The Power of Connection and the Courage to Be Real

In this episode of Executive Edge, Simon sits down with Dr. Carole Robin, a renowned leadership educator, author, and co-founder of Leaders in Tech. Drawing on decades of teaching the legendary “Touchy-Feely” course at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Carole unpacks what truly drives effective leadership—authentic connection. She explores how leaders can build “referent power,” foster trust, and create high-performing teams by leading with vulnerability and empathy.

Carole shares the origins of Leaders in Tech, a nonprofit helping founders and executives reshape company cultures through deeper human connection, and the transformative lessons from her bestselling book Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues. Together, she and Simon discuss the myths of traditional leadership, the 15% rule for growth, and how learning to be “appropriately vulnerable” can transform both careers and lives.