CivilTalk

Building a Stronger Civic Future: Rich Harwood on Community, Hope & Meaningful Change

What does it take to rebuild trust, strengthen communities, and move forward in a world that often feels divided? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Rich Harwood — founder and president of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation and author of The New Civic Path and Stepping Forward. Together, we explore what it means to create real change in modern society through deeper listening, community engagement, and more intentional conversations. In this conversation, we discuss: • Why so many communities feel disconnected today • The difference between reacting and creating meaningful change • How leaders can rebuild trust through everyday actions • The role of listening and emotional intelligence in civic life • Practical ways individuals can contribute to stronger communities • Hope, purpose, and finding agency during uncertain times This episode is for leaders, educators, changemakers, and anyone interested in creating healthier conversations and a more connected world. Listen, subscribe, and join us as we explore how better conversations shape better communities.

The Science Behind Making Better Decisions with Decision Scientist Cheryl Strauss Einhorn

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we speak with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn - decision scientist, founder and CEO of Decisive, educator at Cornell and Columbia, and author of Problem Solved, Problem Solver, and her newest book The Human Edge: Smarter Decisions in the Age of AI. Drawing from her research and the development of the AREA Method, Cheryl explains how individuals and organizations can improve judgment, navigate cognitive bias, and approach complex decisions with greater clarity and confidence. The conversation also explores her concept of Problem Solver Profiles, which reveal the different ways people naturally approach problem-solving - and how understanding these styles can improve leadership, teamwork, and communication. Together, we discuss the intersection of human judgment and artificial intelligence, and why the future isn’t about replacing human thinking with machines — but learning how to lead AI with curiosity, skepticism, and discernment. Topics discussed in this episode include: • Why good decision-making is a learnable skill • The hidden biases that shape how we think and judge • Understanding your Problem Solver Profile • How leaders and teams can make more thoughtful decisions • Why human judgment still matters in the age of AI • How AI can augment — rather than replace — our thinking Cheryl’s work offers a powerful reminder that while technology can process vast amounts of information, the most important decisions will always require human insight, values, and responsibility. Learn more about Cheryl Strauss Einhorn and the AREA Method: https://areamethod.com [https://areamethod.com]

The Work of Alignment: Closing the Gap Between Values and Behavior with Jason Craige Harris

In this episode of CivilTalk, Topacio Althaus sits down with strategist, mediator, and leadership advisor Jason Craige Harris for a wide-ranging conversation about alignment, integrity, and the work of repairing relationships within families, organizations, and institutions. Jason is the CEO of Perception Strategies, a consulting firm that helps leaders and organizations strengthen culture, navigate conflict, and design systems that function more effectively. He also serves as Senior Advisor at the Perception Institute, a research consortium advancing fairness and belonging in social systems. Drawing on his background in ethics, psychology, restorative justice, and systems thinking, Jason shares insights from his work helping groups confront difficult truths, rebuild trust, and close the gap between the values they claim and the behaviors they practice. Together, they explore: • Why organizations struggle to live their stated values • What most people misunderstand about conflict • The role of courage and repair in leadership • How systems and culture shape behavior • What it means to live an “aligned” life This conversation offers practical insights for leaders, teams, and anyone interested in building healthier relationships and institutions. Learn more about CivilTalk and our AI communication tool Clarion at Civiltalk.com [http://Civiltalk.com]. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, and share the show.

Becoming the Boss People Want to Work For with Sabina Nawaz

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, Topacio Althaus sits down with Sabina Nawaz — leadership coach, keynote speaker, and former Microsoft executive — to explore how pressure and power quietly shape behavior at the top. Drawing from her book You’re the Boss, Sabina unpacks a critical truth of leadership: as roles expand, the pressure to perform can corrupt even the best intentions, and increased power can blind leaders to the impact they’re having on others. In this conversation, we examine why feedback breaks down at senior levels, how blind spots form under pressure, and what leaders can do to manage authority with self-awareness, humility, and humanity. Together, we discuss practical strategies for navigating influence, repairing trust, and leading without losing yourself — offering insights for executives, managers, and anyone responsible for guiding others in high-stakes environments.

Bringing Your Whole Self to Work: Leadership, Trust, and Psychological Safety with Mike Robbins

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with leadership expert, bestselling author, and podcast host Mike Robbins for a thoughtful conversation about trust, authenticity, and the human dynamics that shape workplace culture. Drawing from more than twenty-five years of experience working with organizations like Google, Microsoft, Pixar, the NBA, and Harvard University — and from his books Bring Your Whole Self to Work and We’re All in This Together — Mike explores the deeper beliefs underlying his work. Together, we discuss psychological safety as a performance driver, why appreciation and belonging are often overlooked in leadership, and what it really takes to build cultures where people feel safe, engaged, and empowered to contribute. This conversation goes beyond leadership theory to examine how emotional intelligence, civility, and repair shape trust — especially in moments of tension and change — and what leaders must unlearn to meet the demands of today’s workplaces.