About this episode

This episode explores the science of social connection and its implications for leadership through insights from Dr. Michael Platt.

In this bonus episode of A Podcast About Leadership, AIIR CEO Dr. Jonathan Kirschner sits down with Dr. Michael Platt — professor across three schools at the University of Pennsylvania, founder of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, and author of The Leader's Brain — to explore the science of social connection and what it means for leadership. From a landmark monkey study on a Puerto Rico island to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Dr. Platt shares surprising findings about resilience, friendship, and the brain's capacity to adapt under pressure. The conversation spans genetics, grooming, empire-building, and why the most connected employees help companies outperform the S&P 500. If you lead teams, communicate under pressure, or want to understand the hidden biology driving human performance, this episode offers a rare and fascinating look at what is really happening beneath the surface of every great team, every great conversation, and every great leader. To learn more about how AIIR Consulting helps leaders build resilient, high-performing teams, visit ⁠aiirconsulting.com⁠.

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Jonathan Kirschner

Guest: Dr. Michael Platt

Topics covered

• leadership
• social connection
• resilience
• human performance
• team dynamics

Keywords

• leadership
• social connection
• resilience
• team performance
• neuroscience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Neuroscience Initiative

Books & works: The Leader's Brain

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