Chief Influencer®

To celebrate the release of Camille Stewart Gloster’s new book, The Insider You Built: How Organizations Stay in Control of Autonomous AI Agents, we’re revisiting our conversation with Camille, CEO and Principal at CAS Strategies, LLC. Drawing on her experience at the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, Google, and other leading organizations, Camille shares how her career at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, law, and policy has shaped the way she approaches leadership and influence.

Camille discusses the importance of bringing diverse perspectives into conversations about emerging technology, creating policies rooted in values rather than specific technologies, and building collaboration across government, industry, and civil society. She also explains why people should feel empowered to participate in conversations about AI and cybersecurity, including through initiatives like The ABCs of Cybersecurity. As organizations increasingly navigate autonomous AI, the lessons from this conversation feel especially timely and offer a strong foundation for the questions Camille explores in her new book.

Takeaways:
  • Understand Stakeholders' Motivations: Before engaging in any negotiation or attempting to influence others, it's crucial to understand the motivations and priorities of the stakeholders involved. This knowledge will help find common ground and build a foundation for productive discussions.
  • Articulate a Clear Vision: Successful leaders set a clear, affirmative vision that resonates with their audience's fundamental values and aspirations. This approach inspires and motivates people to align with the leader's goals and objectives.
  • Foster Collaboration: It is essential to bring together various stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and different government agencies. Leaders must facilitate collaboration by highlighting shared goals and balancing different motivations to advance a common agenda.
  • Be Transparent and Communicative: Open and transparent communication is key to building trust and aligning competing priorities. Leaders should consistently update stakeholders on progress, challenges, and any areas of confusion to maintain a candid dialogue.
  • Encourage Proactive and Resilient Policies: Instead of reacting to threats or technological changes, focus on policies that protect core values and establish a proactive, resilient framework. This approach allows for better adaptation to future challenges and technological evolutions.
  • Promote Education and Empowerment: Leaders should advocate for education and empowerment in technology and cybersecurity. Engaging communities and providing the necessary tools and knowledge will ensure broader participation and resilience in the digital age.
  • Recognize the Importance of Diversity: Diverse perspectives are critical in addressing complex issues like national security, cybersecurity, and AI. Leaders should strive to include individuals from various backgrounds to foster innovative solutions and create an inclusive environment.

Quote of the Show:
  • “It is important for people to feel empowered in and through technology. There's a lot of opportunity- economic, career, and creative- and I don't want people to get or feel left behind." 

Links:

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
Guest
Camille Stewart Gloster
CEO and Principal at CAS Strategies, LLC

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.