Small Sparks, Steady Ground, True North

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 people crave.

This month’s panelists each brought their own way of showing how that works. Together, they left participants with tools that were easy to try, personal to keep, and profound in effect.

Let’s look at what they shared.

Acey Holmes – Curiosity Sparks

Acey Holmes lives and breathes play. As CEO & Founder of BoredLess, she helps organizations reintroduce play into environments where it’s often forgotten.

In her activity, Curiosity Sparks, Acey guided participants through storytelling prompts that made space for recognition without pressure. No long speeches. No polished pitches. Just tiny stories that opened doors.

Her questions were delightfully specific: What’s a strangely specific thing you’re good at? What small joy are you savoring lately? What surprised you recently?

The result was a room buzzing with laughter and connection, proving again that curiosity, when invited, creates trust.

How to try this yourself:

• Choose a lighthearted prompt.
• Share a quick story, without overthinking.
• Invite the other person to do the same.

Elaine Chung – Mind, Heart, Body

Elaine Chung, CEO of Beyond the Change, brought a reflective reset that cut through the noise of daily routines. Known for reframing leadership through neuroscience and presence, Elaine offered a simple practice: Mind – Heart – Body.

She asked participants to pause and name what was happening in three places at once, their thoughts, their emotions, and their physical sensations. Her own check-in was candid: a busy mind full of tasks, a heart balancing excitement and pressure, and a body tight in the shoulders.

By naming what’s present, she showed how quickly we can move from autopilot into intentional connection, with ourselves and with others.

How to try this yourself:

• Mind: What thoughts are loud right now? Name them.
• Heart: What emotions are alive beneath the surface?
• Body: Where is tension or energy showing up?

MK Getler – Find Your Due North

MK Getler, CMO of Loop & Tie and founder of Branded Inferior, invited participants to draw their own compass, a tool for navigating life with authenticity.

Instead of an external “true north,” MK’s exercise turned inward, asking participants to map what keeps them grounded, curious, protected, and true to themselves.

The compass has four points:

• North: Core truths you won’t abandon.
• East: Paths of curiosity and growth.
• West: Boundaries that protect alignment.
• South: Anchors that bring safety and steadiness.

With colors, symbols, and words filling the page, the compasses became living reminders that authenticity is chosen and practiced daily.

How to try this yourself:

• Sketch a simple compass.
• Fill each direction with your truths, boundaries, anchors, and curiosities.
• Keep it visible as a guide when things feel uncertain.

A Masterclass That Stayed With Us

Acey reminded us that trust grows through curiosity. Elaine showed that alignment begins with awareness. MK gave us a compass to return to authenticity.

August’s Joyful Connection Masterclass was a lesson in how small sparks, steady ground, and clear direction can carry into every part of life. Each activity was practical, each moment intentional, and each voice a reminder: connection thrives when we choose it.

We’re grateful to everyone who brought their energy and openness into the room this month. 

The Connection Crew can’t wait to welcome you back for the next masterclass.