Washington, D.C. — July 07, 2025 — Social Driver, in partnership with PNC Bank, the Communications Board, and the George Washington University College of Professional Studies, hosted a sold-out Nonprofit Leaders Power Breakfast that brought together CEOs of national nonprofits to discuss how leaders can leverage their personal brands to advance their missions.

The event was also recorded as a special episode of Chief Influencer, the podcast hosted by Anthony Shop, co-founder of Social Driver, which features leaders who break through today’s fast-changing communications environment.

A Conversation with National Nonprofit CEOs

The panel included:

• Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
• Jean Axios, CEO, Creating Healthier Communities
• Katie Schubert, CEO, Society for Women’s Health Research
• Jennifer Sirangelo, CEO, Points of Light
• Lidia Soto-Harmon, CEO, Student Conservation Association

Together, they explored the return on investment nonprofit organizations can achieve when leaders actively cultivate a presence on LinkedIn and other platforms. Panelists discussed authenticity, the balance between professional messaging and personal storytelling, and how even busy executives can make time to engage with their communities online.

“If you are in the nonprofit field and in leadership, it’s irresponsible if you don’t have a LinkedIn presence,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Key Lessons Shared

Drawing from more than 100 interviews with leaders on Chief Influencer, Anthony Shop shared five takeaways that guided the conversation:

1. Start in the center — influence begins with employees, volunteers, and boards.
2. Embrace authenticity — leaders should blend personal and professional voices.
3. Elevate others — highlight the stories of peers, partners, and communities.
4. Learn the lingo — tagging and engagement basics go further than technical jargon.
5. Focus on progress — don’t be paralyzed by comparison; take one step at a time.

Authenticity in Action

Each panelist offered examples of how personal branding advances their missions:

• Steve Schwab described how selfies from Capitol Hill to community ballgames demonstrate to funders and caregivers that he is “fighting for them.”
• Jennifer Sirangelo highlighted Points of Light’s long-standing Daily Point of Light Award and how digital amplification connects volunteerism to national conversations.
• Jean Axios shared how storytelling rooted in his personal “why” helps build partnerships and humanize his leadership.
• Lidia Soto-Harmon described her tradition of distributing patches, including her new “Saving the Planet” patch linked to her LinkedIn profile, as a unique way to connect with young audiences.
• Katie Schubert underscored how short, authentic video content can demystify complex advocacy issues and extend reach to new grassroots supporters.

A Call to Action

Anthony Shop closed the program with a simple challenge: take one step forward. “Wherever you are on your journey—whether it’s finding your password, posting your first update, or sharing a selfie—one step can make a big difference,” he said.

The Chief Influencer podcast, produced by Social Driver in partnership with George Washington University, continues to spotlight leaders who are shaping national conversations. New episodes are available at chiefinfluencer.org.