Chief Influencer®

What does it really mean to lead ethically when the rules keep changing, and the public is watching every move? In this special live edition of Chief Influencer, recorded before a live audience at The George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) as part of the Paul O'Dwyer Forum for Political Ethics at GSPM, an annual endowed lecture series dedicated to advancing the study of ethics in political life, host Nneka Chiazor (President & CEO, Public Affairs Council) moderates a candid, high-stakes conversation about ethics, influence, and power in today's polarized world. It's exactly the kind of conversation GW was built for, where the next generation of leaders sits in the same room as the people who have already been tested.

Joined by former Congressman Michael Capuano (MA), former Congresswoman Mimi Walters (CA), and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Brody Mullins, author of The Wolves of K Street, the panel pulls no punches. Both Michael and Mimi served on the House Ethics Committee, and Brody has spent decades exposing the hidden mechanics of Washington influence. Together, they explore where ethical lines are drawn, who draws them, and what happens when no one does.

This episode is produced in partnership with GW's Graduate School of Political Management and the Former Members of Congress Association (FMC). This is a rare, unfiltered conversation from people who have lived it, and it's essential listening for anyone who wants to lead with integrity in a world where influence and accountability are constantly in tension.


Takeaways: 
  • Ethics Evolves with Society: Ethical standards are not static. The panel explored how cultural expectations shift over time and how leaders must continuously reassess where the lines are drawn.
  • Transparency Builds Accountability: Modern ethics systems increasingly rely on disclosure and public visibility, placing greater responsibility on both leaders and the public to evaluate behavior.
  • Influence Requires Internal Integrity: Both former members of Congress emphasized that ethical leadership begins with personal accountability—making decisions you can defend to your family, your constituents, and yourself.
  • Social Media Has Changed the Ethics Landscape: The panel discussed how platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok have accelerated exposure, shifted power dynamics, and transformed how scandals emerge and spread.
  • Most Leaders Are Trying to Do the Right Thing: Despite the focus on scandal in media coverage, Brody Mullins argued that the overwhelming majority of public servants and professionals operate ethically and responsibly.
  • Courage Is a Leadership Skill: Whether reporting misconduct, standing up to donors, or challenging colleagues, ethical leadership often requires the willingness to be unpopular in the short term.
  • The Next Generation Needs Ethical Preparedness: The conversation closed with a powerful discussion about whether institutions should proactively teach students how to navigate abuses of power, much like workplace safety or crisis preparedness training.

Quote of the Show:
  • "The rule in DC, I felt, always was, if you don't wanna see it above the fold on the front page of The Washington Post, then don't do it. Well, there is no above the fold anymore. There's no Washington Post anymore. So what is the rule now?" - Brody Mullins

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
Brody Mullins
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "The Wolves of K Street"
Producer
Drew Santorello
Senior Instructional Technologist at George Washington University
JA
Producer
Josef Javier Ayala
Senior Instructional Designer at The George Washington University - College of Professional Studies
Guest
Michael E. Capuano
Former Congressman
Guest
Mimi Walters
Former Congresswoman
Guest
Nneka Chiazor
President of the Public Affairs Council,
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.