Chief Influencer

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop brings together highlights and lessons on LinkedIn from prominent leaders—Steven Taylor, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, Allan Golston, President of the United States Program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Emma Wade-Smith, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General.

The episode delves into how these leaders use LinkedIn to drive leadership and influence while maintaining authenticity. They discuss strategies for engaging with their team, combating isolation, and building a positive organizational culture through genuine interactions on LinkedIn. Key takeaways include the importance of authenticity, active engagement, and showing genuine care to leverage LinkedIn for impactful leadership

Takeaways:
  • Prioritize Authentic Engagement: Engage genuinely on LinkedIn by responding personally to comments and messages. Avoid fake posts and always use your authentic voice, even if it includes typos.
  • Listen with Heart and Mind: Show genuine interest in your team by listening to their concerns and taking actionable steps. Create structures that facilitate open communication, such as moving your office to a more accessible location.
  • Two-Way Communication: Foster a two-way exchange on LinkedIn. Engage with followers by responding to their comments and questions, showing that you value their interaction.
  • Personal Recognition: Use LinkedIn to recognize and uplift team members and colleagues by commenting on their achievements, birthdays, or work anniversaries. Personalized recognition can significantly boost morale.
  • Thoughtful Content Sharing: Share content that resonates with your audience. Incorporate visuals like videos and images to grab attention. Avoid overliking, and engage meaningfully in conversations.
  • Human-Centric Leadership: Demonstrate care for your team by acknowledging their hard work and involvement on social media. This builds a supportive and warm organizational culture.
  • Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay open to trying new LinkedIn features and techniques to see what best resonates with your audience. Adapt and innovate continuously to keep your engagement fresh and meaningful.
Links:
Steven Taylor,
Johnny C. Taylor Jr
Allan Golston
Emma-Wade Smith 

Creators & 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
Amanda loves bringing people's visions to life through podcasting!
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?

Chief Influencer is a podcast that explores how today’s successful leaders inspire and influence others to make an impact in the world. They aren’t just Chief Executives, they’re “Chief Influencers.” We interview a range of leaders and uncover how they build authentic connections - both inside their organizations and beyond. Your next breakthrough idea may come from a Chief Influencer facing similar challenges in a completely different sector.