Ever walked into a conversation with the best intentions…only to walk out with a broken relationship?

The cost of emotional avoidance in the workplace is massive, and invisible. Most people don’t fail at communication because they’re cruel. They fail because they never learned how to do it without causing damage.

In today’s Happiness Squad Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Carole Robin, co-author of Connect and co-founder of Leaders in Tech, explore how small changes in how we communicate can lead to big breakthroughs in how we connect and make exceptional relationships, both at work and in life.

Drawing from decades of experience teaching Stanford’s legendary Interpersonal Dynamics course, Dr. Carole shares practical tools that help individuals move beyond surface-level interactions to build deep, meaningful, and resilient connections.

And let’s just say, what Dr. Carole shared might make you rethink every “We need to talk” you’ve ever had.

Things you will also learn from this episode:

• What separates exceptional relationships from average ones

• How to give feedback that connects instead of divides

• The power of “If you really knew me…” for team connection

• Why 15% outside your comfort zone is the sweet spot for growth

• The OILs model: a better way to structure tough conversations

It’s time to move from knowledge to practice. Tune into our full episode and spark real connections, one courageous, vulnerable conversation at a time.

Resources:

• Leaders in Tech (Co-founded by Carole Robin): https://leadersintech.org/

• Connect - Building Exceptional Relationships: https://connectandrelate.com/

• Interpersonal Dynamics Course: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/experience/learning/leadership/interpersonal-dynamics

• Transforming Through T-Groups by National Training Laboratories (NTL) Institute for Applied Behavioral Science: https://www.ntl.org/transforming-through-t-groups-tttg/

• Film Reference: Inside Out (Pixar)

Books:

• Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues (Co-authored by Carole Robin): https://a.co/d/67ZqL3B

• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/5aGRDgh