Patient-centered advocacy is often discussed as a principle, but far less often practiced as a discipline. In this episode of Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop speaks with Dr. Eric Racine about what it truly means to put patients at the center—and why influence in healthcare depends on trust, alignment, and proximity to lived experience. Eric shares how personal loss early in his life shaped his belief that innovation only becomes progress when patients can access it, and how his early career as a clinical pharmacist revealed the real human needs preventing access to those innovations.

Now U.S. Head of Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy at Sanofi, Eric reflects on how his definition of influence has evolved—from performance and expertise to presence, listening, and partnership. He explains why patient advocates are among the most effective leaders he has ever learned from, why clarity on the problem matters more than debating solutions, and why the future of influence belongs to those who can align people and systems without losing humanity—especially in an AI-accelerated world.

Takeaways:

• Influence is a system, not a function. Lasting impact comes from trust, credibility, and alignment—not titles or volume.
• Patient access is personal. Eric shares how the loss of two siblings to a rare disease shaped his belief that innovation only matters if it reaches patients.
• The human factor matters most. A formative lesson from Eric’s time in Detroit showed that even the best clinical solutions fail if basic human needs are overlooked.
• The people closest to the problem see most clearly. Patient advocates bring unmatched clarity, urgency, and credibility—and are among the most effective influencers in healthcare.
• From performance to presence. Great leaders don’t need all the answers; they need to be present, listen deeply, and align others around the right problem.
• Alignment beats authority. Progress happens when leaders align on the problem, define shared outcomes, and create space for collaboration.
• True patient centricity is a discipline. It requires engaging patients and advocates early—co-defining problems, not reacting to finished solutions.
• AI elevates judgment, not humanity. Eric believes the future belongs to leaders who pair technology with emotional intelligence, trust, and authentic influence.

Quote of the Show:

• “Influence today is about … clarity. It's about trust. It's about helping people that you work with [see] the real problem.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericracine/
• Website: https://www.sanofi.com/en

The meal is the entree that opens the door...It’s maybe the only time someone is going to see a person in a given day or even a given week, depending on where they’re living.

Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, explores this question by highlighting that her organization provides far more than just nutrition; it offers a "more than a meal" service that includes safety checks, home repairs, and social connection. While the brand is recognized by nine out of ten voting adults, Hollander emphasizes the urgent need to turn awareness into action as part of the "End the Wait" initiative, as one in three providers currently maintains a waiting list due to funding failing to keep pace with rising costs. She advocates for this mission by presenting a stark economic reality to decision-makers: the cost of providing a senior with a nutritious meal, a visit, and a safety check for an entire year is equivalent to just one day in a hospital or twelve days in a nursing home.

To lead a federated network of over 5,000 community-based programs, Hollander utilizes a "people-centered" influence strategy shaped by her previous experience as a Chief People Officer. Because the model prevents "command and control" leadership, she focuses on building trust, listening to local providers, and aggregating the network's collective power—such as chicken purchases that rival the volume of a major fast-food chain. This empathetic approach extends to her internal team, where she fosters an award-winning culture through flexible work policies, accountability, and personal touches like singing to employees on their birthdays. By tailoring her messaging, she demonstrates that effective influence is about finding the specific language that resonates with a stakeholder's values.

Takeaways:

• Influence hasn’t changed—delivery has. Ellie explains that while platforms and tools evolve, influence still comes down to trust, credibility, and inspiring action.
• Meals on Wheels is “more than a meal.” Beyond nutrition, the organization delivers safety checks, social connection, and independence—often serving as the eyes and ears in a senior’s home.
• The urgency of the waitlist crisis. One in three Meals on Wheels providers has a waitlist, driven by rising demand and funding that hasn’t kept pace with inflation or population growth.
• Ending the wait. Ellie discusses the End the Wait initiative—a bold national platform to drive action and ensure that no senior who needs Meals on Wheels is left waiting.
• People-first leadership. Drawing on her background as a former Chief People Officer, Ellie shares how employee engagement, flexibility, and accountability can coexist—and fuel performance.
• Tailoring the message. Whether speaking with lawmakers, donors, or community leaders, Ellie explains how she adapts her language to resonate—without losing sight of the mission.
• Stories that move people. From volunteers learning sign language to connect with clients, to partnerships that keep seniors safe at home, Ellie highlights the human moments that drive influence.

Quote of the Show:

• “Understanding what individual providers are grappling with, what they’re dealing with on the ground on a day-to-day basis, is so important. So listening is critically important.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-hollander-6418a/
• Website: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

We are revisiting our impactful conversation with Chuck Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), whose mission-driven leadership is reshaping the fight against the diabetes epidemic. Since stepping into the role in early 2020, Chuck has leveraged his background in the private sector and athletics to champion critical initiatives, including insulin affordability, health equity, and expanded access to life-changing technologies. Throughout the interview, he offers a masterclass in authentic leadership, discussing the importance of staying accessible, fostering transparency, and utilizing modern platforms like LinkedIn to amplify a nonprofit’s mission. By sharing his personal connection to the cause and his strategies for navigating a shifting workplace landscape, Chuck delivers a powerful call to action that remains as urgent and relevant today as the day it was recorded.

Takeaways:

• Embrace a Team-Oriented Leadership Philosophy: Learning from Chuck's experience as an athlete, fostering an inclusive and team-centric environment is crucial. Ensure every member understands their role and how they contribute to the collective success.
• Maintain a Mission-Driven Focus: Chuck's daily reflection on his impact highlights the importance of grounding leadership decisions in the organization’s mission. Regularly ask yourself what you've done to advance your mission and set clear, impactful goals.
• Consistency in Communication: Regular touchpoints like monthly town halls, bi-weekly newsletters, and quarterly meetings are essential. This consistency keeps the team aligned, engaged, and informed about strategic directions and wins.
• Be Intentional with Engagement: Whether it's giving out personal contact information, being active on social media, or responding to both positive and negative feedback, intentional engagement fosters authentic connections and builds trust.
• Promote Organizational Brand: Use platforms like LinkedIn to share the organization’s achievements, highlight team members, and build new relationships. Prioritize showcasing the organization’s impact over self-promotion.
• Show Up Authentically: Your presence, both online and offline, should reflect genuine commitment and transparency. Authenticity builds credibility and trust, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.
• Adapt and Innovate Continuously: Being proactive about adopting remote work, investing in training, and listening to stakeholder feedback are critical. Innovation and adaptation help in staying ahead and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

Quote of the Show:

• “No one person is greater than the team. It takes all of us; each one of us has a role to play in this fight.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesdhenderson/
• Website: https://diabetes.org/

Shout Outs:

• Champion Fire and Security: https://championfiresecurity.com/
• Cotton Bowl Athletic Associaton: https://www.cottonbowl.com/
• Texas A&M’s Letterman Associaton: https://www.aggielettermen.org/
• Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/
• Tracey D. Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceydbrown/
• Dions Dream: https://dionschicagodream.com/
• Baxter: https://www.baxter.com/
• Eli Lilly and Company: https://www.lilly.com/
• Medicare:https://www.medicare.gov/
• Medicaid: https://www.healthcare.gov/

Dr. Jean Accius, President and CEO of Creating Healthier Communities and a globally recognized authority on health equity and longevity, joins host Anthony Shop for a compelling conversation about what it truly takes to influence across sectors, build trust, and drive lasting social impact. Dr. Accius reflects on his Haitian upbringing and the guiding wisdom of his grandmother, who taught him “Tout moun se moun,” meaning every person is a human being. That simple but profound truth fuels his life’s mission to ensure that a person’s ZIP code no longer shapes their health, opportunity, or life expectancy.

Grounded in data and lived experience, Dr. Accius discusses the stark reality that life expectancy can vary by decades between neighborhoods only a few miles apart. He challenges leaders to confront the forces that create these disparities and to recognize that the most pressing problems of our time do not respect boundaries. In an era defined by disruption, he urges leaders to get close to the communities they serve, collaborate beyond traditional silos, and build coalitions grounded in trust, accountability, and measurable action.

Takeaways:

• Influence Begins with Proximity and Permission: Jean reminds leaders that influence is not defined by a title but by the permission others give you to earn their trust. You cannot influence what you refuse to understand, and trust cannot grow from a distance. His message is clear: leaders must get close, listen deeply, lead with humility, and demonstrate consistency.
• Health Equity Requires Cross-Sector Courage: Life expectancy can vary by 20 to 30 years between neighborhoods only a few miles apart. Jean emphasizes that these gaps are not biological. They are shaped by policy, power, and unequal access to opportunity. Since the most urgent problems ignore boundaries, the solutions must bring sectors together with intention and courage.
• Every Leader Is Going Through a Fire: Across business, government, and community organizations, leaders are facing unprecedented disruption. Jean insists that the ones who succeed are those who acknowledge the fire, adapt with resilience, collaborate openly, and commit to moving forward with others.
• Collaboration Must Be Measurable to Matter: Drawing on his experience building major coalitions, Jean reinforces a guiding truth: collaboration without measurement is simply conversation. Real impact requires shared goals, shared metrics, and shared accountability.
• LinkedIn as a Leadership Room Without Walls: Jean views LinkedIn as one of his most powerful tools for influence. It allows him to elevate community voices, highlight innovation, inspire leaders, and build meaningful partnerships. His presence on the platform has led to new collaborations, new funding, and national engagement.
• Rethinking Workplace Giving for a New Era: CHC now approaches corporate engagement as Workplace Solutions and Innovation. This model supports multigenerational workforces with programs that strengthen mental health, caregiving, volunteerism, and employee engagement. It also improves retention, productivity, and organizational trust.
• Redefining Influence: From Success to Significance: Jean reflects on how his understanding of influence has evolved. Influence is not about doing more or accumulating more. It is about service, connection, and shared humanity. For him, significance begins with the belief his grandmother instilled in him: every person counts.

Quote of the Show:

• “Influence is about permission. And permission requires trust.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accius4/
• Website: https://chcimpact.org/

Shout Outs:

• Dr. Johnny Parker
  • Frontstage Backstage Book: https://a.co/d/hyfK27T

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, former Member of Congress and now the Executive Director of GW’s Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM), shares the deeply personal story of immigrating from Ecuador, watching her mother work multiple jobs, and discovering early the power of resilience, community, and education. These experiences shaped her leadership philosophy and her belief that influence begins with listening.

Debbie reflects on her time representing Florida’s 26th District, how she navigated a diverse constituency from Miami to the Keys, and the critical role of bipartisanship in addressing issues like climate change, immigration, and criminal justice reform. She also offers an honest look at the realities of public service—balancing family, confronting disinformation, and facing electoral challenges—all while staying grounded in purpose.

Today, at GSPM, she’s preparing the next generation of leaders to rise above partisanship, embrace critical thinking, and approach politics with integrity, curiosity, and courage. Her story is a testament to the power of personal narrative, the necessity of coalition-building, and the importance of inspiring others to recognize their own agency.

Takeaways:

• Influence Starts with Listening: Debbie shares that arriving in the U.S. as a teenager taught her “the art of listening,” a value that remains central to her leadership. Listening with curiosity—especially across difference—is what allows leaders to build trust, understand stakeholders, and create meaningful coalitions.
• Navigating the Noise of Technology and Social Media: Social media plays a major role in how constituents communicate—but also poses risks. Debbie discusses how leaders must distinguish real community feedback from bots, misinformation, and AI-generated content, all while staying grounded in values and not getting distracted by the noise.
• Turning Personal Stories Into Policy Impact: Her decision to run for Congress was sparked by seeing firsthand how the lack of access to healthcare harmed her community. Personal stories—like those shared by incarcerated women in a Judiciary Committee hearing—often have the greatest influence on policymakers, more than cable news or the loudest voices online.
• The Power of Authenticity: Debbie reflects on the pressure to present a “perfect” front as an immigrant woman in politics, and how letting go of that was key to connecting with people more deeply. Authenticity, vulnerability, and showing one’s full self are essential to building trust.
• Leading With Bipartisanship and Relationship-Building: Serving a swing district taught her that progress is impossible without cooperation. She shares how building relationships—across her own party and the other side—enabled her to address issues like environmental protection with colleagues who shared common concerns.
• Preparing the Next Generation of Public Leaders: At GSPM, Debbie is shaping future leaders who can think critically, work across partisan divides, and address major challenges—from AI to international conflict—with integrity and courage. Students’ optimism and commitment give her hope for the country’s future.
• Defining Influence Today: Debbie defines influence as the ability to remind people of their own power—bringing them together, helping them see their shared values, and catalyzing collective action toward a common purpose. She sees herself as a “vehicle” who helps activate that power in others.

Quote of the Show:

• “Influence is reminding people of the power they already have.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-mucarsel-powell-0077437/
• Website: https://gspm.gwu.edu/

We’re excited to re-air this powerful conversation with Terry Szuplat, former White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama and author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience.

Originally released as an in-person discussion, this episode quickly became a listener favorite for its timeless insights into authentic communication. Terry explores why simplicity, clarity, and personal storytelling matter more than ever—especially in a noisy digital age. Whether you missed it the first time or are revisiting it for fresh inspiration, this conversation offers practical guidance for leaders, communicators, and anyone striving to speak with impact.

Takeaways:

• Talk Like a Human: Communicate with clarity and avoid jargon so your message resonates.
• Know Yourself Deeply: Authentic influence starts with understanding your identity and values.
• Utilize Personal Stories: Your unique experiences create connection and credibility.
• Prepare Thoughtfully: Terry’s 50-25-25 rule helps craft messages that hit the mark.
• Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection: Audiences value sincerity more than flawless delivery.

Quote of the Show:

"When you tell the stories that only you can tell, then no one can steal your words, ever."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/
• Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/about/
• Say It Well: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/say-it-well-terry-szuplat

Shout Outs:

• Former President Barack Obama
• Tim Walz
• The George Washington University College of Professional Studies

In this powerful episode, Anthony Shop sits down with Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN, the world’s leading nonprofit driving disability inclusion and accessibility across global business. With a career shaped by personal experience, public policy, and transformative corporate partnerships, Jill shares how she has helped build a global movement rooted in the belief that disability is a strength and a critical competitive advantage for companies.

Jill brings more than leadership insights; she brings stories of CEOs, next-gen talent, global boards, and individuals who found their voice through disability inclusion. Together, these stories illustrate how influence fueled by authenticity, visibility, and data can create lasting change.

Takeaways:

• Disability as a Strength—and a Source of Innovation: Jill describes how her own learning disability shaped her understanding of disability inclusion and purpose. She explains why disability is not a deficit but a “natural part of the human experience” that brings insight, adaptability, and innovation to business.
• From Policy to Business: Where Real Influence Happens: After early work supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act, Jill realized that legislation alone can’t change attitudes. Business, she says, has unmatched power to accelerate disability inclusion—especially when leaders see disability inclusion as good for business, not just good intentions.
• The Rise of Cross-Industry “Frenemies”: Jill shares how competitors across tech, finance, and healthcare have become collaborators through Disability:IN—driving each other to improve, learn, and push the movement forward.
• Inside the Disability Index: Jill breaks down the origins, purpose, and future of the Disability Index, now in its 12th year and undergoing a major modernization. She reveals why companies crave maturity models, benchmarking, and transparent reporting—and how measurement fuels momentum: “What gets measured matters.”
• Visibility as a Strategy for Influence: Jill discusses why encouraging leaders to talk openly about disability—internally and publicly—is essential. Visibility creates momentum, breaks stigma, and empowers others to come forward.
• Stories That Change Culture: From Microsoft’s Jenny Lay-Flurrie openly identifying as deaf, to a senior executive who uses captions in secret finally naming his disability, Jill shows how storytelling unlocks culture change.
• Influence as Connection, Trust, and Listening: Jill closes with her personal definition of influence: using your power for good by listening first, building trust, and responding authentically to the needs of others.

Quote of the Show:

• “Disability is a strength and a natural part of the human experience.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-houghton/
• Website: https://disabilityin.org/