Navigating Loneliness and Connection in the Workplace

Ditch the drama and rebuild connection where it counts.

Feeling overwhelmed by workplace polarization, the loneliness epidemic, and the constant whirl of change? You’re not alone—and neither are your teams. On this episode of Radical Candor, Kim and Amy bring in Heather McGowan, future-of-work strategist, to dig into why we’re so divided and distracted at work—and what leaders can actually do about it. Heather gets real about the deeper roots of these challenges, from shifting demographics to technology’s relentless pace, and shares her signature brand of practical, no-nonsense advice for fostering respect, empathy, and collaboration. It’s not about ignoring differences or plastering on a quick fix—it’s about creating the kind of human connections that help teams thrive. Learn how to lead with intention, listen to what’s not being said, and ditch the divide in favor of working better together.

Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.

Episode Links:

• Transcript
• Heather E. McGowan - ImpactEleven | LinkedIn
• Heather McGowan
• Navigating the once a century shifts: cultural, social, demographic, technical, and economic
• Loneliness Epidemic is Leaving Us Distracted and Divided
• Managing Post-Election 2024 Tension At Work 6 | 43
• I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times
• Bowling Alone: Revised and Updated: The Collapse and Revival of American Community
• The Adaptation Advantage: Let Go, Learn Fast, and Thrive in the Future of Work
• The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce
• Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries
• Braver Angels
• The No Asshole Rule

Connect:

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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce the episode’s focus on workplace polarization with guest Heather McGowan.
(00:02:12) Why We’re Divided
The societal and workplace factors fueling polarization.
(00:06:42) Balancing Rights and Income Inequality
The interplay between workplace equity and broader societal trends.
(00:09:02) Short-Term Thinking in Leadership
How short-term decisions undermine long-term organizational health.
(00:12:03) Intentional Conversations Across Divides
Practical tips for engaging with diverse perspectives meaningfully.
(00:16:21) Finding Common Ground at Work
Building relationships through shared experiences and lighthearted topics.
(00:22:12) Drawing Ethical Boundaries
Knowing when to disengage while maintaining openness elsewhere.
(00:26:32) The Future of Work and Learning
Why adaptability and continuous learning matter more than ever.
(00:33:46) Loneliness in the Workplace
Combating workplace isolation with intentional connection and empathy.
(00:41:27) Embracing Discomfort and Curiosity
Why great leaders lean into questions, not answers.
(00:45:53) Radical Candor Tips
Start conversations, focus on humanity, and take small steps to connect.
(00:49:10) Conclusion

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