In this episode of Leading Through Crisis, Céline Williams sits down with Charles Vogl—leadership advisor, speaker, and author of The Art of Community—to challenge what we think we know about connection, adaptability, and resilience.

Together, they explore:

- Why most “team building” and networking fails
- The difference between connection vs. proximity
- How leaders can create real community (not just groups)
- Why resilience is NOT an individual skill
- The hidden mental health and loneliness crisis impacting organizations
- The concept of “campfire experiences” and how they transform teams
- Why phones, distractions, and forced fun are quietly destroying connection

Charles shares powerful insights from his work with organizations like Airbnb, Google, and the U.S. Army, revealing why strong relationships, not individual performance, are the foundation of leadership in high-stakes environments.

They also debunk some common assumptions and biases around connection events, like:

- People need to be entertained all the time
- It should look good in a photograph
- We can be fully present with the people in the room, with our phones and devices on

If you're a leader trying to cultivate deeper connections at work and build community and resilience on your team, this conversation is for you!

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Charles Vogl is an adviser, speaker, and the author of three books, including the international bestseller The Art of Community. He has worked with Google in several capacities, including as a trusted thought leader for the Google School for Leaders, which develops over 20,000 Google managers. His work is used to advise and develop leadership and programs worldwide within organizations, including Airbnb, LinkedIn, Twitch, Amazon, ServiceNow, Dow Inc. and the US Army. Charles holds an M.Div. from Yale, where he studied spiritual traditions, ethics, and business as a Jesse Ball duPont Foundation scholar.

To learn more about his work, download free community-building resources, and grab copies of his books, head to charlesvogl.com.

You can also connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram (@charlesvogl).