Learning something new all by ourselves is a common feat. Refining what we learn, however, is usually the result of taking others’ learnings and adapting them into the way we do things. One of the immense benefits of cultivating relationships is that our capacity to learn develops as well. Learning from one another is a […]

Be yourself. It’s something we’ve heard from our parents, friends, teachers, musicians, and brands. And there’s a very good reason for it, too. We want to be seen, feel heard and understood. The best way to achieve that is to be authentic. Just as we don’t enjoy the company of those who go against their […]

Use these smart alerts and reminders Imagine this scenario: You recently attended an event and met several interesting people. You exchanged contact information with a few individuals, maybe an Instagram profile, you felt a genuine connection with them, and you left the event feeling excited about the new opportunities these relationships could bring.  However, as […]

Overcoming social anxiety with digital tools Traditional networking events can be pretty intimidating for people with social anxiety. The idea of mingling in crowded, unpredictable settings is enough to make anyone nervous. Thankfully, the digital world offers plenty of ways to network that are much less stressful, making it easier for those who are socially […]

Rejection is a part of life, especially when it comes to networking. Whether you’re reaching out to new contacts or reconnecting with existing ones, the fear of rejection can be paralyzing. However, understanding that rejection is not a reflection of your worth but rather a part of the process can change your perspective and improve […]

Are you wondering why the 200 connections you made recently aren’t engaging with you? If that’s the case, it’s important to remember that networking should not be a numbers game. The value in networking is found in the depth of your connections, which matters far more than the quantity. Making an active effort to deepen […]

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Niraj Nijhawan (Raj)  has been passionately involved in integrating the latest insights from medical, social, and neuroscience fields. This dedication led him to establish LEO in 2014, with the mission of creating vibrant, empowering work environments and communities. The organization’s initiatives have positively impacted a wide range of individuals, from […]

Charley “Sparkle” Lapomardo (they/them) is a dynamic facilitator and user experience researcher committed to helping people be their best selves, both at work and in life. With five years of experience as a Community Culture Manager and User Researcher at Wayfair, Charley combines creativity with strategic insight to design impactful experiences.  They hold a BBA […]

Tim Jones is a master storyteller and connector of people, leveraging his twenty years of experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors to cultivate communities of belonging. As the Executive Director of Longer Tables, a Denver-based non-profit, Tim creates spaces of connection through large-scale community table events and consulting services. His unique approach combines storytelling […]

Building professional relationships can often feel like navigating a minefield of social awkwardness. We’ve all been there: standing on the periphery of a conference, clutching a drink, and feeling like a wallflower. Initiating a conversation with strangers can be daunting, and the initial awkwardness can sometimes be enough to make you want to retreat to […]