Steven Taylor is the President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the lives of nearly 60 million Americans with arthritis. They align advocacy and science with patient priorities, drive progress through awareness, education, and research, and empower individuals with arthritis to live fuller lives.

Steven delves into his unique approach, characterized by his unwavering commitment to cultivating a supportive community, both internally and externally, while discussing their utilization of social media as a valuable tool for amplifying their mission. At the core of Taylor's leadership is a profound empathy, drawn from his personal journey, which drives his pursuit of impactful transformation.

Stay tuned to gain valuable insights into empathetic leadership, the significance of building inclusive communities, and the lasting effects of genuine care and recognition. Steven emphasizes the importance of enjoying life, saying yes to more, and saying no to less, highlighting the need for mutual inspiration and collaboration. This encapsulates the core of impactful leadership, illustrating how a supportive environment can lead to organizational success, whether enhancing quality of life or advocating for a cure.

Takeaways:

• Leaders should prioritize genuine, open communication with their team and community. Personal stories and experiences inspire and connect people on a deeper level. 
• Publicly recognizing the work of volunteers, staff, and colleagues fosters a culture of appreciation and motivates everyone to continue their efforts. 
• Understanding and acknowledging the challenges others face, including chronic diseases or personal losses, make leaders more approachable and relatable. 
• Creating opportunities for engagement, such as virtual events or water cooler conversations, helps build a supportive community, especially in remote work environments. 
• Being active and visible on platforms like LinkedIn strengthens personal branding for leaders and shines a spotlight on their organization’s mission and achievements. 
• Whether adopting new technologies or embracing virtual worlds for team engagement, leaders must remain flexible and open to change to keep their organizations forward-thinking. 
• Leaders can achieve greater impact by seeking consensus and fostering collaboration across various stakeholders within and outside their organization.

Quote of the Show:

• “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” - Steven Taylor

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-taylor-a18b9b2  
• Arthritis Foundation (Website): https://www.arthritis.org 

Shout Outs:

• The Sjögren’s Foundation: https://sjogrens.org 
• Brené Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenebrown 
• Sabrina Sexton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinasexton 
• Sarah Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-miller-4553b29 
• Shannon Marang Cox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-marang-cox 
• The California Coast Classic Bike Tour: https://www.arthritis.org/events/bike-event 
• Lauren Clanton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-clanton-312a8a18 
• The National Health Council: https://nationalhealthcouncil.org 
• The National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov 
• Cass Wheeler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cass-wheeler-9704688 
• Nancy Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancybrownaha 
• The American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org 
• The American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org 
• Brian Saber - Fundraising for Introverts: Harnessing Our Powers for What Matters: https://a.co/d/bFW26Q1