Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Toby Usnik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Toby, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted in a lifelong habit of turning adversity into growth—of seeing every challenge as raw material for something better. Growing up in the Midwest, I learned early that grit wasn’t just a buzzword: it was a way of weathering hard winters and uncertainty with humor and family. Coming out in a less accepting era taught me the importance of self-acceptance and the power of community—lessons that later shaped my work advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.
Adversity didn’t end there. I’ve navigated career pivots, witnessed loss, stewarded brands through crises, and—like everyone—faced setbacks that forced me to rethink what really matters. The single habit that sustains my resilience is treating each experience like kneading dough: every moment, good or bad, gets folded in, worked through, and eventually helps shape something nourishing.
Nature restores me; family fuels me. But it’s the mindset of refusing to waste pain, time, or experience that has fostered my resilience. I choose to see each struggle as a doorway—one through which I can walk wiser, more empathetic, and better equipped to help others do the same. My resiliency is never solo; it’s a product of caring at scale, and of letting community and purpose power me forward, again and again.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m fortunate to have woven a professional path that sits at the intersection of diplomacy, innovation, and what I call “caring at scale.” As Head of Communications at the British Consulate General New York, I led media and public engagement on wide-ranging issues—climate, education, trade, social justice—representing the UK in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. What excited me most about this role was its daily mix of tradition and transformation: one moment you’re lighting the Empire State Building in Union Jack colors to welcome travelers back after COVID restrictions were lifted, the next you’re hosting a podcast conversation on how brands can drive real social change.
Alongside my diplomatic work, I’m the author and host of *The Caring Economy*, a book and podcast that explore how business leaders are reshaping their organizations to serve people, planet, and profit. Each week, I interview executives, visionaries, and culture-makers—connecting listeners with stories at the forefront of responsible leadership. The most rewarding part? Seeing how these conversations spark fresh ideas and inspire both rising professionals and seasoned leaders on their own journeys.
My latest focus is educating brands and individuals about the transformative power of AI. I teach executives, individuals and organizations how to embrace technology thoughtfully—not just for efficiency, but to enhance human potential. It’s about giving people tools to excel in a world that’s changing rapidly, while ensuring technology serves our most essential values. Each session generally brings a good amount of joy, yes, joy to peoples’ lives.
What makes my brand special is its unwavering commitment to connection: lifting up unheard voices, championing equity, and demonstrating that true leadership begins with care and courage. Whether through international diplomacy, teaching, or the stories we share on *The Caring Economy*, my goal is always to help others excel—by connecting, empowering, and inspiring across boundaries.
Exciting things are on the horizon, including a new series of live podcast events and expanded workshops on purposeful leadership and AI empowerment. I’m energized by what’s ahead, and hope to keep building communities—locally and globally—who are ready to live, lead, and care boldly, always taking others with them on a joyful adventure.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities and areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful:
– **Resilience:** Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. My resilience—built through challenges like coming out, career pivots, and advocacy—has allowed me to treat each struggle as material for growth. Like kneading dough, I learn from each experience and use it to shape a stronger, wiser version of myself.
– **Purpose-Driven Communication:** Whether working in diplomacy, teaching AI, or hosting *The Caring Economy*, the ability to communicate with intention and empathy moves people and brands forward. Connection—grounded in a genuine desire to help, listen, and inspire—is what fuels professional and personal impact.
– **Curiosity & Lifelong Learning:** Continuous learning—across cultures, disciplines, and technologies—has kept my work meaningful and adaptive. Traveling, exploring new fields like AI, and listening to diverse stories help me stay relevant and inspired.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
– *Embrace adversity as a teacher:* Welcome the hard moments; don’t waste pain or setbacks. Every experience adds value if you choose to learn from it.
– *Use communication as a connector:* Take a genuine interest in others when you meet them. Ask questions of them. Seek ways to uplift, empower, and collaborate. Whether networking or storytelling, authentic communication opens new doors.
– *Stay curious and open:* Pursue new ideas, places, and technologies. Lifelong learning isn’t just professional—it’s a mindset for well-being and growth.
Above all, remember that success isn’t just about achievement; it’s about the courage to care boldly, risk wisely, and build bridges wherever you go. The most impactful journeys are those shaped by challenge, compassion, and curiosity.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The book that’s played an outsized role in my development is Dale Carnegie’s *How to Win Friends and Influence People*. I was introduced to while at American Express on the recommendation of a mentor, and it has been a touchstone ever since—especially in the high-stakes realms of diplomacy, communications, and advocating for social impact.
A few of Carnegie’s most impactful nuggets have stayed with me and shaped how I approach life and work:
– Show genuine interest in others.”Carnegie taught me the value of listening actively and investing in authentic connections. I make it a practice to ask thoughtful questions and remember small details—a skill that opens doors with new colleagues, inspires trust, and fosters deeper collaborations. In diplomacy and podcasting alike, it’s the foundation for rapport.
– Give honest and sincere appreciation. Acknowledging the good in others—whether a teammate, student, or brand partner—creates a culture of positivity and progress. I regularly celebrate wins, thank colleagues publicly, and recognize the unsung heroes behind ambitious projects. It’s amazing how far simple appreciation can go.
– Talk in terms of the other person’s interests. In my work across sectors, I’ve seen that understanding—and communicating within—the context of others’ values leads to real breakthroughs, even in negotiation or advocacy. It makes collaboration smoother, change more possible, and relationships richer.
– Avoid criticizing, condemning, or complaining. This principle challenges me to focus on constructive feedback, solutions, and empathy. I try to approach conflicts or setbacks with a mindset of learning and growing, rather than placing blame.
Carnegie’s tools and perspectives have been invaluable for helping me connect, empower, and inspire across boundaries—whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or on the airwaves of *The Caring Economy*. His wisdom feels timeless: leadership, at its core, is about understanding others and caring enough to help them excel. That’s the lesson I try to pass on in every aspect of my work and life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tobyusnik.com/
- Instagram: @toby_usnik
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/tobyusnik
- Twitter: @Tusnik
- Youtube: @tobyusnik8168
- Other: TikTok: @tobyusnik8168 (FuncleToby)
Image Credits
Philip Angert for headshot
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