Bryan Corbett on Data-Driven Storytelling in Leadership - Chief Influencer - Episode # 60

Chief Influencer

In this episode, host Anthony Shop introduces Bryan Corbett, President and CEO of MFA, the voice of the global alternative investment industry. The conversation explores Bryan's extensive background in both public and private sectors, including his tenure at the Carlyle Group and his role in the George W. Bush administration.

Key topics include the significance of alternative investments, MFA's approach to member engagement, effective communication strategies, and leveraging social media. Bryan also shares insights on leadership philosophy, teamwork, and accountability, offering valuable lessons for leaders on internal and external influence, underscored by the importance of clear goals and consistent communication.

Takeaways:

• Effective Communication: Emphasize the importance of clear and focused communication, both internally within the organization and externally with stakeholders. This includes tailoring messages for different audiences and ensuring they are concise and relevant.
• Member Engagement: Develop a coverage model where each member is assigned an executive responsible for maintaining the relationship. This personalized approach ensures members feel valued and addresses their specific needs.
• Proactive Media Strategy: Highlight the shift from a reactive to a proactive media strategy, stressing the importance of conveying the industry’s message first, building media relationships, and preparing for TV appearances with clear, simple messages.
• Utilizing Social Media: Illustrate the significance of using LinkedIn for outreach and communication to maintain relationships and share key content effectively.
• Goals and Accountability: Establish clear, organization-wide goals that cascade to individual teams, fostering alignment, accountability, and performance tracking. This practice was essential for building trust and ensuring focus on shared objectives.
• Team Collaboration and Leadership: Leverage team input and foster a collaborative environment in leadership style. Recognizing the value of collective insights, empowerment of the team drives better decision-making.
• Adapting Practices from Other Industries: Implement a coverage model borrowed from investment banks to enhance member engagement. This adaptability demonstrates the importance of learning from other industries' practices and customizing them to fit organizational needs.

Quote of the Show:

• "Whenever there's skepticism, you have to address it. It's not just about having a good story; you need the data and research to back it up."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-corbett
• Website: https://www.mfaalts.org/

Shout Outs:

• Carlisle: https://www.carlisle.com/
• CNBC’s Squawkbox: https://www.cnbc.com/squawk-box-us/
• Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/
• Noah Theron: https://www.mfaalts.org/team/noah-theran/
• President George W. Bush
• The White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/