Chief Influencer®

In today’s fragmented and fast-moving influence landscape, what does it mean to lead with principle—and still drive real impact?

In this episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop sits down with Peter Goettler, President and CEO of the Cato Institute, to explore how principled leadership can be a powerful force for influence in Washington and beyond.

Peter shares how he has guided one of the nation’s most influential think tanks by staying grounded in core values—while evolving its strategy to meet the demands of a digital, decentralized world.

From expanding Cato’s reach beyond the Beltway to building a national network of over 20,000 educators, Peter offers a compelling look at how influence is earned through credibility, consistency, and connection.

Takeaways:
  • Principle as a Competitive Advantage: In a world where positions shift quickly, Peter makes the case that consistency builds trust. Influence isn’t just about persuasion—it’s about credibility. When audiences know where you stand, they’re more likely to listen.
  • Influence Through Common Ground: Rather than avoiding disagreement, Peter embraces it. By focusing on areas of alignment across political divides, leaders can move ideas forward without compromising core beliefs.
  • Incremental Change, Strategic Direction: Big change rarely happens overnight. Peter shares how effective leaders pursue incremental progress—while staying aligned with a clear “north star.”
  • Expanding Influence Beyond Traditional Channels: The think tank model has evolved. Instead of relying solely on white papers and policy elites, Cato now prioritizes distribution—leveraging digital platforms, real-time engagement, and viral moments to reach broader audiences.
  • Investing in the Next Generation of Influence: Through its nationwide educator initiative, Cato is helping rebuild civic culture—equipping teachers and students with tools for civil discourse, critical thinking, and respectful disagreement.
  • Leadership Without Imitation: Peter challenges the idea that leaders must follow the same playbook. Whether it’s skipping social media or redefining outreach strategies, authentic leadership means focusing on what drives the greatest impact—not what others are doing.
  • Preparation Creates Breakthrough Moments: A viral exchange featuring a Cato expert wasn’t planned—but it was possible because of deep preparation, expertise, and clarity of conviction. Influence favors those who are ready.

Quote of the Show:
  • “Being rooted in principle, being seen as having a high level of integrity and credibility, is a very important element in having influence, exerting influence, and ultimately persuading people.”

Links:

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
Peter Goettler
President and CEO of the Cato Insitute
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.