The Relatable Leader - by Rachel Dealto (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Relatable Leader provides a research-driven roadmap for changemakers to connect with their teams, communicate effectively, and inspire excellence through authenticity and respect.

The gap between good and great leadership? It's bridged by relatability.

But what does it truly mean to be a relatable leader in today's diverse, multi-generational workforce? And how can you cultivate this essential quality to elevate your leadership and your team's performance?

The Relatable Leader provides a practical roadmap to:
- Build genuine trust and psychological safety
- Communicate with clarity and empathy
- Inspire others through purposeful, motivating leadership
- Unlock team potential and drive engagement

Whether you're an executive, a new manager, or an emerging leader, The Relatable Leader offers actionable strategies to evolve your leadership style and create connected, high-performing teams that thrive in our modern workplace.

Review Quotes

"The Relatable Leader is a must-read for anyone looking to lead with authenticity, trust, and connection. Rachel DeAlto masterfully bridges research with real-world insights, offering actionable strategies to cultivate respect, psychological safety, and engagement within teams. This book isn't just about leadership--it's about transforming workplace culture to unlock human potential. A powerful and practical guide for leaders at every level!"--Carey D. Lohrenz, former US Navy fighter pilot, CEO, WSJ and USA TODAY bestselling author, Fearless Leadership, High-Performance Lessons from the Flight Deck, and Span of Control

"The Relatable Leader is the book I didn't know I needed to read to get me to where I want to go next. With a perfect mix of science and story, this book gave me exactly what I needed while enjoying every page. This book should be considered a foundational tool for those looking to be the leader they dreamed of being."--Eric Termuende, author of Rethink Work and Co-founder of NoW of Work

"The Relatable Leader provides a blueprint every leader can follow to make their teams happier and more productive. DeAlto's research-backed model for leadership strips away complexities to reveal the actionable steps that actually drive real results. Whether you're leading five people or five thousand, this book gives you the tools to create a culture where both employees and customers become loyal advocates."--Brittany Hodak, author of Creating Superfans

"Having led billion dollar campaigns in professional sports, I know firsthand that extraordinary results come from extraordinary leadership. DeAlto's The Relatable Leader provides exactly what today's leaders need--a winning framework for creating the kind of authentic connections that drive peak performance. Like any championship team, successful organizations are built on trust, respect, and genuine relationships. This book shows you how to develop all three. It's time to play offense with your leadership."--Paul Epstein, Former NFL & NBA Executive, two time bestselling author of The Power of Playing Offense and Better Decisions Faster

"I ruined a highlighter reading this book. It's full of powerful research, plus a precise recipe for earning respect and enthralling your team. Highly recommended for all leaders!"--Jay Baer, New York Times best-selling author of Youtility, Why Helping Beats Selling

"In The Relatable Leader, Rachel DeAlto dismantles outdated leadership assumptions and reveals how relatability--rooted in trust, communication, and inspiration--is the key to unlocking potential in teams and organizations. Through proprietary research, peer-reviewed studies, and real-world experiences, she provides actionable strategies to help leaders foster cultures of respect, psychological safety, and connection. This book is an essential guide for leaders who want to move beyond traditional authority and create workplaces where people thrive."--Laura Gassner Otting, ABC Contributor and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

"In an era where AI is transforming the workplace, one truth remains: leadership is decidedly human. The Relatable Leader is the guide every leader needs to navigate the future of work, where trust, communication, and authenticity are the competitive edge that AI can't replicate. Rachel DeAlto delivers a research-backed blueprint for building connected, high-performing teams in a world where technology is accelerating change--but human connection drives success."--Dr. Shawn DuBravac, New York Times bestselling author

"Respect never went out of style--we just stopped tuning in. With fresh research and razor-sharp insights, Rachel DeAlto reminds us that leadership isn't about flashy trends; it's about connection, trust, and yes, a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T. If you lead people (or just want them to actually listen to you), this book is your new playbook for building teams that thrive."--Colette Carlson, MA, CSP, CPAE, Founder of Speak Your Truth, Inc.

"The book I wish I had during my early days as a military leader! In leadership, it's one thing to effectively manage things but to truly be a leader that people follow as a person rather than a title is much harder than we often realize. To effectively navigate barriers such as cultural divides require the knowledge and skill to meaningfully and authentically connect. Packed full of research proven methods and actionable takeaways, DeAlto's The Relatable Leader is your blueprint for leadership development. A must read!"--Stephen Drum, retired Navy SEAL Master Chief, Speaker, author of Life on the X

"We live in lonely, disconnected, overwhelming times. Rachel DeAlto gives us a simple blueprint for building human connection, inside and outside of the workplace. Required reading for leaders and managers alike." --Smiley Poswolsky, Workplace Belonging Keynote Speaker and author of Friendship in the Age of Loneliness

About the Author

Rachel DeAlto, communication and relatability expert, holds a law degree from Seton Hall University and a master's degree in psychology from Arizona State University. While serving as Match Group's Chief Connection Officer, she's appeared on Married at First Sight and over two hundred media outlets. Rachel speaks on leadership and connection.