CivilTalk

by CivilTalk

The Communication Habits That Define Great Leaders with Dr. Alexa Chilcutt

What makes someone a strong communicator - and how much of leadership comes down to the way we show up in conversation? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, an expert in leadership development, executive education, and professional communication, to explore the connection between communication, trust, presence, and effective leadership. Together, we discuss what executive presence actually looks like in practice, the subtle behaviors that shape how others perceive us, and why strong communication is about much more than simply knowing what to say. Alexa also shares insight into building trust, navigating professional relationships, becoming more intentional in the way we communicate, and developing the interpersonal skills that make people want to listen, engage, and work with us. It’s a conversation about the human side of leadership - and how becoming more aware of the way we communicate can change not only how others experience us, but the quality of the relationships and cultures we create.

E47

Sep 13, 2026

58:10

How to Truly Connect With Anyone, According to Stanford Expert Dr. Carole Robin

What does it actually mean to connect with another person, and why does it seem to come so naturally in some relationships and feel nearly impossible in others? In this episode of CivilTalk, we sit down with Dr. Carole Robin, one of the country’s leading voices on interpersonal dynamics and leadership development. Carole spent nearly two decades teaching at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she helped teach its legendary Interpersonal Dynamics course—affectionately known as “Touchy Feely”—and received the MBA Distinguished Teaching Award. She is the co-founder of Leaders in Tech and co-author, with David Bradford, of Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues. Drawing on nearly four decades of studying how people relate to one another, Carole joins us to explore what separates a relationship that simply works from one that becomes truly exceptional. We talk about the small interpersonal risks that create closeness, the gap between our intentions and how others actually experience us, why intelligent and successful people can still struggle to see their own blind spots, and what Carole has learned from working closely with generations of students, founders, and executives. And as more of our conversations become mediated by technology, we ask a newer question: Can AI actually help us connect? We explore what technology can teach us about our conversational patterns, where it might help us see ourselves more clearly—and what it may never be able to understand about being human. Because connection isn't something that simply happens between the right people. It’s something we learn how to build.

E46

Aug 26, 2026

51:32

How Courageous Kindness Can Change the Way We Work with Kindness Expert Shola Richards

What if kindness wasn't a sign of weakness - but one of the greatest acts of courage? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with workplace civility expert, bestselling author, and Go Together Global founder Shola Richards to explore what it truly means to be Strong Enough to Be Kind™. Drawing from his deeply personal journey and the ideas behind his books Making Work Work, Go Together, and Civil Unity, Shola shares why healthy workplace cultures aren't built through perks or policies alone ... they're built through everyday conversations, courageous leadership, accountability, and the choices we make when it's easier to stay silent. Together, we discuss workplace toxicity, psychological safety, Ubuntu, moral courage, leadership, difficult conversations, and why genuine civility doesn't require agreement. It requires respect. Whether you're a leader, manager, entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to build stronger relationships at work and in life, this conversation offers practical wisdom for creating cultures where people can truly thrive. In this episode: Shola's journey from adversity to purpose Why kindness requires courage, not comfort Lessons from Making Work Work, Go Together, and Civil Unity Building healthier workplace cultures Psychological safety and courageous leadership Ubuntu and the power of shared humanity How to navigate disagreement without losing respect The future of workplace conversations and culture Learn more about Shola Richards, his books, speaking, and Go Together Global through the links on our episode page. To learn more about CivilTalk and experience Clarion, our Conversational Intelligence tool that helps people communicate better, visit www.civiltalk.com and schedule a demo.

E45

Aug 5, 2026

57:09

Building a Stronger Civic Future: Rich Harwood on Community, Hope & Meaningful Change

What does it take to rebuild trust, strengthen communities, and move forward in a world that often feels divided? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Rich Harwood — founder and president of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation and author of The New Civic Path and Stepping Forward. Together, we explore what it means to create real change in modern society through deeper listening, community engagement, and more intentional conversations. In this conversation, we discuss: • Why so many communities feel disconnected today • The difference between reacting and creating meaningful change • How leaders can rebuild trust through everyday actions • The role of listening and emotional intelligence in civic life • Practical ways individuals can contribute to stronger communities • Hope, purpose, and finding agency during uncertain times This episode is for leaders, educators, changemakers, and anyone interested in creating healthier conversations and a more connected world. Listen, subscribe, and join us as we explore how better conversations shape better communities.

E44

May 27, 2026

1:03:23

The Science Behind Making Better Decisions with Decision Scientist Cheryl Strauss Einhorn

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we speak with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn - decision scientist, founder and CEO of Decisive, educator at Cornell and Columbia, and author of Problem Solved, Problem Solver, and her newest book The Human Edge: Smarter Decisions in the Age of AI. Drawing from her research and the development of the AREA Method, Cheryl explains how individuals and organizations can improve judgment, navigate cognitive bias, and approach complex decisions with greater clarity and confidence. The conversation also explores her concept of Problem Solver Profiles, which reveal the different ways people naturally approach problem-solving - and how understanding these styles can improve leadership, teamwork, and communication. Together, we discuss the intersection of human judgment and artificial intelligence, and why the future isn’t about replacing human thinking with machines — but learning how to lead AI with curiosity, skepticism, and discernment. Topics discussed in this episode include: • Why good decision-making is a learnable skill • The hidden biases that shape how we think and judge • Understanding your Problem Solver Profile • How leaders and teams can make more thoughtful decisions • Why human judgment still matters in the age of AI • How AI can augment — rather than replace — our thinking Cheryl’s work offers a powerful reminder that while technology can process vast amounts of information, the most important decisions will always require human insight, values, and responsibility. Learn more about Cheryl Strauss Einhorn and the AREA Method: https://areamethod.com

E43

Mar 18, 2026

47:50

The Work of Alignment: Closing the Gap Between Values and Behavior with Jason Craige Harris

In this episode of CivilTalk, Topacio Althaus sits down with strategist, mediator, and leadership advisor Jason Craige Harris for a wide-ranging conversation about alignment, integrity, and the work of repairing relationships within families, organizations, and institutions. Jason is the CEO of Perception Strategies, a consulting firm that helps leaders and organizations strengthen culture, navigate conflict, and design systems that function more effectively. He also serves as Senior Advisor at the Perception Institute, a research consortium advancing fairness and belonging in social systems. Drawing on his background in ethics, psychology, restorative justice, and systems thinking, Jason shares insights from his work helping groups confront difficult truths, rebuild trust, and close the gap between the values they claim and the behaviors they practice. Together, they explore: • Why organizations struggle to live their stated values • What most people misunderstand about conflict • The role of courage and repair in leadership • How systems and culture shape behavior • What it means to live an “aligned” life This conversation offers practical insights for leaders, teams, and anyone interested in building healthier relationships and institutions. Learn more about CivilTalk and our AI communication tool Clarion at Civiltalk.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, and share the show.

E42

Mar 4, 2026

1:04:17

Becoming the Boss People Want to Work For with Sabina Nawaz

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, Topacio Althaus sits down with Sabina Nawaz — leadership coach, keynote speaker, and former Microsoft executive — to explore how pressure and power quietly shape behavior at the top. Drawing from her book You’re the Boss, Sabina unpacks a critical truth of leadership: as roles expand, the pressure to perform can corrupt even the best intentions, and increased power can blind leaders to the impact they’re having on others. In this conversation, we examine why feedback breaks down at senior levels, how blind spots form under pressure, and what leaders can do to manage authority with self-awareness, humility, and humanity. Together, we discuss practical strategies for navigating influence, repairing trust, and leading without losing yourself — offering insights for executives, managers, and anyone responsible for guiding others in high-stakes environments.

E41

Feb 6, 2026

48:11

Bringing Your Whole Self to Work: Leadership, Trust, and Psychological Safety with Mike Robbins

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with leadership expert, bestselling author, and podcast host Mike Robbins for a thoughtful conversation about trust, authenticity, and the human dynamics that shape workplace culture. Drawing from more than twenty-five years of experience working with organizations like Google, Microsoft, Pixar, the NBA, and Harvard University — and from his books Bring Your Whole Self to Work and We’re All in This Together — Mike explores the deeper beliefs underlying his work. Together, we discuss psychological safety as a performance driver, why appreciation and belonging are often overlooked in leadership, and what it really takes to build cultures where people feel safe, engaged, and empowered to contribute. This conversation goes beyond leadership theory to examine how emotional intelligence, civility, and repair shape trust — especially in moments of tension and change — and what leaders must unlearn to meet the demands of today’s workplaces.

E40

Jan 29, 2026

53:09

The Human Touch: Workplace Strategist Erica Keswin, on Connection, Rituals & Modern Leadership

Today on the CivilTalk Podcast, we are joined by the incredible Erica Keswin: a workplace strategist who has spent more than two decades helping organizations around the world build cultures rooted in connection, clarity, and care. In this episode, Erica unpacks her research on why rituals matter, how leaders can retain and re-energize teams in a changing world, and what it means to “bring your human to work” when hybrid schedules and digital tools dominate our days. This is a conversation about empathy, rituals, intentionality, and redesigning the workplace so people—not just productivity—come first. Whether you lead a team, work in a fast-paced environment, or simply care about creating more civil, emotionally intelligent spaces, you’ll walk away with insights you can use right now.

E39

Dec 5, 2025

38:52

How to Disagree Without Dehumanizing: A Conversation with Marianne Viray of Disagree Better

Between family arguments, online outrage, and political hostility, many people feel like civil dialogue is slipping away. Marianne Viray believes we can bring it back. In this episode, we speak with the Executive Director of Disagree Better, whose work blends decades of political experience with tools that help people communicate across deep differences without losing dignity. Marianne shares the personal experiences that shaped her belief that disagreement isn’t dangerous; contempt is. Through the story of the Dignity Index, Marianne reveals how individuals, leaders, and entire communities can move from division to understanding using simple, human-centered practices. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to someone you disagree with—or how we heal a polarized nation—this conversation is for you.

E38

Nov 15, 2025

50:30

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