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.