Description

Gary Jacobs, widely known as The Zen Lobbyist, to explore how mindfulness and authenticity can fundamentally reshape influence in Washington. Drawing from decades of experience in health policy, government relations, and organizational leadership, Gary shares his journey from early-career advocate to a leader who grounds his work in stillness, compassion, and gratitude. He recounts the personal health challenges, including anxiety, panic attacks, and even a stroke, that forced him to slow down, reevaluate his identity, and adopt mindful practices that now guide both his life and his approach to influence. Through stories of policymaking, personal transformation, and professional reinvention, Gary illustrates how bringing humanity back into advocacy creates deeper trust and more effective impact.

Gary also reflects on major milestones in modern healthcare, from the rise of HMOs to Medicare Advantage to value-based care, and what he learned from being inside some of the most consequential policy moments of the last several decades. He explains why relationship-building, not pressure or transactions, sits at the heart of sustainable influence, and why democratizing access to information is the next frontier of advocacy. Together, Gary and Anthony explore how leaders can foster connection in an increasingly tech-driven, high-pressure environment and why influence today requires not only strategic skill, but emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a willingness to lead with empathy.

Takeaways:

• Start every day with stillness to set your strategy: Gary begins each morning with meditation and yoga, using stillness as the foundation for clarity before stepping into chaotic policy environments.
• Lead with compassion to build authentic, long-term relationships: Gary emphasizes that empathy—not pressure or transactions—is what creates trust with policymakers and partners.
• Practice gratitude consistently to renew energy and prevent burnout: Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships, grounds your leadership, and maintains resilience in high-stress fields.
• Redefine influence as education, not persuasion: Rather than selling a point of view, Gary focuses on educating members of Congress with honesty, transparency, and real-world context.
• Abandon rigid scripts and prepare to respond in the moment: After a transformative yoga retreat, Gary stopped scripting meetings and shifted to more authentic, adaptive conversations.
• Invest in relationships beyond positional power: Washington’s hierarchy is temporary—what endures is how people experience you as a human being, not the title you hold.
• Advocate for democratized, accessible information: Gary believes modern influence includes helping people navigate complex issues using real-time tools—podcasts, digital platforms, and transparent communication.

Quote of the Show:

• “Compassion is influence. When you lead with empathy, people listen differently.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-jacobs-99966035/ 
• Website: https://garymjacobs.com/