Lead Bigger: The Power of Human Connection with Anne Chow

The most powerful force in leadership, and in life, isn't strategy, intelligence, authority, or reps.It's human connection.In this episode of Quick Before You Forget, I sit down with my friend Anne Chow, transformational leader, former CEO of AT&T Business, bestselling author of Lead Bigger, and founder of The Rewired CEO.Anne was the first woman of color CEO in AT&T's 140+ year history, but what makes her extraordinary isn't her title. It's her belief that leadership is a choice available to every single one of us.Together, we explore what it means to lead bigger, why relationships are the foundation of meaningful impact, the (not-so) surprising lessons leaders can learn from orchestra conductors, and how curiosity, kindness, and courage can transform both our careers and our lives.We also talk about music, mixtapes, friendship, purpose, and the conversations that change us forever. Because sometimes the biggest leadership lesson is remembering that people matter.And that includes you. Memorable Moments00:00 — Cold Open: What does it mean to "Lead Bigger"? Anne's powerful definition of inclusive leadership.01:00 — Meet Anne Chow: Former CEO of AT&T Business and author of Lead Bigger02:00 — The leadership lessons Anne learned from her father and immigrant upbringing04:00 — How Anne's definition of leadership evolved from age 15 to today05:00 — "Leadership is a choice": Anne's philosophy on influence, impact, and purpose08:00 — Why leadership is both an art and a science09:00 — The hidden power of communication: the what, why, how, and when12:00 — What orchestra conductors can teach us about great leadership14:00 — The conductor analogy that completely changed Anne's view of leadership19:00 — Mixtapes, Spotify Wrapped, and the soundtrack of Anne Chow's life22:00 — Anne's "songs of survival" and the music that lifts her up24:00 — The Most Powerful Force in the World (Hint: It's Not Technology)25:00 — Building trust, relationships, and meaningful connection at work27:00 — Helping people see their potential before they see it themselves29:00 — Motivation vs. Inspiration: Why One Creates Lasting Change32:00 — Curiosity, humility, and why leaders must learn how to ask better questions36:00 — The biggest leadership myth holding people back today37:00 — Why Kindness and High Performance Are Not Opposites38:00 — Widening your perspective for greater performance and impact40:00 — The one question every leader should ask themselves every day41:00 — What Anne had to unlearn to become a bigger leader43:00 — From retirement to "rewirement": designing a life with intention45:00 — Friendship February, slowing down, and making time for what matters most47:00 — What Anne would tell her 22-year-old self48:00 — "There's no such thing as failure, only success and learning."49:00 — Chow-isms: Anne's favorite life and leadership mantra50:00 — Helping people discover their gifts and calling51:00 — One Conversation Can Change a Life53:00 — The Story Anne Didn't Know She Was Part Of55:00 — Anne's response, the power of technology, and words that endure for generations55:45 — Where to find Anne Chow and connect with her workConnect with AnneWebsite: https://www.theannechow.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annehchow/?skipRedirect=trueInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theannechow/