368 - When Tough Gets Tender: The Surprising Strength of Vulnerable Leadership with Christa Quarles

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, your host Doug Noll speaks with Christa Quarles, CEO of Parallels, about her non-linear career spanning Wall Street, gaming startups, and enterprise software.Christa shares how curiosity and asking good questions have been her constant through line. The conversation explores the power of deep listening, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety in leadership. Christa also reflects on leading Parallels through a complex corporate separation, emphasizing that authentic, empathetic leadership, rooted in vulnerability rather than positional authority, is what truly inspires people to follow.Check out Christa's work HERE.Connect with Christa on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com