Chief Influencer®

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Aug 2026

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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.

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August 19, 2026Episode 16854 min

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/ Easterseals American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition for Health AI Digital Medicine Society Consumer Technology Association Patient Experience and Innovation Center

August 12, 2026Episode 16747 min

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 Affairs Simon Sinek

August 5, 2026Episode 1661 hr 3 min

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

July 29, 2026Episode 16557 min

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/

July 22, 2026Episode 16455 min

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/

July 15, 2026Episode 16350 min

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/

July 8, 2026Episode 1621 hr 25 min

Voices on the Future of News: Trust in the Age of Creators and AI

In a special panel episode of Chief Influencer®, recorded live at the Embassy of Austria in partnership with the National Digital Roundtable, Anthony Shop moderates a conversation on the forces reshaping how people discover, trust, and engage with information. He's joined by Jenny Abamu, Maryland Policy & Politics Reporter at WAMU 88.5; Katerina Eva Matsa, Director of News & Information Research at Pew Research Center; Tony "TonyPinDC" Polcari, Principal and On-Air Host of Current Strategy at Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Fox 5 DC; and Peter Cherukuri, Founder of LeaderForce Studios. Together they unpack how audience fragmentation, the rise of independent creators, and artificial intelligence are rewriting both the business of news and the public's relationship with truth. The conversation goes well past media-industry shop talk. Jenny and Tony describe how they've built trust by showing their work and embracing imperfection on social platforms; Kat brings the research on why institutional trust has eroded while local news and creator relationships largely haven't, and Peter unpacks the business models, from "front porch, premium backyard" strategies to AI as an accelerant rather than a replacement, that will determine who survives the shift. For any leader navigating a fragmented, AI-accelerated information environment, this episode is a working playbook for earning and keeping trust. Takeaways: Influence Has Become Personal: Trust is shifting away from institutions and toward the people who represent them. The organizations winning today are the ones empowering authentic voices to build relationships at scale. Authenticity Beats Polish, Even With the "Ums": A stumble, an accent, an unscripted moment — these read as more human and more trustworthy than a flawlessly produced segment, especially with younger and social-first audiences. Local News Wins on Trust Because of Proximity: Audiences trust local journalists more than national outlets largely because they believe those journalists are embedded in their communities. Local news is also one of the few places where partisan polarization in media trust hasn't taken hold. Utility Is the New Trust Currency: People extend trust to whoever actually helps them do something — understand a ballot measure, navigate a local issue, do their job better. Business models built around real utility are outperforming strategies built purely for scale. Short-Form Content Is the Gatekeeper to Long-Form Trust: In the "clip economy," a strong first few seconds earns the right to a longer relationship. Audiences hand over their attention in stages, and creators who win the short clip can convert that into deeper engagement over time. AI Can Accelerate the Work, But It Can't Build the Relationship: Every panelist agreed AI is already speeding up production, editing, and research — but none believe it can replace source relationships, lived experience, or the judgment required to interpret what people actually mean. Owning Your Faults Builds More Trust Than Hiding Them: Audiences are forgiving of mistakes and unforgiving of cover-ups. Being transparent about missteps, rather than scrubbing them, is one of the fastest ways to build durable credibility. Quote of the Show: "Trust is the gold coin of this media age." — Jenny Abamu Links: Jenny Abamu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyabamu/ WAMU: https://wamu.org/person/jenny-abamu/ Katerina Eva Matsa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmatsa/ Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/katerina-eva-matsa/ Tony "TonyPinDC" Polcari LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyjpolcari/ Fox 5 DC: https://www.fox5dc.com/ Peter Cherukuri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercherukuri/ Embassy of Austria: https://www.austria.org/ National Digital Roundtable: https://www.digitalroundtable.org/ Shout Outs: Anna Palmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-palmer-124a295/ 2WAY: https://2way.tv/ “Machines of Loving Grace”: https://darioamodei.com/essay/machines-of-loving-grace

July 1, 2026Episode 16131 min

Listening Is Leadership: How Trust and Relationships Create Influence

In this special compilation episode of Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop brings together lessons from leaders across media, public policy, healthcare, and advocacy to explore a central theme: why great leaders listen first. The episode features conversations with Emma O’Brian, General Manager, Factiva at Dow Jones; Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association; Lesley Lopez, Maryland State Delegate; and Jeff Todd, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness. Together, they share insights on authenticity, coalition building, trust, vulnerability, and the power of human connection in today’s fragmented communications landscape. From Emma O’Brien’s reflections on why “faces are the new logos,” to Dr. Evans’ stories about community listening in Philadelphia, to Lesley Lopez’s perspective on authenticity in politics, and Jeff Todd’s emphasis on relationships as the foundation of leadership, the episode reveals a consistent truth: influence is built through trust, not transactions. Whether discussing social media, policymaking, organizational leadership, or public engagement, each guest underscores that people are more likely to follow leaders who listen deeply, communicate honestly, and show up as real people. In a world saturated with content and noise, this episode offers a timely reminder that authentic influence still begins with human connection. Takeaways: Faces Build Trust Faster Than Logos: Leaders who communicate authentically and consistently create familiarity and trust in ways institutions alone often cannot. Podcasts, social platforms, and personal storytelling help humanize organizations. Authenticity Is an Internal Leadership Skill Too: Influence is not only external-facing. Inside organizations, trust and credibility are built through honesty, consistency, and authentic relationships across teams and stakeholders. Listening Creates Better Solutions: Arthur Evans’ stories from Philadelphia demonstrate that communities often already hold the wisdom needed to solve their own problems — leaders simply need to listen deeply enough to uncover it. Vulnerability Strengthens Public Leadership: Leaders who openly acknowledge their lived experiences and personal journeys create stronger emotional connections and greater credibility with audiences. Coalition Building Requires Respect, Not Just Agreement: Effective influence comes from building long-term relationships, listening to opposing viewpoints, and creating consensus without compromising core principles. Digital Platforms Can Deepen Human Relationships: LinkedIn and other platforms are most effective when used not just for broadcasting accomplishments, but for maintaining authentic relationships and celebrating others. Influence Starts with Genuine Human Connection: Across every conversation in this compilation, one theme emerged consistently: leadership becomes easier — and more impactful — when people feel understood, valued, and included. Quote of the Show: “Inherent in every community is the wisdom to solve its own problems.” — Arthur C. Evans Jr. Links: Emma O’Brian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmavobrian/ Website: https://www.dowjones.com/ Arthur C. Evans LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-evans-phd/ Website: https://www.apa.org/ Lesley Lopez LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleylopez/ Website: https://www.gwu.edu/ Jeff Todd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftoddjd/ Website: https://preventblindness.org/

June 24, 2026Episode 16045 min

Borrowing Trust and Building Influence with Dr. Loretta Doan of AAI

What does it take to influence people in an era where trust is harder to earn, and attention is harder to capture? In this episode of Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop sits down with Dr. Loretta Doan, CEO of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI), to explore how leaders can turn expertise into influence, build trust across diverse audiences, and create alignment that drives meaningful impact. Drawing on a career that spans science, communications, policy, and association leadership, Loretta shares how she helped transform AAI into a more outward-facing organization and talks about the launch of the Immunology Explained initiative. Along the way, she reveals why influence is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about earning credibility, empowering others, and creating opportunities for trusted messengers to connect with the audiences they serve. The conversation explores the power of "borrowing trust," building internal alignment before pursuing external visibility, and why authentic leadership is more important than polished messaging in today's environment. Whether you're leading a nonprofit, association, company, or movement, this episode offers practical lessons on how influence is built, sustained, and scaled. Takeaways: Influence Starts With Listening: Before leaders can communicate effectively, they must understand their audience. Loretta explains that meaningful influence begins with listening, learning where people are coming from, and meeting them where they are. Trust Is Built Through People: Institutions may struggle to earn trust, but people still trust other people. Leaders can extend their reach by empowering ambassadors, advocates, and trusted voices who can connect authentically with their own communities. Internal Alignment Creates External Impact: Successful public-facing initiatives rarely start with marketing campaigns. They begin with alignment among leadership, staff, stakeholders, and members. When people share a common vision, influence becomes far more powerful. Borrowing Trust Accelerates Credibility: One of the episode's most memorable concepts is the idea of "borrowing trust." Strategic partnerships with respected experts, creators, and advocates can help organizations reach new audiences and build credibility faster. Great Leaders Create Space for Better Decisions: Loretta shares how presenting multiple options rather than forcing binary choices helps encourage collaboration, reduce defensiveness, and create stronger outcomes across teams and boards. Authenticity Matters More Than Perfection: In a world saturated with polished content, authentic human connection stands out. Influence grows when leaders show up as people first and allow others to connect with the human side of leadership. Influence Evolves Over Time: Early in a career, influence often feels tied to personal recognition. As leaders mature, influence becomes less about individual visibility and more about helping others succeed and creating lasting impact through collective effort. Quote of the Show: "People trust people. We borrow the trust of these influencers who do have these followings of people who trust them." Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-doan-9b876a4/ AAI Website: https://www.aai.org/ Immunology Explained: https://linktr.ee/immunologyexplained Shout Outs: Gwen Fortune-Blakey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwenfortuneblakely/ Dr. Meghan Martin: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beachgem10 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beachgem10

June 17, 2026Episode 15942 min

The Communicator’s Advantage: GHSA's Jonathan Adkins on Effective Influence

What does it take to influence behavior in a polarized world — especially when lives are on the line? In this episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop sits down with Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association, to explore how influence, storytelling, and authenticity can drive real-world change. Jonathan shares how he evolved from a communications professional to a CEO, why communicators make strong leaders, and how he has built coalitions across government, business, and advocacy groups to tackle America’s roadway safety crisis. The conversation spans leadership visibility, survivor advocacy, LinkedIn strategy, podcasting, and the role of influence in shaping both public policy and public behavior. But this conversation goes far beyond traffic safety. Jonathan offers a thoughtful perspective on leadership in an era where trust is fragmented, and attention is scarce. He explains why leaders must listen before they speak, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and why influence is only valuable if it leads to action. For executives, communicators, and changemakers alike, this episode is a powerful reminder that the most effective leaders are not necessarily the loudest — they are the ones who connect stories, people, and purpose to inspire meaningful change. Takeaways: Influence Must Lead to Action: Jonathan believes influence is only meaningful if it drives measurable change — whether that’s safer roads, stronger policies, or cultural shifts around behavior and accountability. Communicators Make Strong Leaders: Having risen from communications into the CEO role, Jonathan argues communicators belong at the decision-making table from the very beginning — not just when it’s time to announce a decision. Stories Make People Care: Data creates credibility, but stories create emotional connection. Jonathan combines both to help audiences understand the human cost behind roadway safety statistics. Authenticity Builds Trust: Whether on LinkedIn, in podcasts, or during in-person conversations, Jonathan emphasizes showing up as a real person — not just a title. He believes leaders gain influence when they embrace authenticity instead of over-curating their image. Listening Is a Leadership Skill: Jonathan explains that leadership in a polarized environment requires listening more than speaking, asking better questions, and staying open to perspectives that differ from your own. Empower Others to Expand Influence: One of Jonathan’s core leadership philosophies is elevating his team and giving others the platform to shine — whether through media opportunities, conferences, or social media visibility. Consistency Creates Momentum: From LinkedIn engagement to podcasting and coalition-building, Jonathan shows how consistent communication and visibility can steadily grow trust, partnerships, and influence over time. Quote of the Show: “Influence is about making change and being effective at making change.” Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanghsa/ Website: https://www.ghsa.org/