Insights and activities from September’s Joyful Connection Masterclass The Connection Masterclass community came together in September and reminded us that connection ignores perfection, and instead, it thrives in play, curiosity, and presence. It’s built in the small moments when we let go, listen closer, and choose to show up as we are. This month’s panellists, […]

Why emotions matter at the table When people think about negotiation, they often picture logic, strategy, and numbers. But studies show that what we feel and express is just as influential. According to research by Mara Olekalns and Daniel Druckman (2014), emotions act as signals that tell the other side how we see the deal, how much […]

A 2025 study by researchers from the universities of Parthenope, Teramo, Naples Parthenope, and EDHEC Business School looked at how companies grow and what makes that growth last. It followed the journey of an online pharmacy that grew to more than 1.4 million regular customers, added over 430,000 new buyers in just two years, built […]

Insights and Activities from August’s Joyful Connection Masterclass August’s Joyful Connection Masterclass reminded everyone of something simple but powerful: joy isn’t fluff, and connection doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the small practices we carry with us, the quick check-ins, the playful prompts, the reminders of what matters, that build the kind of trust and belonging […]

It’s a familiar scene. The unread emails, the endless notifications, the half-written report waiting on the screen. In the middle of it all, your thumb hovers over the phone. A quick scroll feels easier than sending that message you’ve been meaning to write. Easier than checking in with the colleague who just closed a big […]

Too often in business, relationships are treated as temporary assets. A name enters your system, moves through stages, and then disappears once a deal is done, or not. But behind every opportunity is a person who remembers how you made them feel, not just whether you sent a follow-up email on time. Professionals today are […]

Make the most of the summer slow-down Time away offers clarity, restoration, and perspective. When the break ends, that clarity fades into a blur of emails, meetings, and task lists. While projects pile up, relationships quietly demand attention too. Picking up where you left off means catching up on both work and people. Doing so […]

Insights and Activities from July’s Joyful Masterclass What happens when you bring together a TEDx speaker, a DEI strategist, and a connection researcher under one (very sparkly) roof? You get a masterclass that lets you feel connection in your body, your breath, and your bones. Hosted by Charley “Sparkle” Lapomardo, July’s Joyful Connection Masterclass invited […]

Scattered contacts = scattered opportunities At events, your team is busy. They’re meeting people, making connections, collecting cards, scanning QR codes, and adding contact details to their phones. It all feels productive in the moment. But when the event ends and everyone returns to the office, the cracks start to show. Leads are scattered across […]

Understanding the subtle social signals embedded in one of the oldest forms of human interaction In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, the simple act of shaking hands remains one of the most potent forms of nonverbal communication. A handshake conveys trust, establishes rapport, and helps balance the power dynamic between two individuals. Whether […]