Influencer: Christopher Barger

To be entirely honest, I can’t even remember when I met Chris Barger. But I do know he has become someone whose opinion I hold in high regard. As the global director of social media for General Motors, his job is to care for one of the world’s most recognizable brands online.

The way he thinks about communication and how people share information is rooted in a deep understanding of connecting with an audience and sharing relevant information. His PR background helps inform the way he helps the company communicate with the world. I really respect what he’s done for brands like Chevy and Buick recently.

I caught up with him over a beautiful view of the Detroit riverfront and asked him about something he’s passionate about. He told me about playing baseball while growing up and his deep love of the game both then and now. His favorite part of the game is the drama of the pressure-filled moments. Two outs, down by a run, bases loaded and the outcome of the game rests solely between the pitcher and the batter. One will be the hero. Chris says he likes to be that guy.

Part of what I’ve loved so much about this influencers series is finding out how people’s passions tie-in with their professional lives. As an athlete, he understood the weight of the situation when up at the plate. As a professional communicator in the social space, he knows the responsibility can be just as great. Like Chris, I was an athlete growing up and see an incredible amount of parallels between success in sports and success in social media.

Check out what Chris had to say about how baseball and his role at GM are so closely tied together.

While many of the leaders that have emerged online are entrepreneurs and running their own companies, Chris is able to offer a different perspective. It’s important to remember what an individual brings to the table when representing a major brand. He’s a smart communicator, a passionate participant in the Detroit community and a dedicated family man. He’s pretty darn fun to grab a drink with, too. I couldn’t recommend getting to know Chris more highly. Reach out to him on twitter. See what you can learn.

Check out my other influencers here.