Building Human Connection, Digital Trust & Strategic Content | DisrupTV Ep. 159

In Episode 159 of DisrupTV, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar are joined by:

  • Melanie Katzman, Ph.D. — Author of Connect First: 52 Simple Ways to Ignite Success, Meaning, and Joy at Work, who emphasizes the power of human connection in all workplace interactions. 
  • Les Ottolenghi — EVP & CIO at Caesars Entertainment, instrumental in digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing the customer experience through tech, data, and process modernization. 
  • Brian Fanzo — Speaker & Change Evangelist, focusing on how content builds trust, how brands communicate, and how to engage authentically in a crowded digital landscape.

Key Takeaways

Connect First or Miss Out

Melanie Katzman argues that meaningful connection at work is not optional; it's essential. Workplaces that invest in genuine employee relationships see higher engagement and productivity. 

Disengaged employees reduce organizational performance. Building connection drives motivation and deeper commitment. 

Business Problems First, Tech Second

Les Ottolenghi shares how Caesars Entertainment has focused on clarifying the business problem before applying technology solutions. 

A modernized IT infrastructure and analytics help understand customer preferences, enabling more personalized, innovative customer experiences. 

Content & Trust as Strategic Assets

Brian Fanzo emphasizes that content is a way of building trust. It’s not just about communication—it's about consistency, authenticity, and creating a narrative that resonates. 

Podcasting and storytelling are highlighted as intimate formats that allow brands to connect in deeper ways with their audience.

Final Thoughts

Episode 159 drives home that connection is not a nice-to-have, but a competitive advantage. Organizations that lead with empathy, clarity, and authenticity—both in internal culture and external storytelling—are better poised for sustainability and growth. When tech is applied with purpose, when content is strategic, and when people feel connected, trust follows—and trust fuels performance.

Related Episodes

 

Business Research Themes

Data to Decisions, Digital Safety, Privacy, and Cybersecurity, Future of Work, New C-Suite, Tech Optimization

Roles

Chief Data Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, Chief Technology Officer