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A Podcast About Leadership

A Podcast About Leadership

What Monkeys Can Teach Us About Leadership with Michael Platt - Bonus Episode

Apr 9, 2026 · 19m

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About this episode

In this bonus episode of A Podcast About Leadership, AIIR CEO Dr. Jonathan Kirschner sits down with Dr. Michael Platt — professor across three schools at the University of Pennsylvania, founder of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, and author of The Leader's Brain — to explore the science of social connection and what it means for leadership. From a landmark monkey study on a Puerto Rico island to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Dr. Platt shares surprising findings about resilience, friendship, and the brain's capacity to adapt under pressure. The conversation spans genetics, grooming, empire-building, and why the most connected employees help companies outperform the S&P 500. If you…