The Power of Human Connection and Why It Matters in Leadership

I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of human connection lately. Not in an abstract, “leadership theory” kind of way, but because I’ve been experiencing it all around me. Moments of connection keep showing up, reminding me how powerful they are—not just in life, but in leadership too.

Take the Dell reunion, for example. Over 200 former colleagues gathered—not because of their loyalty to a company, but because of their loyalty to each other. The bond they built all those years ago still holds strong.

Then there was the FIERCE 100 Women’s Conference fiercenow.org , where 200+ women came together, united by a shared sense of purpose. We didn’t just talk about empowerment; we felt it, in the stories, the laughter, and even the tears.

And then there are the quieter moments. A fellow coach, who offered me unexpected words of kindness when an important project didn’t go as planned. Former colleagues, who have taken the time to talk to me about The EDGE Sales Accelerator—sharing not just their wisdom, but their networks.

Just yesterday, another coach spent an hour with me in a session that left me both humbled and inspired. She didn’t just talk to me—she saw me. Really saw me. That’s the kind of connection that leaves a mark.

Even in my work with clients, I see it. A client recently gave me the biggest hug and told me how much I’ve helped her. I didn’t just feel appreciated in that moment—I felt connected.

One after another, these connections keep showing up. They’re professional relationships on paper, sure. But they go deeper than that. They’ve become human connections. And often, they’ve grown into friendships.

Why Connection Matters in Leadership

What does any of this have to do with leadership? Everything.

Every one of these moments—the Dell reunion, the FIERCE conference, the coaching conversations—was made possible by people-focused leadership.

• At the helm of the Dell reunion was Mark Horan , a leader with the rare gift of making people feel like they matter.
• Behind the FIERCE conference were Rebecca Morales Cahak and Abigail Maines , two women so passionate about empowering other women that they pour their time and resources into making it happen.
• And I’d like to believe that my own leadership—the way I’ve invested in people—played a part in inspiring others to show up for me in these moments.

Here’s the thing: none of these connections happened because of metrics, quotas, or KPIs. They happened because leaders invested time in people. They created a sense of shared purpose, of community, of belonging.

But the amazing thing? The metrics take care of themselves when this kind of connection happens.

When people feel connected to their leaders—when they feel seen, valued, and inspired—they don’t just show up. They excel. They give the best of themselves, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Connection in a Challenging World

Right now, the world of business feels harder than ever. I’ve been hearing stories of tough quarters, layoffs, AI upheaval, and uncertainty everywhere. And yet, amid all of this, there’s something else.

There are stories of leaders who are still investing in connection. Leaders who are taking the time to truly connect with their teams, their peers, their customers, their stakeholders.

These stories stand out because they remind us of what’s possible. Even when things are tough, these leaders inspire commitment, resilience, and excellence. Why? Because their people feel valued. They feel connected.

Human Connection: The Heart of Leadership

Human connection isn’t just a part of leadership. It’s the heart of it.

It’s what inspires loyalty. It’s what builds trust. It’s what makes people feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

So as I think about the moments of connection I’ve experienced lately, I’m reminded of how simple it is—and how powerful. When leaders take the time to connect with the people around them, they don’t just lead. They create something lasting.

Human connection is the thing that makes leadership matter. It’s what makes it transformational. And, when we’re lucky, it’s what makes it unforgettable.