Chief Influencer®

In this special compilation episode of Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop brings together lessons from leaders across media, public policy, healthcare, and advocacy to explore a central theme: why great leaders listen first. The episode features conversations with Emma O’Brian, General Manager, Factiva at Dow Jones; Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association; Lesley Lopez, Maryland State Delegate; and Jeff Todd, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness. Together, they share insights on authenticity, coalition building, trust, vulnerability, and the power of human connection in today’s fragmented communications landscape.

From Emma O’Brien’s reflections on why “faces are the new logos,” to Dr. Evans’ stories about community listening in Philadelphia, to Lesley Lopez’s perspective on authenticity in politics, and Jeff Todd’s emphasis on relationships as the foundation of leadership, the episode reveals a consistent truth: influence is built through trust, not transactions. Whether discussing social media, policymaking, organizational leadership, or public engagement, each guest underscores that people are more likely to follow leaders who listen deeply, communicate honestly, and show up as real people. In a world saturated with content and noise, this episode offers a timely reminder that authentic influence still begins with human connection.

Takeaways:
  • Faces Build Trust Faster Than Logos: Leaders who communicate authentically and consistently create familiarity and trust in ways institutions alone often cannot. Podcasts, social platforms, and personal storytelling help humanize organizations.
  • Authenticity Is an Internal Leadership Skill Too: Influence is not only external-facing. Inside organizations, trust and credibility are built through honesty, consistency, and authentic relationships across teams and stakeholders.
  • Listening Creates Better Solutions: Arthur Evans’ stories from Philadelphia demonstrate that communities often already hold the wisdom needed to solve their own problems — leaders simply need to listen deeply enough to uncover it.
  • Vulnerability Strengthens Public Leadership: Leaders who openly acknowledge their lived experiences and personal journeys create stronger emotional connections and greater credibility with audiences.
  • Coalition Building Requires Respect, Not Just Agreement: Effective influence comes from building long-term relationships, listening to opposing viewpoints, and creating consensus without compromising core principles.
  • Digital Platforms Can Deepen Human Relationships: LinkedIn and other platforms are most effective when used not just for broadcasting accomplishments, but for maintaining authentic relationships and celebrating others.
  • Influence Starts with Genuine Human Connection: Across every conversation in this compilation, one theme emerged consistently: leadership becomes easier — and more impactful — when people feel understood, valued, and included.

Quote of the Show:
  • “Inherent in every community is the wisdom to solve its own problems.” — Arthur C. Evans Jr.

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
Dr. Arthur Evans Jr.
CEO for American Psychological Association
Guest
Emma O'Brian
SVP, Strategy at Dow Jones
Guest
Jeff Todd
CEO, Prevent Blindness
Guest
Lesley Lopez
Assistant Professor & Director, Graduate Program for Public Relations and Communications | Maryland State Delegate
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.