Chief Influencer®

Dr. Matthew Naylor, President and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Under his leadership, this Kansas City landmark has become more than a museum; it’s a living, breathing front porch for the community and a destination for visitors from around the globe.

Dr. Naylor shares how the museum honors those who served while also “confessing the horrors of war,” using immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology to connect history to today’s challenges. He reflects on what it means to make an institution porous, inviting the community in for everything from the Stars and Stripes Picnic to championship parades, and why influence comes not from being the center of the story, but from serving others and helping them create their own memories.

Along the way, listeners will hear lessons in leadership, philanthropy, and trust, from rethinking board engagement, to building unexpected partnerships (yes, even around tattoos and cannabis), to using language as a tool for uniting rather than dividing.

If you’ve ever wondered how influence can be rooted in service, humility, and storytelling, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:
  • Lead with service, not ego. Influence grows when you focus on helping others create their stories rather than positioning yourself as the star.
  • Make your organization “porous.” Remove barriers and invite people in—whether for community events, partnerships, or unexpected collaborations.
  • Balance reverence with honesty. Honor sacrifice while also “confessing the horrors” of difficult truths—holding tension builds credibility and trust.
  • Leverage technology to deepen human connection. Use immersive storytelling tools, but root them in authentic voices and real history.
  • Play to your board members’ strengths. Align their passions and assets with your mission to multiply your organization’s impact.
  • Expand influence through partnerships. Collaborate outside traditional boundaries (tattoos, cannabis, sports) to connect with new audiences.
  • Guard public trust. Transparency, ethics, and accountability are non-negotiable—especially when leading institutions that carry civic responsibility.

Quote of the Show:
  • “I have learned that by calling people or articulating a vision, a hopeful future for an organization, being able to articulate the purpose of the organization, and inviting people if that resonates with them to be a part of it, is a really powerful way of influencing others.”

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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
Matthew Naylor
President and CEO of the United States National WWI Museum and Memorial
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.