Chief Influencer®

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.”

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Shout Outs:

Creators and Guests

Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Amanda Goyette
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.

What is Chief Influencer®?

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.