Chief Influencer®

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.”

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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
Jonathan Adkins
CEO at Governors Highway Safety Association - Host of “The Intersection” Podcast
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.