Susan Cain: Why Introverts Make Great Leaders, Staying Human in the AI Age and the Bittersweet Life

Susan Cain: Why Introverts Make Great Leaders, Staying Human in the AI Age and the Bittersweet Life

August 4, 2026 · 38 min · Season 1 · Episode 274

About this episode

Nicolai Tangen discusses with Susan Cain the strengths of introverts in leadership and the importance of authenticity in the age of AI.

What does it take to thrive as a quiet person in a world that rewards the loudest voice? Nicolai Tangen sits down with Susan Cain, author of the bestsellers Quiet and Bittersweet , whose work gave millions of introverts a voice. They explore why authenticity will be the great advantage in the age of AI, what defines the "highly sensitive" 15 to 20 percent of the population, and how our culture shifted from valuing character to valuing personality. Susan explains why introverted leaders often deliver stronger results, the hidden cost of "toxic positivity", and how she calibrates her own days to avoid burnout. She also reflects on the bittersweet outlook, the joy found in sorrow, and her advice on how young people can rediscover who they really are. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on personality, leadership and what makes us human. In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday. The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson, Karoline Woie, Olav Vhile and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen and Håkon Klemsdal. Background research was…

People in this episode

Host: Nicolai Tangen

Guest: Susan Cain

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Norges Bank Investment Management

Books & works: Quiet, Bittersweet

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