Ep. 39 - The Human Touch: Workplace Strategist Erica Keswin on Connection, Rituals & Modern Leadership
In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with renowned workplace strategist, speaker, and bestselling author Erica Keswin for a deep, human-centered conversation about what it truly takes to build connection and civility in the modern workplace.
Erica is known for her groundbreaking books Bring Your Human to Work, Rituals Roadmap, and The Retention Revolution, and has spent more than two decades helping leaders create workplaces rooted in trust, clarity, and meaningful human connection. Her work has been featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Fast Company, and she continues to be a leading voice in shaping the future of work.
Together, we explore how leaders can design environments that honor both performance and humanity, especially as hybrid work, rapid technological change, and evolving employee needs redefine what leadership requires today. From cultivating powerful workplace rituals to strengthening emotional intelligence across teams, Erica offers research-backed insights that organizations of any size can apply immediately.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why human connection is the strongest predictor of engagement and retention
How simple workplace rituals can transform culture and reinforce shared values
The key traits of modern leaders—and why emotional intelligence is now non-negotiable
How to create psychologically safe workplaces where people feel seen and supported
Actionable steps leaders can take to strengthen civility, communication, and cohesion
We also discuss the rising importance of empathy, intentional leadership, and restoring humanity to work during a time when many teams feel stretched thin. This episode is filled with practical tools and reflective insights for anyone looking to elevate organizational culture, strengthen their leadership practice, or create more meaningful connections at work.
Explore Erica Keswin’s Work
The Retention Revolution Book
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About CivilTalk:
At CivilTalk, we help leaders and teams grow through emotional intelligence, intentional communication, and real-world tools for human-centered leadership. Explore our resources, podcast episodes and AI Assisted ORGTALK designed to bring more civility, presence, and clarity into the workplace and beyond.
Learn more: www.civiltalk.com