The Original
Human Connection Blog

Discover how fostering a connected corporate culture enhances employee well-being and productivity. Learn from the Van Halen and Sammy Hagar breakup story, and explore strategies for creating a workplace where everyone feels heard, understood, and valued. Read insights from the HP Work Relationship Index.

Human connection doesn't have to be lengthy. Every conversation holds the potential to touch a life, to inspire a dream, or to bolster someone's confidence. Just a few minutes, or even 30 seconds, can bridge the gap between strangers and make someone's day a little better. And when in doubt, use my favorite go-to question: "What do you love about [topic]?" It virtually guarantees they will begin talking about their values and beliefs. So next time you meet someone, remember it’s not about the length of the interaction, but the depth and quality of the connection you create.

It doesn't take much to brighten someone's day. And when you extend the give of human connection to another, they will extend that gift forward, and the ripple spreads quickly. Today, she is an advisor at a great school making a huge positive impact on students lives. And the critical inflection point was a single kind remark from a visiting comedy magician. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes we don't have to do any outrageous to make a dent in the universe. We just have to be present, understanding, and kind.

Why do so many entrepreneurs and business owners fail to connect with customers? You've got a brilliant idea and a unique solution that doesn't exist in the marketplace. You're better, faster, or cheaper than the competition. Yet, your ideal customers or clients just don't get it. And because they don't get it, they don't want it, and won't buy it. What's going on here? That's what Tijana Buric asked me on her podcast Career Alchemist, where I was recently honored to be a guest.

How a seemingly fun office culture led to unexpected team issues, highlighting the importance of understanding your team beyond just numbers. A lesson in human connection and management.

When you’re a magician the most important part of your job is not tricking people. It's connecting with people. Because fooling people is easy, but making people enjoy being fooled? That’s the real magic. And the only way to do that is to create a shared experience in which everyone feels heard, understood, and valued. Being a professional magician for 10 years taught me to make instant connections with perfect strangers, and that skills has led to every opportunity in my life, personally and professionally. I recently had the great pleasure of sitting down with Gabe Marusca on his podcast The Nomad Solopreneur Show.

This blog explores the concept of 'unlikely mentors' from Chris Roberts' TEDx talk. We discuss a three-step process: Identify, Adopt, Engage, illustrating how to find and learn from mentors outside traditional networks, based on real-life experiences and professional development insights.

Explore the crucial role of the messenger in shaping message perception. Learn why authenticity, credibility, and connection are key to effective communication in our latest blog post, as we delve into the psychology behind message reception and offer practical tips for becoming a trustworthy messenger.

Explore the profound lesson of internal experiences versus external reactions, judgment and impact, and the importance of patience in assessing true influence.

This was a mistake. I'm standing backstage scanning the audience with the intensity of a serial killer. Ordinarily I'd be over-the-moon at the opportunity to speak in front of such an energetic and welcoming audience. But this is different.

This weekend I spent two days with 1500 college students representing nearly 300 schools across America. It was NACA Live - the National Association for Campus Activities' annual national conference. I had the incredible honor of being selected to showcase on stage for 15 minutes, and spend the day interacting with students.

Discover the transformative power of being fully present in conversations. Learn from Matt Damon's encounter with Tom Cruise how presence can make others feel heard, understood, and valued. Turn everyday interactions into extraordinary experiences.

Learn how to connect with diverse audiences in this blog post. Drawing from real-world experiences, it emphasizes the importance of flexibility, empathy, and understanding in communication, whether you're a speaker, salesperson, or leader. Discover strategies to read the room, adapt your approach, and ensure that your message resonates.

We're in the middle of a crippling loneliness epidemic. Give yourself and others the gift of human connection by making it easy to understand you, and going out of your way to understand them. You may be a rare breed, but if you are inaccessible to others, you're only going to become more lonely, isolated, and frustrated.

Explore the importance of human connection in a tech-driven world through a personal narrative about a blood test experience. Discuss the skills gap in professional training, the teachability of interpersonal skills, and the future of customer-facing roles in the age of AI and automation.

Everyone has a story in their head. So, how do we connect with people when everyone is living out different beliefs, principles, and wants?

In a world where artificial intelligence is on the rise, it's our humanity that sets us apart. Discover how exceptional customer service, empathy, and genuine human connection give businesses a competitive edge in an AI-driven world. Learn from a real-life example that emphasizes the importance of embracing kindness and respect to thrive in the evolving business landscape.

Learn how using reflective listening and perspective-taking techniques can help create genuine connections even in challenging situations.