Skip to content

Understanding Relatability in Leadership

February 28, 2026 · 39 min

Show notes

Understanding Relatability in Leadership

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Rachel DiAlto, a bestselling author and expert on connection, leadership, and influence. Rachel shares her unique journey from being a lawyer to a startup CEO, and eventually transitioning into television and public speaking. The conversation delves into the importance of relatability in leadership, the impact of social media on human connection, and the necessity of intentional respect in workplace relationships. Rachel emphasizes the need for leaders to foster genuine connections with their teams and offers practical advice for building relationships in a disconnected world.

Takeaways

  • Rachel's journey includes being a lawyer, CEO, and speaker.
  • Startup failure can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  • Relatability is crucial in leadership and human connection.
  • Social media provides a performative connection, not a real one.
  • Intentional actions are necessary for building respect.
  • Survivor's guilt can affect one's career trajectory.
  • Casual relationships can significantly impact loneliness.
  • Leaders must create space for honest conversations.
  • Respect is the top trait people seek in leaders.
  • Understanding bias can improve workplace relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rachel DiAlto

01:00 Rachel's Journey: From Lawyer to CEO to Speaker

03:01 The Heartbreak of Startup Failure

06:08 The Role of Media and TV in Rachel's Career

09:03 Understanding Relatability: The Inspiration Behind Rachel's Books

12:09 The Impact of Social Media on Connection

14:57 Building Connections: Advice for the Lonely

18:00 Leadership and Relationship Building

20:53 Creating a Culture of Respect in Leadership

23:57 The Importance of Intentional Respect

26:47 Overcoming Bias in Relationships

30:02 The Power of Human Connection

32:47 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Future

Links

Rachel DeAlto’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/rachel-dealto/

Rachel DeAlto’s Website:

http://www.racheldealto.com/

Rachel DeAlto’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheldealto

Rachel DeAlto’s Books:

https://www.racheldealto.com/book

All episodes of Amplify Speakers Podcast

Settings

Display

Language

Decides which stations you see first on the home page.

History

Recently played stations and episodes and your latest searches are only stored in this browser.

Notifications

A short notice when a podcast you follow has a new episode. Turn off single podcasts with the bell on their page.

Account

Save favorites – in the app and on the website.

Keyboard shortcuts

/
Open search
Space
Play or pause
← →
In the player: back 15 s, forward 30 s (episodes) · in a row: next tile
↑ ↓
In a row: target within the tile
Home / End
In a row: first or last tile
Esc
Close window or menu
?
This overview
Now playing

Go to station page

Play next

    Add episodes with “Play next” – they play after the current episode.