In this episode of The Agile CEO, JJ Sutherland sits down with Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize winner, bestselling author, and journalist for The New Yorker, to explore the science and systems behind communication that actually works.
Duhigg’s latest book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, breaks down how leaders can build real alignment by understanding what kind of conversation they’re in (practical, emotional, or social) and how to match it.
Together, JJ and Charles dive into:
Why asking deep questions is a superpower in business and life
The “matching principle” that separates great leaders from misunderstood ones
How even high-stakes conversations, like vaccine hesitancy or political polarization, can be bridged through connection
The hidden role of habits and systems in meaningful communication
What it means to listen visibly—and why that builds trust faster than authority ever will
Charles also reflects on themes from his earlier books, The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better, the latter of which features Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Dr. Jeff Sutherland and JJ Sutherland. It’s a rare behind-the-curtain look at how habits, cognitive systems, and conversational design all tie into what it means to lead.
If you’re an executive who wants to cut through noise, build teams that actually hear each other, and create cultures of connection in a world of distraction, this episode will change how you lead tomorrow.
🧠 | Explore all of Charles Duhigg’s books: charlesduhigg.com
📘 | Supercommunicators: Buy on Amazon
📙 | The Power of Habit: Buy on Amazon
📗 | Smarter Faster Better (feat. Scrum): Buy on Amazon
🖥️ | Learn more: scruminc.com
📆 | Schedule a Free Consultation: scruminc.com/consulting
🎧 | Listen + Subscribe: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more
