Covve’s March Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals brought together a lineup of inspiring leaders dedicated to strengthening how we connect. Through a series of immersive exercises, participants explored ways to deepen relationships by sharing purpose, honoring personal stories, and confronting the spaces where growth begins. The Masterclass focused not only on techniques but on creating a feeling. One of presence, curiosity, and trust among everyone in the room.
Each activity invited participants to slow down, reflect, and step into more genuine conversations with one another. These moments served as reminders that connection is an ongoing practice built from small, meaningful actions and a willingness to be seen. Here’s a closer look at the activities that shaped this unforgettable gathering.
The Connective Power of Shared Purpose with Jessper Maquindang
Exploring how collective goals bring people together
Jessper Maquindang, Founder of FamiLEAD Management Consulting, led participants through an exercise grounded in the idea that connection flourishes when people come together around a shared purpose. With over a decade of leadership experience, Jessper has seen firsthand how collective effort builds emotional bonds and drives real outcomes in teams and communities.
His activity invited participants to think about their personal goals not as bridges but as opportunities to bring others into a journey of collaboration and growth.
Through guided reflection, participants identified goals that held personal meaning and considered who they might invite to share in that pursuit. Whether recognizing an existing partnership or envisioning a new collaboration, they practiced articulating how achieving these goals together would feel. Jessper emphasized that connection is strengthened not only by shared vision but also by the simple act of moving forward, side by side.
How to Practice It:
- Reflect on something important to you that aligns with your personal purpose.
- Choose one of two paths:
- If you are already working toward it with someone, think about who that person is.
- If not, identify someone you could invite to collaborate.
- Share the goal and discuss how achieving it would feel.
- Decide on one small step you can take together toward that goal.
Do Beliefs and Family Norms Affect Your Relationships? with Dr. Payal Beri
Uncovering the personal stories that shape us
Dr. Payal Beri, Global Empathy Speaker and founder of RK Empathy Inc., led a profound exercise focused on storytelling as a tool for connection. Drawing from her 18 years of experience in social impact and leadership development, Dr. Beri encouraged participants to move beyond surface-level identities tied to work or titles. Instead, they explored the beliefs, memories, and formative experiences that shaped their understanding of the world.
Participants reflected on early beliefs or norms they once assumed were universal, uncovering pivotal moments that shifted their views and expanded their sense of shared humanity. By telling these personal stories, they found common ground in unexpected places. Dr. Beri’s activity was a powerful reminder that every person carries unseen layers, and that understanding these stories opens the door to deeper, more lasting connections.
How to Practice It:
- Reflect on a belief or norm from your early life that you once thought everyone shared.
- Recall a moment that made you realize there are different perspectives.
- Share how this realization changed your relationships and the way you see the world.
What Are You Avoiding? with Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus
Creating space for growth by facing what’s been left unsaid
Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, sociologist, intimacy speaker, and author, guided participants through an exercise that asked them to face what they had been avoiding. Whether it was a conversation, an action, or a responsibility, participants reflected on the hidden barriers that often block connection and personal growth. By naming what had been left unsaid or undone, they created an opening for honest movement forward.
Rather than focusing on grand resolutions, the activity emphasized taking small, meaningful steps. Participants were encouraged to acknowledge what they had been avoiding and to commit to one action that would move them closer to closure or understanding. Dr. Gunsaullus highlighted that when we make room for these conversations and decisions, we also make room for deeper and more authentic relationships.
How to Practice It:
- Reflect on something you have been avoiding: a conversation, a decision, or a responsibility.
- Ask yourself:
- What have you been avoiding discussing with someone important?
- What action have you delayed that matters to you?
- What responsibility have you hesitated to take on?
- Acknowledge what you find and commit to taking one small, actionable step forward.
Icebreaker Activity – Emojify Your Intro with Yiannis Gavrielides and Hansen Hunt
Starting conversations with creativity and play
The Masterclass kicked off with a refreshingly different icebreaker. Led by Yiannis Gavrielides and facilitated by Hansen Hunt, participants were asked to introduce themselves using the emojis they would include on a business card, a fun and surprisingly insightful way to express who they are in a business setting.
Yiannis and Hansen led the activity by going through the emojis that Yiannis has on his Covve digital business card. Instead of the traditional ‘name-title-company’ routine, this simple activity revealed how easy it can be to share a glimpse of your personality, interests and quirks through emojis, even during a professional encounter! It was a playful alternative to the typical exchange of business cards or LinkedIn handles, turning a moment that’s usually transactional into the beginning of a meaningful connection
Participants were invited to introduce themselves using emojis in their breakout rooms. Each emoji string became a story waiting to be unpacked. Follow-up questions lit up the room as participants tried to decode one another’s emoji intros. Within minutes, conversations turned from small talk to meaningful exchange about shared passions, unique experiences, and unexpected connections.
How to Practice It:
- Choose 3–5 emojis that reflect parts of your personality, interests, and quirks. Let them guess what each emoji represents. This opens the door for curiosity and playful discovery.
- Use the questions and stories that come up to spark a real conversation, one that goes beyond basic job titles and contact details.
Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to all the panelists and participants who made this Masterclass a truly memorable experience. Your openness, courage, and willingness to step into these activities made every moment powerful and meaningful. We hope the lessons shared continue to inspire deeper, more authentic relationships in your personal and professional life.
We look forward to seeing you at future gatherings filled with creativity, empathy, and connection.
Written on 17 Apr 2025.
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