Chief Influencer®

In this special episode of Chief Influencer, we wanted to highlight some of the key insights that our amazing guests have shared in their conversations with Host Anthony Shop. We hope you enjoy this curated selection of moments from each of our first eleven episodes! A Few Key Takeaways: “I believe all people need to have that voice and all people need to feel seen and represented from a stage.” -...

Anthony Woods is the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. After serving two tours of duty in Iraq and earning a Bronze Star, Anthony was discharged from the US Army under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy. Through his work, and the work of many dedicated others, that law, which barred members of the LGBTQ community from serving openly in the military, was repealed and Anthony r...

Gina Schaefer is the Co-Owner of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, Board Member at CCA Global Partners, and the Author of Recovery Hardware, a book about Schaefer's path to building a business that revitalized her neglected urban community and provided opportunities for everyone to thrive, no matter their past. While expanding to 13 hardware stores in the Washington, D.C. Gina established a culture of a...

Dean Fealk is the Co-Managing Partner of DLA Piper, founding member of the Halifax International Security Forum, Co-Founder of Transatlantic West, and Co-author of the Wall Street Journal Best-selling book Impact the World, a motivational guide to becoming a superpowered individual committed to improving your community―and the world―through your values and actions. Dean shares how he defines being...

Bruce Mehlman is the Founding Partner of Mehlman Consulting and a renowned lobbyist. Bruce shares quarterly infographic analyses for free which are packed with high-level insights that aren’t found anywhere else. Bruce explains why you should share your discoveries publicly, the importance of using brevity in your content, and why elevating others around you is so important! Takeaways: When you di...

Danica Roem is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and is currently a candidate for the Virginia State Senate. Danica is most well known as the United States’ first openly transgender state legislator. She is also a heavy metal vocalist, award-winning journalist, and author of the bestselling Burn The Page. Danica shares how to drive impactful change, why individuals must take the initiati...

Emma Wade-Smith is His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General in New York representing the United Kingdom. Emma shares how to leverage social media platforms to transform your personal and professional brand while remaining authentic, increasing engagement, and spreading positive messaging. Takeaways: Take a hands-on approach to your social media presence and activity. A...

Nedra Dickson is the Managing Director and Global Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability Lead at Accenture. Nedra is also the Chair of the Board of Directors for WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council). Nedra shares what supplier diversity really means for a Fortune 500 company, how to use your shoes to kickstart connections, and why LinkedIn can be a great channel for communicating...

Peggy Rajski is an Oscar-winning filmmaker and the Founder of The Trevor Project, the first 24/7 suicide prevention service dedicated to LGBTQ young people. Peggy is a venerated supporter of the LGBTQ community and was recognized as a Live-Action Icon by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts. In addition to producing award-winning films, she has taught at New York University and served as the Dean of...

This Chief Influencer is an elected official and a former prosecutor. Rob Sand is the State Auditor of Iowa and the author of The Winning Ticket . Rob is the only elected Democrat in state or federal office in Iowa. He shares his insights on communicating effectively in the twenty-first century, being accessible to his constituents, and amplifying great ideas from both sides of the aisle.  Takeawa...

This Chief Influencer is a longtime educator and leader that has been recognized time and time again for her commitment to bettering her community. Dr. Monica Goldson is the CEO of the Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, one of the largest school districts in the nation. Dr. Goldson shares what she has learned about how to communicate with different groups of stakeholders, the impor...

Today, we spoke with a special guest that is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and lovers through touring live shows, assisting underserved schools, and providing free children's programming. Luke Frazier is the Founder and Music Director of The American Pops Orchestra. Luke shares his unique insights into envisioning a future unconstrained by the status q...