This week we're diving into what it takes to build strong communities, and how many organizations (including the military) go about it completely wrong. Our guest cuts right to the heart of the issue and provides both intense criticism and practical guidelines for improving. From the crucial role of breaking bread together (yes, this ties into a DFAC conversation) to the "campfire principle" this conversation is chock full of powerful ideas for bringing groups together.

Charles Vogl’s work is used to advise and develop leadership and programs worldwide within organizations including Google, Airbnb, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitch, and Amazon. He has instructed and presented at organizations including Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and the US Army.

He works with Google in several capacities, including as a trusted thought leader for the Google School for Leaders which develops 20,000 Google managers. He is also a
founding member of the Google Vitality Lab which works toward innovating healing strategies.
He is the author of three books: His first book, the international bestseller The Art of Community shares how both community and belonging can be built through time-tested principles and rituals. It won a Nautilus Book Award for Business and Leadership writing. His second book, Storytelling for Leadership, draws on his own experience as a PBS documentary filmmaker to distill principles that help those in leadership confidently share authentic stories and inspire emotional resonance. His latest book, Building Brand Communities, speaks to organization leaders connecting the people important for success. It won an Axiom Business Book Gold Medal.

In his 20s, Charles served in the U.S. Peace Corps in northern Zambia. There, he witnessed inspirational community inside his rural village. After the Peace Corps, Charles founded a social impact documentary film company in New York City. His PBS film projects won many awards including the Amnesty International prestigious “Movies That Matter” award.

He holds an M.Div. from Yale, where he studied spiritual traditions, ethics, and business.

You can find more information on Charles including his books, resources for leaders, and much more on his website.

Jonah Goldberg, “The Tyranny of Cliches: How Liberals Cheat in the War of Ideas” (Sentinel, 2012)