Insights and activities from May’s Joyful Masterclass
We often hear that connection happens naturally. But how often do we make space for it to unfold without rushing?
Covve’s May Joyful Masterclass created that space. Focused on deeper connection, it invited the Connection Crew to slow down and explore one activity in depth, guided by a single guest panelist.
In this Masterclass, we welcomed Becky Brunner, consultant with the Team Culture & Connection, known for helping teams build belonging from within. Becky led the group through a simple yet powerful exercise, inviting everyone to recall a childhood memory tied to a cookie. It wasn’t just about nostalgia, which can be a powerful tool of connection, it was about grounding in moments of warmth, comfort, and shared humanity.
From there, the conversation deepened. In small Mastermind circles, participants shifted to listening, reflecting, and sharing experiences without rushing to offer advice. In these quieter moments, the heart of connection, being seen and heard, came to life.
The foundation was set, and the conversations that followed grew naturally from there.
Guest Panellist
Becky Brunner, Team Culture & Connection Consultant
Becky Brunner helps teams create belonging from within. With her background in project management and focus on cultivating culture, she works with women-led organizations to design workplaces where people feel connected and choose to stay.
Her work is centered on improving communication, easing onboarding, and nurturing collaboration. Becky’s approach is simple yet powerful: “Be a good human.” It’s a belief that comes through in her work and the way she engaged with the group.
The Cookie Memory
Becky guided the group through a reflection exercise, inviting everyone to think back to a childhood cookie, the smell, the taste, the texture. She asked us to remember where we were and who shared that moment.
What followed were stories full of warmth and quiet reflection. Some brought laughter. Others stirred a gentle hush. These memories lingered not because of the cookie itself, but because of what it symbolized: connection, comfort, and belonging.
You can try this on your own or with a group:
- Recall a favorite childhood cookie.
- Focus on the taste, smell, and texture.
- Picture the setting and the people around you.
- Share your memory, and listen carefully when others share theirs.
- Let the moment unfold naturally, focusing on connection rather than performance.
The Mastermind Circle
The second half of the session shifted into structured breakout rooms for a Mastermind-style exercise. Each small group offered one person the floor to share a current challenge, professional or personal. One by one, others responded, not with advice, but with their own reflections or experiences.
The conversations had a quiet rhythm. Each story opened a window into a different world. As always, solutions weren’t the goal. Instead, it was about being heard and hearing others with care.
You can recreate this format:
- Form groups of 4-7 people.
- One person shares a challenge they’re facing.
- Each group member responds in turn with a similar experience, no advice, just reflection.
- Keep the structure clear and the atmosphere respectful.
- Focus on listening. Understanding grows from the exchange.
This session left a lasting impression. The stories, the quiet moments, and the genuine listening created something that didn’t need a rigid structure to feel meaningful.
Thank you to everyone who participated, with openness, with presence, and with the kind of attention that makes others feel seen. Small moments like a childhood cookie or an honest conversation, can spark something far greater than we expect.
We’re thrilled to gather with our Connection Crew community again in June with both new and familiar faces!
Written on 26 Jun 2025.
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