Ellen Granberg, President of George Washington University, Named Chief Influencer

The Communications Board names Dr. Ellen M. Granberg, President of The George Washington University, a Chief Influencer.

What does it look like to lead one of the nation’s most historic universities through a new era of change? In this special live episode of Chief Influencer, recorded at GW’s College of Professional Studies, President Ellen Granberg shares how trust, authenticity, and adaptability guide her leadership. As the first woman to lead GW in over two centuries, she offers powerful lessons on how influence is the engine of transformation.

Granberg recounts her unconventional journey into leadership, reflecting on what she’s learned about listening, co-creating strategy, and building momentum through shared values. She introduces Raising Higher, GW’s new strategic framework, and explains why it focuses on flexibility, community input, and storytelling. Whether discussing the role of Washington, D.C., in shaping global leaders or the power of social media partnerships with students, she makes clear that effective leadership starts with connection.

This episode is a masterclass in how to lead with humility, inspire with purpose, and adapt with courage in a complex, fast-moving world. President Granberg shows that when leaders prioritize influence over control, they create the conditions for progress to take root and thrive.

Host: Anthony Shop
Guest: Ellen Granberg
Producer: The Communications Board
Sponsor: The George Washington University College of Professional Studies

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