Ep. 40 - 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 wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about trust, authenticity, and the unseen forces that shape workplace culture.
Mike Robbins has spent more than twenty-five years working with leaders and teams across the globe, helping organizations understand a fundamental truth: people do their best work when they feel safe, valued, and connected. Drawing from his experience partnering with companies such as Google, Microsoft, Pixar, the NBA, Harvard University, and many others, Mike shares how emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and appreciation are not “soft” concepts, but core drivers of performance, engagement, and long-term success.
Throughout the conversation, Mike reflects on the underlying philosophy that connects his five bestselling books — including Bring Your Whole Self to Work and We’re All in This Together — and explains why trust and authenticity remain at the center of his work. Together, Topacio and Mike explore common misconceptions leaders hold about motivation, accountability, and professionalism, and examine how fear, avoidance, and unaddressed emotional dynamics quietly erode culture over time.
This episode also draws on insights from Mike’s nearly 450 conversations as host of the We’re All in This Together podcast, revealing patterns he’s observed across industries and leadership styles. They discuss what belonging actually requires of leaders on a day-to-day basis, how civility functions during conflict and repair, and why leaders must unlearn certain habits in order to meet the emotional realities of today’s workplace.
Grounded, reflective, and practical, this conversation goes beyond leadership frameworks to ask deeper questions about how we treat one another at work — especially during moments of tension, change, and uncertainty. It’s an episode for leaders, teams, and anyone interested in creating cultures where people and performance can truly thrive.
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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