The Original
Human Connection Blog

In our fast-paced, distracted world full of screens and avatars, it’s easy to miss the human right in front of us. We must be better.

It's about selflessness and community. I'm much more concerned about the bubbling "me over everyone else" attitude than how accurate the science of mask-wearing is.

One thing we can agree on, however, is it’s easier to sell to someone who can afford your asking price. No matter how hard the Aston Martin salesperson works, how good the car is, or how convincingly she weaves a story, I’m not going to buy an Aston Martin.

Whether you’re selling a product or idea, or interviewing for a new job, this is the time to get very clear on what you do, who it’s for, and how it helps them.

If you only ever choose to order off the menu, to color between the lines, to stick to the status quo, you’ll never ruffle any feathers. As the saying goes, no one ever got fired for buying an IBM computer.

Next time you’re struggling to find the right path, try an obviously wrong one instead. It may not be so wrong, after all.

Every single one of us can be leaders in the human connection revolution. You don’t need a title or a badge. You just need to make a choice.

Either you believe luck is an irrational force, swirling around like a quantum tornado randomly bestowing itself whenever and for whomever it feels like, or you believe there is a measure of control we each exert over our own luck.

They really, truly are trying to make a change in their life or career. We don’t fail resolutions or new projects because our intentions aren’t genuine, but because building new habits or a business is really, really hard. And one of the primary reasons it’s so hard is we often try it alone.

All we needed was a cup of coffee. What we got instead? A masterclass in how to lose a loyal customer. It was 4 PM in a luxury hotel lobby, rain pouring outside, and we were exhausted from a long day of travel. But when we asked for coffee, the bartender ignored us, the manager shrugged, and our only option was to trudge into the storm. Meanwhile, a car salesman—who had already made the sale—jumped to grab me a fresh cup of coffee. Most businesses will never reach unreasonable hospitality. But the real problem? Most don’t even deliver reasonable hospitality.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.