Rhod Shaw: Inside the Real Power of Lobbying, Policy, and Perspective
Step inside Washington with a veteran lobbyist who’s spent 30 years translating between business and policy and challenging how we see politics, power, and our own biases. In this episode, you’ll learn why understanding the why behind DC is the real competitive advantage, in business and in life.
In this episode, Philip and Rhod discuss:
* Purpose and origin of the consortium and cross‑pollinating insight
* What lobbyists actually do and how effective lobbying really works
* Trust, timing, and choosing the right clients and issues
* How political power and Washington’s operating rules have evolved
* Energy policy, AI/data centers, and the future of U.S. decision-making
Lightbulb Moments:
* Policy makers are overwhelmed by the sheer volume and diversity of issues, so the real currency in DC is trusted, concise, reality‑based information.
* Effective advocacy starts with understanding both sides of an issue, plus the “why now” of timing and legislative vehicles, not just demanding a result.
* Building durable influence requires serving two masters simultaneously: the paying client and the public officials you must never mislead.
* Political and policy environments are increasingly unstable, so businesses desperately need more predictability and a clearer sense of where the “puck” is going.
* Reducing personal and political bias—by deliberately consuming views you disagree with creates better decisions, better conversations, and less anger.
“You only get one chance to be an idiot, because the day you show up and say, ‘I want you to take your scarce time, which we just talked about, and I would like to talk to you about a topic I haven't thought through…’ Do you think when they're that busy, they want to talk to you again in six months?” - Rhod Shaw
Rhod Shaw brings more than 35 years of high-level government experience to the Alpine Group, where he has represented Fortune 500 companies, international trade associations, state and local governments, and industry leaders on legislative and executive branch matters. Known as one of Washington’s elite consultants, he combines deep policy expertise, strategic political insight, and bipartisan relationships across both the House and Senate to help clients navigate complex issues and drive successful legislative and grassroots initiatives. His policy work spans major industries, including telecommunications, energy, automotive, technology, financial services, and intellectual property, while his leadership roles with organizations such as FIPRA International have expanded the firm’s global reach and access to expertise across major economic markets worldwide. In addition, he advises several start-up companies in the technology, energy, sports, and entertainment sectors.
Connect with Rhod Shaw:
Website: https://alpinegroup.com/ [https://alpinegroup.com/]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhod-shaw-36652414/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhod-shaw-36652414/]
Connect with Philip:
Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]
Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]
"X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]
https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]
Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.
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