Shawn Martin on Being a Relatable and Consistent Communicator - Chief Influencer - Episode # 053

Chief Influencer

Shawn Martin is the Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a medical specialty organization representing 130,000 family physicians and medical students nationwide. In his role, Shawn provides strategic leadership to the AAFP and directs the mission-driven work of the nation's largest primary care organization.

In this episode, Shawn shares his journey from being the son of a rural family physician to heading the AAFP, discusses the evolving role of leaders in the digital age, and explains his strategies for managing stakeholder dynamics and combating misinformation.

Shawn also explains his innovative communication approaches, including using media ambassadors, and how he balances personal and professional branding on social media. Listen to gain insights into consistent and disciplined communication and the importance of being present and relevant as a leader in a digital world.

Takeaways:

• Cultivate and train members within your organization to become media ambassadors. This strengthens your message through authentic, expert voices, enhancing brand presence and credibility.
• Establish a predictable communication rhythm with your team, board, and external stakeholders. This will build trust and ensure that your message is clear and cohesive across all channels.
• Leaders should engage in social media to authentically represent their brand and connect with their audience on a personal level.
• Promote and amplify expert voices within your field to position your organization as a reliable source of truth. This will counter misinformation and build public trust.
• Regular media training for your spokespeople can vastly improve their effectiveness in representing your brand accurately and positively in public forums.
• Whether it's celebrating new members or industry achievements, taking time to recognize and honor these moments fosters a positive organizational culture and strengthens community ties.
• Stay true to yourself and your organizational values while remaining relevant and engaged in the current discourse. This will humanize your brand and strengthen connections with your audience.

Quote of the Show:

• “Leaders have to be relatable in the modern social media era. People want to know that you're not always scripted, and you're out there, you have opinions, and you're willing to engage in this public discourse that's taking place.” - Shawn Martin

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-martin-a49b506
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) - Website: https://www.aafp.org

Shout Outs:

• Modern Healthcare: https://www.modernhealthcare.com
• The Hill: https://thehill.com
• Family Doctor: https://familydoctor.org
• JAMA Network: https://jamanetwork.com
• Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net
• Kobe Bryant
• JP Morgan: https://www.jpmorgan.com