Dan Schawbel Talks About Human Connection in the Digital Age

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)

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Dan: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
• Get the book we discuss: Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation
• Check out Dan's LinkedIn Learning classes (and check out mine too)
• Listen to Dan's podcast: 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel
• Read this: Law of Jante, a Scandinavian Code of Conduct
• Read: The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr
• Read: How our 269 billion emails a day have made us miserable
• Check this out: Introduction to Back to Human
• Watch: The Back to Human Office Party [Comedy Sketch] |
• Related Conversation: Episode 363: Meaningful Online Connections with Misha Glouberman
• Related Blog Post: Five Proven Ways To Have a Better Work Day

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the spon