The 3Cs Digest #7: Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever
...building community and deepening connection during times of turbulence
What. A. Week. (Understatement of the decade?)
I woke up to the results last Wednesday morning and dove head-first into my various social feeds, immediately falling down a rabbit hole of disbelief, disappointment, and despair. I received a steady stream of texts and DMs from friends throughout the morning expressing the same feelings and checking to see how I was handling the news, but for the first few hours all I could respond with was “f*ck.
But come midday, a disarming sense of calm and purpose washed over me. I realized that I had something of value that I could offer people feeling unmoored and uncertain about how to proceed - Knowledge of how to use The 3Cs to build a community around themselves that makes them feel safe, seen, and supported.
For more than a decade I've been building and scaling communities, preaching the power of collaboration, and teaching people how to connect more deeply with themselves and others. While I've always known that the work I'm doing is wildly important, it's never felt this time-sensitive or applicable to so many all at once.
So I got to work.
24 hours later, I hosted the first of four free Community Q&A sessions called, “Building Your Apocalypse Coven” where around 40 people gathered to share their fears, reactions, and questions about what to do next, and I offered some wisdom on curating community and nurturing meaningful, values-aligned relationships.
Less than a week after that, I hosted another Community Q&A on “How to Find Your People”. This session was more workshop than a support group and included actionable frameworks for seeking new connections, strengthening casual acquaintances, and asking for aligned introductions from your friends.
I'm hosting at least one more session in this series next Wednesday the 20th at 11am PST on “Cultivating Connection & Deepening Your Relationships" where I'll share strategies for sparking connection with new friends, strengthening bonds with existing ones, reviving dormant relationships, and recognizing when it's time to release people who no longer align with your goals and values. If you'd like to join, add your email to the list here.
While hosting these sessions felt impactful and was a much-needed distraction from election hot takes, I've also been grappling with the harsh reality that there are some times when seeking the overlap with someone is no longer in our best interest, especially when your values are completely misaligned. If the reaction to my video about the misinterpretation of the idiom, “blood is thicker than water” is any indication, I'm not alone. Now more than ever it's imperative that you build community with people who make you feel safe, seen, and supported.
If that feels overwhelming, just remember - I've got you.
Your mission (should you choose to accept it):
Reach out to one person this weekend who has made you feel safe, seen, and supported, either currently or in the past. Thank them for having your back and see if you can do anything to return the favor. At best it'll reignite your relationship and strengthen your connection, and at worst it'll make their day and remind you that you are worthy of being in community with good humans who accept you as you are.
Want some 1:1 support in making a plan for building, nurturing, and leveraging relationships in your career and life? Book a 90-minute 3Cs Strategy Session with me!
Curate Community
Not sure where to go to find “your people”? Use the "Give, Grow, Get" approach:
Give: Join communities where you can contribute your time or expertise, like volunteer groups, mentoring programs, or nonprofit organizations.
Grow: Explore spaces that encourage personal or professional development, such as book clubs, skill-building workshops, or industry meetups.
Get: Find networks where you can gain support or mentorship, like mastermind groups, support circles, or career-focused organizations.
This approach helps you connect with groups that share your goals and values, making it easier to forge authentic relationships with like-minded people.
Cultivate Connection
Looking to strengthen your relationships? Take these steps to move from casual to meaningful:
Turn a “could be” connection into something more: Start small with gestures like saying hello or chatting with someone you see regularly, like the barista at your favorite coffee shop or a neighbor on your daily walk.
Move a casual connection into the friend zone: Take the next step by spending quality time together—invite a coworker to lunch, suggest a coffee chat with a neighbor, or ask a fellow parent to join you for a walk after school drop-off.
Reignite a dormant relationship: Reach out to a former coworker you haven't spoken to in a while or reconnect with an old friend from college. A quick message or invitation to catch up can rekindle your bond.
These intentional steps can turn casual acquaintances into fulfilling, long-term connections.
Catalyze Collaboration
Want to grow your network without doing all the heavy lifting? Use referrals and introductions to expand your reach with ease:
Be clear about what you're seeking: When requesting an introduction, specify the type of person or expertise you're looking for. This makes it easier for your contact to connect you with someone relevant.
Leverage mutual trust: Introductions often come with built-in credibility. A recommendation from someone you trust can help establish rapport more quickly.
Offer to return the favor: Networking works both ways. Be open to connecting others in your circle, creating a ripple effect of collaboration and goodwill.
Thoughtful introductions pave the way for partnerships and relationships that benefit everyone involved.
The show where we're creating a more connected world, one conversation at a time.
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts, and read my reflections on each episode on the Seeking the Overlap Substack
New Episodes
Ep 8: When It's Okay to Stop Seeking the Overlap (11/9/24)
In episode 8, I talked about something deeply personal and close to my heart. As someone who's made it her mission to “seek the overlap”—to find common ground even where differences run deep—I've had to confront the challenging reality that not every connection is worth preserving. Especially in today's world, where politics, social issues, and personal values can feel like insurmountable divides, it's sometimes necessary to step back for the sake of our own peace and well-being.
I shared:
Why setting boundaries isn't about giving up, but about protecting your well-being
The true meaning of “blood is thicker than water” and what it says about chosen relationships
Three clear signs it's time to stop seeking the overlap
How to curate a community that supports and uplifts you
The importance of pruning relationships to make space for new, healthy connections
Ep 7: Planting and Cultivating Seeds of Vision (10/27/24)
In episode 7, I sit down with global motivational speaker and my Showcase Your Shine co-creator, AJ Sarcione, to discuss the keys to creating deeper, more authentic relationships.
We discussed:
Planting seeds in relationships for long-term impact
Finding common ground with people who are different from you
Letting go of judgment to foster trust and connection
Aligning your internal values with your external actions
How resilience opens doors to meaningful opportunities
A roundup of the books, podcast episodes, tools, events, and resources I've been enjoying that I want to share with you!
LA Luminary Member Meetup - November 20th, 5-7pm, Bacari on 3rd
Come meet like-minded people who value connection and growth at this month's Luminary Member Meetup. Even if you're not a Luminary member (yet), it's all good - you can come as my guest. Drinks and bites are on you, but the good vibes and connections are on us (Register here)
I'm joining the one and only Toni Purry for the next BRA Network SpeakHer's Blueprint session to talk about the process of leveraging podcast appearances to build your personal brand, gain visibility as an authority in your field, and position yourself as sought-after speaker. It's free for BRA members and $35 for everyone else. (Register here)
Overlap Collective Community Database
The desire to be in community with likeminded humans is on the rise, but with a seemingly infinite number of communities out there it can feel overwhelming to find the right one to join. So, I've started a database to help wrangle the best ones as recommended by people in my own community. If you'd like to add one (or more), you can submit it here.
From Mingling to Meaning: Creating High-Impact Networking Events
I joined Phil Mershon, Audette Sophia, and Michaela Alexis on a panel earlier this week to explore how intentionality, creativity, and inclusivity can transform networking events into truly impactful experiences. We shared practical strategies for helping attendees build meaningful connections, including the importance of pre-event preparation, diverse networking formats, and interactive tools that make connection easier and more authentic. (Recap + Replay)
Here's what's been inspiring me lately ✨
A Bit Much: Poems, By Lyndsay Rush
Better known by her Instagram handle, @maryoliversdrunkcousin, Lyndsay Rush's debut book of poetry was a moving, delightful, and silly read that I finished on the flight home from my 40th birthday trip to Mexico City. There's simply nobody punnier than her, but just as quickly as you're giggling at one line you're tearing up at the next. It's the perfect book to pick up whenever you need a dose of levity and tenderness during these dark (literally) days.
Post-Election Family Meeting, We Can Do Hard Things Podcast
It feels like I promote this podcast more than I promote my own, but what can I say - we have to do so many hard things that it comes in handy more than I wish it did! This episode gave me the comfort and wisdom I needed in the wake of the election, so I'm sharing it with you in the event that you're in need of a little of that yourself.
I might be biased, but the people in my community are absolutely the best, so allow me to introduce you to some of them! Here's everyone I connected with virtually and IRL since the last Digest. Reply to this email if you'd like an introduction to any of them!
️ Maxie McCoy is a WSJ bestselling ghostwriter and facilitator of stories who works with thought leaders, experts and entertainers on bringing their best to the page across mediums, as well as the author of YOU'RE NOT LOST, named the best career book in 2019 by Refinery29. Maxie and I met over a decade now when I was doing partnerships at General Assembly and she was the Director of Local Levo at Levo League. Maxie was the first person I thought to reach out to for advice as I began to write my book proposal, so we had the opportunity to catch up over Zoom last month.
John Moser is an Account Executive at Justworks, a VC-backed HR and benefits platform that simplifies and streamlines the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. John and I met in September at the Small Business Training Camp hosted by Luminary x Justworks x Angel City Football Club, and got to grab lunch IRL a few weeks ago where we talked about the intersection of sales/biz dev and intentional relationship building (among other things!)
Toni Purry is the author of My Hype Book and the founder of Shaping Narrative, a speaker development and media training company that guides executives through an immersive process of harnessing the power of narrative and effectively raising brand awareness by articulating company messaging with clarity and confidence. Toni and I originally met in the summer of 2017 at a Bossladies Worksesh and we've been friends ever since. Anytime Toni and I get together, we know to block off no less than 3 hours on our calendars, and that still wasn't enough time when we got together for lunch a few weeks ago .
Kim Agnew is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Blue Sky Black Sheep, a launchpad for those who seek to turn their ideas and creativity into content, products and experiences (they also host the amazing writing group I've been participating in for over 6 years now!) Kim and I also had a marathon lunch last week where we dreamed and schemed up a new creative collaboration
Wishing you a weekend full of ease, joy, and quality time with “your people”. Even (and especially) when things feel hard, enjoying the things and people you love can be an act of resistance.
PS - Here's my question for you this week:
What's one community, group, or circle you're already part of that you can engage with more intentionally this week?
The 3Cs Digest #6: How I Got Connection So Wrong for So Long
...from shape-shifting to self-acceptance and how that led to deeper relationships
When I began brainstorming episode ideas for my podcast, Seeking the Overlap earlier this year, I thought I had a pretty good idea of the trajectory for the show. I knew that I wanted to have an additional channel to teach my community not just why they should connect with others, but how to do that, so I got to work reaching out to potential guests who are thought leaders in the connection space.
While I assumed that I would learn a thing or two about connection from conducting these interviews, what I didn't expect was how drastically my perspective on connection would shift. As I began interviewing guests, it quickly became clear that I had been missing a crucial step in the connection process - connection with self.
Not only had I skipped right over the integral work of figuring out who I was today (not 20 years ago) before rushing out to meet new people, two nefarious elements were hindering my ability to form deep connections:
Perfectionism and people-pleasing.
For the bulk of my life, I operated from an incorrect assumption that to build relationships with others, I needed to shape-shift into someone they'd like. I've always been good at reading people and quickly identifying the language they prefer to speak in, then adapting my external to meet their expectations.
I attempted connection after connection throughout my life, manipulating myself and adapting my appeal to fit whoever was the target of my affection be it in a friendship, romantic, or professional capacity.
I kept going this way because frankly, it worked. I made friends, I got asked out, and I landed the gig. But at what cost?
The cost, I see now, was my authenticity and true connection with myself. That, my friends, was the missing piece.
By bending over backward and performing personality illusions for others, I completely missed who I was. I didn't have my own likes and dislikes, I was simply a mirror for the people I so desperately wanted to be in connection with.
The most insidious form it ever took was in my perfectionism, also known as my deep desire to receive external validation from those I deemed wiser, cooler, or more powerful than me. I never allowed myself to be imperfect, have flaws that others could see, or accept failure as an option.
What I know now is that it's in those imperfections, flaws, and failures that the opportunity for true connection exists. People don't want perfect - they want a person. It's our messy humanness that endears us to others because we see our own humanity reflected back to us.
I would love to tell you that now that I understand this to be true I never hesitate to show up as my full, truthful, imperfect self, but alas, I am still human after all. But I try, and that's all any of us can really do.
But when I do manage to let my naked humanity show, the connections I form are deeper and more tangible than any I was ever able to make before. The people I connect with now benefit from my uncovering and introspection and self-love, which will hopefully offer them the permission to do the same.
Your mission (should you choose to accept it):
The next time you're having a conversation with someone, be it with a potential new friend or an old acquaintance, try dropping any lingering perfectionism or people-pleasing tendencies and let them see a more authentic version of you. I know the fear of rejection is terrifying, but the opportunity to be seen and accepted for who you really are is worth it, I promise.
Want some 1:1 support in making a plan for building, nurturing, and leveraging relationships in your career and life? Book a 90-minute 3Cs Strategy Session with me!
Curate Community
Does “networking” give you the ick? Try reframing it as “relationship building”.
Instead of seeing networking as a transactional exchange of business cards or titles, approach it with the mindset that you're uncovering a future friend. When you walk into a room or connect with new people online, focus on getting to know people beyond their roles. Shifting your intention from "networking" to "relationship building" instantly makes the experience feel more meaningful and less intimidating, leading to deeper, more authentic connections.
Cultivate Connection
Feeling disconnected in your relationships? It could be that you're not fully present.
The next time you're in conversation with someone, focus on being fully present—both in body and mind. Instead of thinking about what you're going to say next or what you're going to have for dinner that night, practice embodiment by tuning into the moment and truly listening. This helps you stay grounded and connect more authentically, allowing for a deeper and more meaningful interaction.
Catalyze Collaboration
Afraid of seeming needy when you ask for help? Lead with curiosity and offer value first.
When reaching out to someone to ask for support, start by reconnecting and showing interest in what they're up to. Build rapport before making an ask, and then be specific and clear about what you're looking for. By making it easy for others to help you and approaching the conversation with authenticity, you're more likely to get a positive response—and make the process feel mutually beneficial rather than transactional.
The show where we're creating a more connected world, one conversation at a time. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
I officially launched the Seeking the Overlap podcast one month ago today, which means there are now 6 episodes ready for your listening pleasure!
The first 7 episodes of season 1 focus on self-connection, highlighting its foundational role in building meaningful relationships. We've been exploring how embracing authenticity, overcoming social barriers, and practicing presence can transform our connections with ourselves and others, ultimately enhancing our well-being and fostering deeper bonds.
If you're enjoying the show so far, I'd love to hear what you think! And if you're feeling really generous, please consider leaving a rating and review to help new listeners discover the podcast. (Here's how)
New Episodes
Ep 3: The Life-Saving Power of Social Connections (9/22/24)
On episode 3, I explore the life-or-death importance of social connection with science writer and author of “The Laws of Connection”, David Robson.
We discussed:
The Liking Gap and how it affects connection-building
The link between social bonds and physical health
Overcoming shyness and social awkwardness in relationships
The power of vulnerability in strengthening trust
Balancing empathy and self-disclosure in conversations
Ep 4: Strengthening Your Relationships from the Inside Out (9/29/24)
On episode 4, I discuss the importance of self-connection as the foundation for meaningful relationships with mental health therapist Jazzmyn Proctor.
We discussed:
The significance of deepening the internal relationship with oneself
The influence of internal dialogue on external relationships
How to evaluate and prune existing relationships
Actionable tips for self-reflection and embracing new hobbies
Maintaining balanced relationships as you evolve throughout your life
Ep 5: Letting Go of Perfectionism to Build Authentic Relationships (10/6/24)
On episode 5, I chat about how letting go of perfectionism can lead to more authentic relationships with Connection Consultant, Author, and TEDx speaker, Richard Lee-Thai.
We discussed:
Building confidence and social fitness for introverts
Using the fear ladder to step outside comfort zones
Leveraging personal interests and asking for help in networking
Self-connection and self-acceptance as networking foundations
Embracing authenticity, self-compassion, and imperfection
Ep 6: Turning Disconnection into Connection by Practicing Presence (10/13/24)
On episode 6, I explore the concept of embodiment and how it can transform the way we connect with ourselves and others with embodiment coach Sophie Allison.
We discussed:
What embodiment is and how it contrasts with disassociation
Enhancing relationships through the power of presence
Practicing breathwork and grounding exercises to stay present
Balancing giving and receiving to foster healthy relationships
Embracing vulnerability to build emotional support within a community
A roundup of the books, podcast episodes, tools, events, and resources I've been enjoying that I want to share with you!
The Art of Professional Friendship: How to Build Meaningful Connections in Life and Work
In my interview with Erin Kennedy on The Office Latte Podcast, I dove into the origins of my title, "Professional Friend Maker" and how the 3C's—Community, Connection, and Collaboration—have shaped both my career and personal life. We also chatted about practical strategies for building authentic relationships on LinkedIn and beyond, and how to approach new connections without the overwhelm. (Listen or watch)
Leverage Networking to “Future Proof” Your Career
Earlier this summer, I joined Career Coach Jess Wass and Performance Coach Ashley Rudolph on a panel where we shared actionable strategies for building, nurturing, and leveraging your network to “future-proof” your career. We discussed how to reframe networking as relationship-building and explored simple ways to integrate it into your busy life. Regardless of whether you're an introvert or extrovert, if you're looking to unlock new opportunities and grow in your career, this session was packed with insights you can put into practice right away. (Watch)
Here's what's been inspiring me lately ✨
Building Connection Amongst Retreat Attendees
In one of Becky Pierson Davidson's recent newsletters, she shared her experience attending a retreat that led to her forming deep connections with fellow attendees, and what those specific intentional touch points were that facilitated those connections. For anyone who organizes events of any size, this is a must-read. (Read)
Convenings, Cohorts + Communities: Notes on so-called "impact" gatherings
Written by Renee Lertzman, PhD, This whole article was a fantastic read, but my favorite tip was
#5: People want and need less “content” and more (and deeper) quality interactions which recommends splitting event attendees into groups of 3-5 and enabling them to meet before and throughout the event which allows for deeper connections and thoughtful processing of ideas within the larger group setting. (Read)The Ultimate Guide To Leveraging Your Presence In Other Communities For Business Growth
In this article from Community Building expert Bri Leever, she talks about how to best show up as a member of various communities to get new eyes on your business, nurture existing relationships, and ultimately convert new clients or customers, which is exactly what she did for her recent podcast and community launch. (Read)
I might be biased, but the people in my community are absolutely the best, so allow me to introduce you to some of them! Here's everyone I connected with virtually and IRL since the last Digest. Reply to this email if you'd like an introduction to any of them!
️Kevin Monroe is a Gratitude Infusion Strategist + Culture Transformation Specialist who is devoted to expressing, igniting, and infusing gratitude and appreciation into the workplace at his Gratitude Consulting company. I met Kevin in the chat at the last Covve Connection Crew event and we grabbed a virtual coffee not long after to get to know one another.
️Luetrell Toler's expertise is in talent acquisition, customized training solutions, and management consulting and he works with both start-up's and established organizations to identify, recruit, and deliver difference-making talent. I've known Luetrell since early 2014 when I organized the classes, workshops, and events for General Assembly LA, and we recently reconnected to see how we might be able to collaborate in the latest iteration of our businesses. Stay tuned for more on that!
Amy Clanin is the Founder, Executive Director, and Learning Experience Designer at Design Pathways where she works with organizations dedicated to combating climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and beyond. Amy and I were paired up at the last Covve Connection Crew event and we both wanted more time to get to know one another, so we did just that a couple of weeks later.
Camara Rauen is a Speaker, Producer, Consultant, and Workshop Facilitator for podcast content as well as a change agent and advocate for shifting mental health dialogue from stigma to strength, promoting opportunities for personal transformation. I met Camera at the start of 2024 when we were touring the new Groundfloor space. We grab coffee every few months to hear what the other's working on to see how we can support one another.
As always, thank you for reading what I know is a very lengthy, jam-packed newsletter. I put a ton of love and effort into curating the best tips, resources, and insights related to The 3Cs with the hope that it enables you to more easily build community, connect deeply, and collaborate with the people in your world. I can think of no greater purpose than helping my community feel just a little more connected, one email and podcast episode at a time.
Oh, and in case you missed the announcement, I decided to switch these digests to a monthly release instead of bi-weekly to lighten the workload that comes with creating each issue. One of the best parts of running my own business is choosing how to spend my time and attention. If I'm not consistently checking in to ensure my energy is being used wisely, then what's the point of being my own boss?
And with that, I'll see you back here in your inbox on November 15th!
PS - Here's my question for you this week:
Which is the most challenging part of networking for you?
Meeting new people
Maintaining relationships
Leveraging your connections
(Answer in the comments, or go weigh in here!)
The 3Cs Digest #5: Celebrating Two Major Milestones!
...birthdays, podcast launches, and my relationships - oh my!
Today is an exciting day in Baily Land - I'm celebrating two pretty big deals.
First up,
the Seeking the Overlap podcast is live!!
I'm beyond thrilled to finally share my newest baby with the world. I dropped not one, but two episodes today, and I'd love for you to take a listen and let me know what you think!
My desire to create this show came from a very personal place. I’ve always thrived on relationships (I’m a "Professional Friend-Maker" after all) and in high school, I was the girl who flitted between 10 different lunch tables, collecting friends from every social circle. But lately, I've been reflecting not just on the number of friends I had, but on the quality of those relationships.
We often think that the more connections we have, the better off we are. But quantity doesn’t always equal depth—you can be surrounded by people and still feel deeply lonely. And that’s why I felt the need to start this podcast—to have conversations that dig deeper, to help people (myself included) forge stronger bonds both with themselves and others.
In today’s divisive times, feeling connected is more crucial than ever. Throughout this season, I talk about the significance of community, meaningful relationships, and how being deeply connected can transform our lives.
My guests are AH-MAZING (really), and the conversations I've been having have already changed my life and relationships for the better.
I made this for us, so I hope you enjoy listening as much as I've enjoyed recording it.
LISTEN HERE
The next big thing I'm celebrating is…
TODAY IS MY 40TH BIRTHDAY!!
I grew up hearing that 40 was “over the hill” - in fact, my childhood friend's dad even threw her mom a funeral-themed 40th surprise birthday party, complete with a casket and tombstone! Somehow he lived to see another day… but that definitely made an impression on my younger self. Hell, I dreaded turning 30 because even THAT felt old!
Now that this big birthday is here, I'm thrilled to be getting my membership card to Club 40, because I realize that my life is just truly just getting started. No decade is without its own series of challenges, but I feel better equipped to handle whatever comes my way than I ever have before.
I'm infinitely grateful for the life I have right now, especially the relationships I've cultivated through the last 40 years. I can't imagine where I'd be without the people in my life who love me, go to bat for me, and cheer me on in whatever phase I'm in. Lucky is an understatement.
Your mission (should you choose to accept it):
I would be SO grateful if you'd be willing to subscribe, rate, review, and share Seeking the Overlap with a friend as a birthday gift to me!
And no, I don’t feel bad about asking for exactly what I want - I’m in my 40s now, after all 😘
And with that, I give you this week's 3Cs Digest!
Want some 1:1 support in making a plan for building, nurturing, and leveraging relationships in your career and life? Book a 90-minute 3Cs Strategy Session with me!
In lieu of individual 3Cs tips this week, I thought it might be helpful to back up a bit and explain what exactly they are and why you should care.
In a world where everyone seems constantly connected, many of us still feel isolated and unsure of how to tap into our network's potential. We want to meet new people, deepen existing relationships, and receive the kind of support that propels us forward, but the path to doing so feels unclear.
Maybe you’ve been to countless networking events that led nowhere or tried to reignite dormant connections only to be met with silence. The struggle to balance your busy life with the desire for meaningful relationships can leave you feeling stuck, unsure of how to leverage the people you already know, or meet those who could make a difference in your journey.
This is where the 3Cs:
Community, Connection, and Collaboration
come into play.
By curating a community, you surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values and aspirations, creating a network that supports you through every challenge.
Cultivating connection goes beyond simply meeting new people; it’s about fostering relationships that are deep, meaningful, and mutually beneficial. These connections provide you with the insights, encouragement, and opportunities needed to navigate life’s transitions with confidence.
Catalyzing collaboration allows you to harness the collective strength of your community, turning shared ideas into powerful actions that propel everyone forward.
Through The 3Cs, you can transform the way you engage with others, enabling you to thrive in times of change and achieve the success you’ve been striving for.
A roundup of the books, podcast episodes, tools, events, and resources I've been enjoying that I want to share with you!
🎥 Earlier this month I had the pleasure of joining my friend Tracy Borreson on the Crazy, STUPID Marketing Show to talk about Marketing Your Business with The 3C's. If you missed it live, you can catch the replay here!
📚 Jenny Weigle-Bonds asked if I could recommend any books on connection that she could include in her latest newsletter, and boy did I - fourteen to be exact! Four of them were written by guests that I've interviewed for season 1 of the Seeking the Overlap Podcast, including The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging written by my guest for episode 2, Julia Hotz which is available now! You can read through the full list of connection books here.
🧰 The parent-child connection is one of the most important relationships, and yet, it can feel impossible to find time to genuinely connect with our kids with so many competing priorities. Luckily, one of my upcoming podcast guests, Lilian M. Bazell has created a guide to help make it easier than ever - "The Moon is Waiting" is an interactive activity book designed for parents and kids to enjoy together. Check out her Indiegogo campaign and grab your copy here!
🎧 Every job has highs and lows, and entrepreneurship is certainly full of both. My friend Yurii Lazaruk invited me to share my ups and downs on his two podcasts, Freelance Thrive and Freelance Sucks. On the Freelance Thrive Podcast, I talked about how to professionally build, nurture, and leverage relationships to attract great opportunities, and on the Freelance Sucks Podcast, I shared what I find the most challenging about freelancing (like pricing offers and sales.)
Here's what's been inspiring me lately ✨
🎧 BRAND with Julie Ciardi - "Training for Your Next Decade: Your Future Self is Counting on You"
Julie Ciardi is basically me + 10 years (almost to the day!) I met Julie back in 2022 when I was her Community Strategist at my last day job, and instantly knew she was someone I wanted to connect with and learn from. I joined her signature program, Her Design Hub™ earlier this year, and have since gone down the rabbit hole of Human Design and Gene Keys thanks to her simple, straightforward approach. Her latest podcast episode felt like perfect timing for me as I enter a new decade as intentionally and optimistically as possible. Happy birthday to us, Julie! 🎉
🌀 How to build your network like a playlist
One of the incredible humans behind the Generalist World community, Lindsey Lerner wrote a fascinating article inviting you to imagine your networking efforts as putting together an epic playlist of perspectives. “Just like mixing up your information diet keeps things fresh and exciting, tapping into a variety of viewpoints in your networking can lead to richer, more innovative ideas.” For someone who lives, eats, and breathes networking, I was delighted with a new perspective on something so many people dread. (read here)
I might be biased, but the people in my community are absolutely the best, so allow me to introduce you to some of them! Here's everyone I connected with virtually and IRL since the last Digest. Reply to this email if you'd like an introduction to any of them!
⚡️ Stacey Kauffman is an executive leader in the media and marketing industry who believes strongly in the adage, “the rising tide lifts all boats.” She reached out to me via LinkedIn DM with the message, “It appears your superpower is as a people connector, mine is a dot connector!” and after realizing we both have “Strategic” as one of our Clifton Strengths, we hopped on a virtual coffee chat and the overlaps kept coming. Stacey is also the Founder of The Athena Program, which helps create a supportive and fulfilling environment to keep girls from quitting club sports.
⚡️ Lizzy Okoro Palafox is an experienced founder turned consultant and speaker with a decade of experience building teams, designing strategy, events and digital marketing. She and I were originally introduced by our fabulous mutual friend, Robyn Young back in 2019, and we managed to get one IRL coffee date in before I had my first kid a couple of months later, and our scheduled coffee date on March 13, 2020 was canceled for reasons you likely all remember! We've stayed on each other's radar through the last 5 years though, and had a long-overdue virtual coffee date last week. We're scheming ways to finally work together, so stay tuned for what's to come!
⚡️ Phil Mershon is an Event Experience Coach, Speaker, and Author of Unforgettable: the Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences who I initially met on Threads where he invited me to be on his new podcast, The Event Innovator Show (which we're recording this Tuesday!) We had a fabulous virtual coffee chat to get to know one another, and discovered an exciting overlap in our mutual obsession with making it easier for event attendees to connect with one another. More to come on that front!
⚡️ Crystal Whiteaker is an inclusive brand consulting and trauma-informed leadership coach, keynote speaker, author, and DEIB trainer who creates inclusive, values-aligned, human-focused environments. Oh, and on top of all that she's also an incredible photographer! I met Crystal through the BRA Network, and we quickly discovered that we share a ton of overlaps, both personally and professionally. We got together last week for lunch and could have kept talking all day, so part two will be happening ASAP!
⚡️ Emily Race-Newmark is the Host and Lead Producer of This Is How We Care, a podcast/experimental journey to imagine and embody a world rooted in collective care. Emily and I were introduced back in 2018 by my favorite fellow Super-Connector, Van Lai-DuMone. Our businesses and careers have gone through many iterations since we first connected 6 ½ years ago, but we've been keeping an eye on what the other's been up to and angling for a collaboration ever since (which will likely come as an appearance on each other's podcasts next season!)
Thank you for celebrating these two big milestones with me, I don't take your time for granted and appreciate you reading and responding to these Digests every other week! Wishing you a spectacular rest of September, and I'll see you back here next month!
PS - Here's my question for you this week: