Chief Influencer

This week's episode features Fabrice Houdart, the Executive Director of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors. He explores his career dedicated to economic empowerment and advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality. Fabrice reflects on his transition from roles at organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations to founding initiatives aimed at increasing LGBTQ+ representation on corporate boards. 

He discusses the challenges and successes of organizing underrepresented groups and offers insights into leadership and influence in corporate governance. The conversation also touches on his personal experiences with self-doubt and how he leverages platforms like Substack and LinkedIn to engage and inspire the community.

Takeaways:
  • Embrace Diversity for Better Outcomes: Ensure your leadership includes diverse voices (LGBTQ+, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic) as this can lead to better decision-making and outcomes. Representation is not just for the sake of it; diverse perspectives can provide unique solutions and innovations.
  • Be Authentic in Your Leadership Style: Leaders should find and embrace their own genuine style of influence rather than emulating a traditionally confrontational or aggressive approach. Authentic leadership fosters trust and loyalty.
  • Build a Supportive Board Culture: When creating or leading a board, involve people who bring different strengths and perspectives. Encourage a culture where voices are heard and valued, and work actively to remove barriers that have historically excluded underrepresented groups.
  • Leverage Influence Through Strategic Partnerships: Partner with other groups and allies who are focused on similar objectives. Interpersonal relationships between groups can enhance advocacy and impact. Cooperation over competition ensures progress for all underrepresented groups.
  • Consistent Communication Is Key: Regular and consistent communication through platforms like LinkedIn or Substack helps to build and maintain influence. Don’t underestimate the importance of staying connected and communicating your mission and values.
  • Seek and Value Diverse Opinions: In decision-making processes, involve a variety of voices to ensure broader perspectives and better-informed outcomes. Regularly seek advice and feedback from different stakeholders to improve your strategies and initiatives.
  • Acknowledge and Address Self-Doubt: Recognize that self-doubt is common and can be influenced by past experiences. Addressing it openly can be empowering and can help you move forward more confidently. Build a community or support network to help mitigate these feelings and reinforce your achievements.

Quote of the Show:
  • Starting to realize that people in leadership positions are actually people like us, and in many ways, they are not superhumans, really helped decrease my own self-doubt. Interacting with people in positions of leadership is what ultimately gave me more confidence in my own ability to lead."
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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.