Graham McMahon, President and CEO of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), discusses how he's revolutionizing medical education not as a compliance task but as an invigorating journey for clinicians. McMahon brings a wealth of experience from Harvard Medical School and the New England Journal of Medicine, advocating for learning as a lifelong privilege. Key topics include the evolution of educational approaches, the importance of applying information contextually in patient care, and fostering collaboration across medical hierarchies. Emphasizing trust and authenticity, McMahon also reflects on personal identity in leadership and how endurance running teaches perseverance and resilience. This conversation illustrates the transformative impact of education on clinician performance and patient outcomes, grounded in humility and professional integrity.Takeaways:Trust is the foundation of influence and is built on authenticity and consistency. Graham McMahon emphasizes that trust is essential for effective influence, whether with a patient, a colleague, or in system-wide change. This trust is hard to gain and easy to lose, requiring leaders to "walk the talk" and maintain a clean record. Showing up as your authentic self is key to building this foundational trust.Modern medical education has shifted from information transfer to the application of knowledge. With information readily available to both clinicians and patients, the focus of medical education is now on applying that information to complex, contextual problem-solving for individual patients. The goal is to elevate the human clinician's role in guiding patients to the best decisions for their specific needs.Effective collaboration requires sacrificing some autonomy for the greater good. To break down silos and drive systemic change, leaders must be willing to compromise and harmonize with partners rather than expecting others to conform to their rules. McMahon points to the ACCME's collaboration across professions in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy as an example of creating a unified framework that serves the entire community.A successful framework for influence and collaboration involves four key steps. McMahon outlines a strategy applicable in both professional and personal contexts: 1) Establish a reputation of trust; 2) Set a shared, common goal; 3) Develop a fair pathway to achieve the goal; and 4) Set meaningful, short-term benchmarks to build momentum.Embracing risk is crucial for innovation and growth. Leaders must be willing to take calculated risks to move beyond the seductive comfort of the status quo. This requires creating a culture where the team trusts the leader, agrees on the ultimate goal, and understands that not all risks will succeed. It's equally important to recognize when an initiative isn't working and be willing to "pull the plug".Authenticity unlocks personal and professional potential. McMahon shares his personal experience as a gay immigrant, explaining that hiding parts of one's identity can be a significant constraint. Allowing people to be their authentic selves fosters a positive environment, builds trust, and brings a diversity of lived experiences and new ideas to the workplace.Leadership involves lifelong learning and mentorship. Effective leaders not only mentor others but also actively seek guidance and wisdom themselves, often from people outside their immediate field. McMahon stresses the importance of passing on lessons learned from his own mentors while remaining open to new advice to continue his growth.Quote of the Show:"That joy of realizing I could make a difference for someone else is exactly why I chose education to be a core part of how I show up in this profession and in the house of medicine."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahammcmahon/ Website: https://accme.org/ 

This special episode of Chief Influencer features guest host Liesl Riddle, Dean of the College of Professional Studies at the George Washington University, and Lorraine K. Lee, a bestselling author and authority on workplace communication and executive presence. Lorraine, known for her work with top-tier organizations like Amazon, Zoom, and Cisco, shares insights from her book 'Unforgettable Presence' and her extensive experience as a keynote speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice. She discusses the concept of 'presence'—its importance, definition, and how to cultivate it effectively. Lorraine also emphasizes the significance of personal branding, listening, storytelling, and maintaining a strong LinkedIn presence. Additionally, she shares strategies for introverts and the impact of influence on professional growth. Throughout the episode, Lorraine provides practical tips and frameworks to help professionals at any stage enhance their visibility and build a successful career.Takeaways:Upgrade your LinkedIn profile with three quick changes to boost visibility and credibility. Simple tweaks like updating your headline, adding a professional photo, and refining your summary can make your profile stand out to recruiters and peers.Craft a unique and powerful introduction using the UPI (Unique and Powerful Introduction) framework. Introducing yourself with authenticity and impact helps you make memorable first impressions in professional settings.As an introvert, contribute after meetings by following up with thoughtful written input. If you’re not comfortable speaking up in real time, sending a follow-up email or message ensures your ideas are heard and valued.Take ownership of your career by thinking and acting like the CEO of your own professional journey. Proactively set goals, seek opportunities, and make strategic decisions to drive your career forward.Use feedback loops and regular iteration to accelerate your personal and professional growth. Consistently seeking feedback and making small improvements helps you learn faster and achieve better results.Apply the "TEA Method" to improve your video presence and communication effectiveness. Focusing on both the depth and breadth of your message ensures you connect with your audience and convey your expertise.Advocate for yourself by sharing your story, as illustrated in the "Audiobook Recording" example. Telling your own story with confidence can open doors and inspire others to recognize your value.Quote of the Show:“Presence is for everyone, at every level. When we approach our careers with intention and proactive energy, we create better outcomes.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee/ Website: https://lorraineklee.com/ Book: https://amzn.to/3Hdv79rFree weekly career tips: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 

Anna Palmer, the founder and CEO of Punchbowl News, a media company focused on the power, people, and politics of Washington, D.C.. Palmer details the creation and growth of Punchbowl News, which she co-founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide an insider's perspective on the U.S. Congress. She explains that her company’s success is built on a community-centric model that views its audience as members, not just subscribers, fostering a two-way relationship through newsletters, podcasts, premium content, and live events. Palmer repeatedly emphasizes that authenticity, trust, and providing unique, analytical reporting are essential for cutting through the noise of the modern media landscape and building a sustainable business that can thrive in the age of AI.Takeaways:Build a Community, Not Just an Audience: Palmer attributes Punchbowl News's success to treating its audience as "community members". This creates a "flywheel" effect where readers, event attendees, and sources are part of an interconnected ecosystem, fostering deep loyalty and a sustainable business model that isn't solely reliant on advertising or search traffic.Authenticity is the Key to Trust: In a world where people are "flooded with so much information," Palmer insists that authenticity is what allows a brand to cut through the clutter. This is achieved by moving away from scripted corporate messaging, showing personality, and being open and quick to admit when you are wrong, which builds significant trust with your audience.Human-Centered Reporting is the Defense Against AI: While Punchbowl News uses AI as a business tool, Palmer believes the key to journalistic relevance is creating original, analytical content that an AI cannot. She notes that AI can't be "in the basement of the Capitol" to ask a senator a question and interpret the nuanced answer, making human reporting invaluable.Modern Journalists Must Be Multimedia Experts: According to Palmer, a reporter's job has evolved from simply writing to being a "Swiss Army knife" with multimedia skills. She emphasizes the need for journalists to be adept at podcasts, video, events, and social media to connect with audiences across different platforms.Effective Newsletters Require Consistency and Value: As a veteran of newsletter journalism, Palmer advises that success in a crowded inbox depends on providing unique content that people can't get elsewhere. She stresses the importance of frequency and consistent timing to build a habit for readers.Influence is More Fragmented and Accessible: Palmer notes that the nature of influence in Washington has changed. It is no longer concentrated among a few traditional power brokers but has become more fragmented across different platforms like podcasts and social media. This creates more opportunities for different voices to exercise influence.Personal and Professional Brands are Blurring: Palmer acknowledges that the Punchbowl News brand is deeply intertwined with the personal brands of its founders. She has become more active and "human" on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, finding that showcasing the authentic person behind the corporate announcements pays dividends.Quote of the Show:“Having trust, authenticity, and a message that really resonates are gonna be three key things to actually keep that influence and try to grow it.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-palmer-124a295/ Website: https://punchbowl.news/ Shout Outs:Jake Sherman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-sherman-6baa0b9/ John Bresnahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bresnahan-a6919294/ Elizabeth Dole Foundation: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ 

In this heartfelt episode of Chief Influencer, host Anthony Shop sits down with Mary Fete, Executive Director of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). A registered nurse by training, Mary shares how listening has been the foundation of her leadership, fueling a global nonprofit that spans 120 countries and supports thousands of families affected by rare disorders. She reflects on the transformative power of empathy, the importance of collaboration over expertise, and her role in pioneering medical breakthroughs, including a historic clinical trial for XLHED. As she prepares to pass the baton after more than two decades, Mary discusses her hopes for the future and what it truly means to lead with heart.Key TakeawaysLeadership Begins With Listening: Mary emphasizes that listening is both a clinical and leadership skill. Her philosophy of “listen first, talk less” has shaped NFED’s programs, research, and family support systems.You Don’t Have to Be the Expert: True influence comes from bringing the right people into the room. Mary models collaborative leadership by creating spaces where diverse experts—and lived experiences—drive innovation.Global Impact Starts With Personal Connection: Despite serving families in over 120 countries, NFED remains deeply personal thanks to Mary’s intentional relationship-building and trust-first approach.Technology as a Humanizing Tool: From AI advisory boards to using databases to remember personal family milestones, Mary shows how nonprofits can leverage tech to enhance—not replace—authentic relationships.From Seed Funding to Scientific Breakthroughs: NFED’s 30-year commitment to research led to the groundbreaking EDELIFE clinical trial, showing how a small nonprofit can play a central role in global medical advances.Storytelling Drives Advocacy: Mary empowers families to share their lived experiences to influence policy and funding, reinforcing that personal stories are powerful tools for public impact.Legacy of Heartfelt Leadership: As she prepares to step down, Mary hopes to be remembered not for titles or milestones, but for leading with compassion, listening deeply, and creating a true sense of family and belonging.Quote of the Show:“You have to remind yourself that listening is much more powerful than talking… You don’t have to fill the space in the room with your voice all the time.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-fete-19949a33/ Website: https://nfed.org/ 

In this special Chief Influencer Power Breakfast episode, Anthony moderates a dynamic panel featuring five powerhouse nonprofit CEOs. Together, they explore how leaders can harness the power of personal branding to amplify their missions and drive greater impact.You'll hear real-world strategies and inspiring stories from:📌 Steve Schwab (Elizabeth Dole Foundation)📌 Jean Accius (Creating Healthier Communities)📌 Katie Schubert (Society for Women’s Health Research)📌 Jennifer Sirangelo (Points of Light)📌 Lidia Soto-Harmon (Student Conservation Association)Discover practical tips for staying authentic, elevating others, and using social platforms to build influence. Whether you're leading a nonprofit or looking to grow your own leadership brand, this conversation will equip you with the insights to take the next step forward.Takeaways:Start from Within: Make sure your internal team, staff, board, and volunteers understand and champion your mission. Internal alignment fuels external influence.Prioritize Authenticity: Share real, personal stories in your own voice. This helps build trust and deepens audience connection. Don’t be afraid to show who you are behind the title.Use Social Media Strategically: Even simple tactics like tagging people and using @ mentions can significantly expand your reach and engagement.Create a Posting Routine: Block small pockets of time, like at the airport or between meetings, to engage on platforms like LinkedIn. Consistency matters more than frequency.Leverage Visual Tools: Think creatively about how to drive connections. For example, use a LinkedIn QR code on your name badge to make networking easy and immediate.Elevate Others: Use your platform to spotlight team members, partners, and community leaders. Sharing the stage amplifies your mission and builds goodwill.Engage Without Overthinking: You don’t have to post every day. Commenting, liking, or resharing valuable content is just as impactful, and a great way to start building your presence.Quote of the Show"It’s irresponsible for nonprofit leaders not to have a LinkedIn presence." — Steve SchwabLinks:Kathryn Godburn SchubertLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/ Website: https://swhr.org/ Jean AccuiusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accius4/ Website: https://chcimpact.org/ Jennifer SirangeloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/ Lidia Soto-HarmonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-soto-harmon-a921a213/ Website: https://thesca.org/ Steven SchwabLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schwab7676/ Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/