction and values, while leaving space for innovation, adaptability, and real-world changes.Elevate Stories to Build Connection and Belonging: President Granberg repeatedly returns to the power of storytelling, highlighting research impact, student experiences, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Leaders can strengthen internal culture and external reputation by telling stories that make values tangible.Cultivate Resilience Through Real-World Experiences: Creating opportunities for students to experiment, fail, adapt, and lead—such as internships, student government roles, and placements in humanitarian organizations—builds durable leadership skills. Any organization can apply this by giving people stretch roles and meaningful responsibilities, while providing the support they need to thrive.Use Social Media Strategically Through Trusted Messengers: Posting alone isn’t enough. Granberg learned to partner with the Student Government Association to reach students effectively. Leaders should map who their audiences trust and work through those individuals or channels to amplify key messages.Model Authenticity and Show When Your Mind Has Changed: President Granberg views authenticity as essential to trust, and she openly shares moments when community input changed her perspective. Leaders can strengthen credibility by showing vulnerability, admitting evolution in their thinking, and being consistent in how they show up. Quote of the Show: “When I was younger, I used to believe that if you were going to lead, you had to change your personality. What I have learned over time is that to lead authentically is one of the most powerful ways to build trust because you show up on a consistent basis, and you start to build confidence among the folks you’re working with, among the community that you’re leading. And that has just been a wonderful lesson for me. It’s not about becoming someone different from who I am; it’s about becoming more of exactly who I am and then folding that into the way that I lead.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-granberg-0b6b607/ Website: https://www.gwu.edu/

    58 min
  5. Max Friedman on Making Giving Fun for Today's Changemakers (Re-Air)

    NOV 26

    Max Friedman on Making Giving Fun for Today's Changemakers (Re-Air)

    Max Friedman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Givebutter, an all-in-one nonprofit fundraising and CRM platform that has powered nearly $2 billion in donations. Having started the company in his college dorm room, Max's journey highlights the blend of self-taught technical skills and a mission-driven approach to make online giving fun, social, and transparent.  In this episode, you’ll learn how Givebutter's unique branding and commitment to transparency have contributed to its success and how Max's leadership strategies, especially in a remote work environment, emphasize values and culture to drive impact and growth.  Additionally, Max shares insightful advice on engaging the next generation of donors, adapting nonprofits to modern fundraising techniques, and the importance of building a strong team culture even when remote. Tune in to discover how Givebutter is revolutionizing the fundraising landscape and inspiring change across the nonprofit sector. Takeaways: Make Transparency Your Operating System: Influence grows when people know exactly what you stand for. Share your mission, pricing, roadmap, and even internal handbooks openly so your team and customers always understand how decisions are made.Build Culture Through Clarity, Especially Remotely: A strong culture doesn’t require four walls. Define your mission, vision, values, and guidelines in a comprehensive handbook and use it as the foundation for how your entire team works and grows together.Activate Micro-Influencers Through Peer-to-Peer Engagement: Your supporters are your most powerful ambassadors. Equip them with simple, shareable fundraising tools so they can champion your mission within their own communities.Close the Loop With a Transparent Feedback System: Influence is reinforced when people feel heard. Collect customer feedback, make it visible, act on it, and notify users when their ideas lead to real improvements.Lead Remote Teams With Flexibility and Trust: Remote work thrives when autonomy is respected. Set clear expectations, encourage flexible schedules, and support employees in shaping routines that help them perform at their best.Design Digital Spaces That Spark Human Connection: Recreate the energy of an in-person culture through online channels dedicated to shared interests. Pair this with recurring open social sessions to build authentic connections across your team.Strengthen Donor Relationships With Personal Moments: A fast, heartfelt “thank you” goes further than any automated message. Make prompt, personal gratitude part of your fundraising rhythm to deepen relationships and increase repeat giving. Quote of the Show: “Break through the noise and get the next generation of modern changemakers involved.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxfriedman1 Givebutter Website: https://givebutter.com  Shout Outs: Forbes: https://www.forbes.com The George Washington University: https://www.gwu.edu Children's Miracle Network Hospitals: https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org The Nonprofit Marketing Summit: https://www.nonprofitmarketingsummit.org Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP) Forge: https://www.bvp.com Zilker Metropolitan Park: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park The New England Patriots: https://www.patriots.com

    49 min
  6. Influence with Intention: Gary Jacobs on Mindfulness in Washington

    NOV 19

    Influence with Intention: Gary Jacobs on Mindfulness in Washington

    Gary Jacobs, widely known as The Zen Lobbyist, to explore how mindfulness and authenticity can fundamentally reshape influence in Washington. Drawing from decades of experience in health policy, government relations, and organizational leadership, Gary shares his journey from early-career advocate to a leader who grounds his work in stillness, compassion, and gratitude. He recounts the personal health challenges, including anxiety, panic attacks, and even a stroke, that forced him to slow down, reevaluate his identity, and adopt mindful practices that now guide both his life and his approach to influence. Through stories of policymaking, personal transformation, and professional reinvention, Gary illustrates how bringing humanity back into advocacy creates deeper trust and more effective impact. Gary also reflects on major milestones in modern healthcare, from the rise of HMOs to Medicare Advantage to value-based care, and what he learned from being inside some of the most consequential policy moments of the last several decades. He explains why relationship-building, not pressure or transactions, sits at the heart of sustainable influence, and why democratizing access to information is the next frontier of advocacy. Together, Gary and Anthony explore how leaders can foster connection in an increasingly tech-driven, high-pressure environment and why influence today requires not only strategic skill, but emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a willingness to lead with empathy. Takeaways: Start every day with stillness to set your strategy: Gary begins each morning with meditation and yoga, using stillness as the foundation for clarity before stepping into chaotic policy environments.Lead with compassion to build authentic, long-term relationships: Gary emphasizes that empathy—not pressure or transactions—is what creates trust with policymakers and partners.Practice gratitude consistently to renew energy and prevent burnout: Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships, grounds your leadership, and maintains resilience in high-stress fields.Redefine influence as education, not persuasion: Rather than selling a point of view, Gary focuses on educating members of Congress with honesty, transparency, and real-world context.Abandon rigid scripts and prepare to respond in the moment: After a transformative yoga retreat, Gary stopped scripting meetings and shifted to more authentic, adaptive conversations.Invest in relationships beyond positional power: Washington’s hierarchy is temporary—what endures is how people experience you as a human being, not the title you hold.Advocate for democratized, accessible information: Gary believes modern influence includes helping people navigate complex issues using real-time tools—podcasts, digital platforms, and transparent communication. Quote of the Show: “Compassion is influence. When you lead with empathy, people listen differently.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-jacobs-99966035/ Website: https://garymjacobs.com/

    45 min
  7. The Responsibility to Influence: Insights from Nonprofit CEOs | (Re-Air)

    NOV 12

    The Responsibility to Influence: Insights from Nonprofit CEOs | (Re-Air)

    We’re re-airing one of our most popular Chief Influencer® episodes, and for good reason. In this fan-favorite panel conversation, host Anthony Shop brings together an inspiring lineup of nonprofit leaders to talk about how they use their personal brands to power their missions and amplify impact. Featuring Steve Schwab (Elizabeth Dole Foundation), Jean Accius (Creating Healthier Communities), Katie Schubert (Society for Women’s Health Research), Jennifer Sirangelo (Points of Light), and Lidia Soto-Harmon (Student Conservation Association), this conversation explores how today’s nonprofit CEOs are showing up authentically, building community through digital storytelling, and leading with purpose in an ever-changing world. We loved this conversation for its honesty, insight, and generosity,  and it clearly resonated with our listeners, too. Whether you missed it the first time or are ready for a fresh dose of inspiration, this replay is packed with timeless lessons on leadership, authenticity, and influence for good. Takeaways: Start from within. The best nonprofit leaders know their greatest advocates begin inside their organization — among staff, volunteers, and board members.Authenticity builds trust. Blending the personal with the professional creates genuine connection and strengthens influence.Share the stage. Elevate others’ stories — staff, partners, or community members — to make your message more powerful and human.Think beyond your niche. Broaden your conversations to connect with new audiences and partners aligned with your mission.Be strategic but consistent. Plan ahead, but remember: even one thoughtful post or comment can make a meaningful impact.Show up visually. “Faces are the new logos” — leaders who put themselves out there amplify credibility and relatability.Leverage collaboration. Partnerships and cross-sector storytelling can expand your reach and deepen impact. Quote of the Show: “If people understand your ‘why,’ they may not agree with every decision, but they’ll understand it.” – Jean Accius Links: Kathryn Godburn SchubertLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/ Website: https://swhr.org/ Jean AccuiusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accius4/ Website: https://chcimpact.org/ Jennifer SirangeloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/ Lidia Soto-HarmonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-soto-harmon-a921a213/ Website: https://thesca.org/ Steven SchwabLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schwab7676/ Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

    55 min
  8. The Future of Public Affairs: AI, Advocacy, and Authentic Leadership | Alex Wirth

    NOV 5

    The Future of Public Affairs: AI, Advocacy, and Authentic Leadership | Alex Wirth

    Alex Wirth, Co-Founder and CEO of Quorum, joins Anthony Shop to explore what it really takes to lead with influence, from the Senate floor to the tech boardroom. Alex shares how he built one of Washington’s top civic tech startups from a Harvard dorm room and scaled it to more than 330 employees. He breaks down his “Hacker and Hustler” founding model, the evolution from “Superman” to “Captain America” leadership, and why consistency, clarity, and communication define great leaders. In this insightful conversation, Alex reveals his approach to influence inside organizations and in Washington, D.C., including how Quorum helps Fortune 500 companies, associations, and nonprofits advocate effectively. From using AI to personalize congressional outreach to leading with authenticity and transparency, Alex shows how influence today means building movements, not just managing teams. Takeaways: Communicate more—and more consistently. Great leaders are “Chief Reminding Officers” who repeat key priorities across channels until they stick.Know your strengths and build around them. Use tools like Gallup StrengthsFinder to balance influencers, executors, relationship builders, and strategic thinkers across your team.Adapt your leadership as you scale. Move from doing everything yourself (“Superman”) to empowering other leaders (“Captain Americas”) who can build their own high-performing teams.Personalize advocacy. Whether engaging staff or lawmakers, tailor messages to individuals. Authentic, human communication wins over one-size-fits-all tactics.Communicate, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Transparency during uncertainty builds trust faster than waiting for perfect answers.Measure and prove impact. Tie public affairs objectives to measurable outcomes, including financial value, to strengthen organizational credibility.Sustain your own energy. Prioritize rest, exercise, and downtime so you can bring your best self to your work and lead for the long haul. Quote of the Show: “Communicate when it’s most difficult to communicate—that’s when people need it most.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaliowirth/ Website: https://www.quorum.us/  Shoutouts:  Adrian Newey Autobiography: https://a.co/d/0RHW62Z

    47 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Social Driver
  • Show Website
    Chief Influencer®