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For this Motivational Mondays episode, we’re joined by Dr. Noah Askin and David Homan, two leaders who have dedicated their work to understanding and strengthening the bonds that shape our personal and professional lives.
Noah is an organizational sociologist and assistant professor at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business and faculty director of the Leadership Development Institute. David is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community built on generosity and meaningful relationships. Together, they’ve co-authored a new book exploring the science (and art) of authentic connection.
Listen to this episode to learn about...
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How small gestures of generosity can spark lifelong connections
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Why genuine relationships matter more than achievements
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Practical ways to build networks rooted in trust and authenticity
HOW A SIMPLE IDEA SPARKED A MOVEMENT
When the pandemic hit, Noah, like many others, felt disconnected. Living in France with two small children, he realized he wouldn’t be able to accomplish the same volume of work, but still wanted to contribute. His solution? Hosting open office hours on Zoom.
What began as a small gesture quickly grew into weekly conversations with dozens — and eventually hundreds — of people. These dialogues not only fostered connection during isolation but also caught the attention of a former student, who introduced Noah to David.
That introduction sparked a partnership rooted in shared values: generosity, purpose, and the belief that relationships form the foundation of any success.
CONNECTION BEFORE SUCCESS
As David explains, many people believe they need to achieve success first in order to form meaningful relationships, but it works the other way around. You build connections so that when success comes — potentially through those very connections — those relationships remain strong.
In their work, Noah and David emphasize that relationships aren’t transactional. They’re about showing up, listening, and creating value for others long before you need anything in return.
THE POWER OF AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Their message is clear: strong connections are not built on titles, achievements, or credentials but on trust, generosity, and consistency.
Whether through a Zoom call, a community gathering, or a simple introduction, the act of connecting authentically can change the trajectory of both personal lives and professional careers.
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Resources:
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Orchestrating Connection: How to Build Purposeful Community in a Tribal World
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