Danica Roem on Influencing Individuals to Impact Change - Chief Influencer - Episode # 007

Danica Roem is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and is currently a candidate for the Virginia State Senate. Danica is most well known as the United States’ first openly transgender state legislator. She is also a heavy metal vocalist, award-winning journalist, and author of the bestselling Burn The Page. Danica shares how to drive impactful change, why individuals must take the initiative to create positive change, and how to overcome imposter syndrome as a leader.
Takeaways: By truly listening to and understanding the needs and concerns of those around you, leaders can incorporate their perspectives into decisions and ensure that their actions align with the interests of those they represent. Danica learned this as a legislator first-hand. This approach strengthens relationships and leads to more effective and inclusive environments. Leaders should strive to communicate authentically. Sharing personal stories, expressing genuine empathy, and conveying messages that resonate with others, fosters strong connections and builds trust. To create change, you need to take the initiative. Danica shared her experiences of actively advocating for policy changes, such as improving transportation infrastructure or expanding support for LGBTQ+ communities. Embrace compromises, but make sure that when you do, make sure it’s a well-informed decision. Leaders must balance personal values with the greater good, which can require making difficult choices, such as in the legislative process. To counter imposter syndrome and insecurities, Danica encouraged leaders to recognize their qualifications, unique perspectives, and the support they have received from their electorate. By embracing their authentic selves and acknowledging their value, leaders can overcome imposter syndrome and lead confidently. Embrace the hard work and effort required to achieve your goals, whether it's knocking on doors, making phone calls, or biking between constituents in rural areas. Combine your instincts with thorough research and knowledge to make well-informed decisions. Danica shared how she relied on her intuition, along with years of living with and listening to her community, to guide her actions as a legislator.
Quote of the Show:“Thrive because of who you are, not despite it” - Danica Roem
Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/pwcdanica  Website: https://www.danicaforstatesenate.com/  Burn The Page Book Link: https://a.co/d/6ZB0KoH