In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my 2018 conversation with Dan Schawbel, a thought leader in workplace trends and human connection. We originally spoke about his book Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation, which explores how technology can be used as a bridge—not a barrier—to meaningful relationships.
Since then, Dan has continued to shape conversations around workplace dynamics as Managing Partner at Workplace Intelligence, conducting research with major brands like Amazon and Deloitte. His podcast, 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel, has featured leaders such as Richard Branson and Condoleezza Rice, and his LinkedIn Learning courses have reached over 220,000 students.
Key Discussion Points
- The central theme of Back to Human: using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection.
- Why leaders need to focus on human-first workplaces to improve engagement and productivity.
- The benefits of in-person interaction—why one face-to-face conversation is worth 34 emails.
- The Work Connectivity Index—a tool for assessing the strength of work relationships.
- How attending events alone can be a powerful networking tool.
- Strategies for leveraging technology to deepen relationships rather than create distractions.
- The impact of remote work on workplace connection and long-term employee retention.
This conversation is a timely reminder that productivity isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about fostering meaningful relationships. As we navigate hybrid work environments and digital-first communication, Dan’s insights remain as relevant today as they were when we first published this episode. (Originally released November 2018)
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