Creating Meaningful Connections in New Ways: Catching Up with Susan McPherson

During the past two years, the idea of connecting with others meant something different than anything we had known before.?We were left to figure out ways to bridge gaps left by an inability to interact in person with family, friends, co-workers or acquaintances. While technology helped considerably - and these past two years would have looked quite different 20 years ago - so many I knew were still missing connection.

In the midst of the pandemic, author, CEO and corporate responsibility expert Susan McPherson introduced relatable ways to build authentic and meaningful connections when we needed it most. Susan’s recent book, The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method For Building Meaningful Business Relationships goes beyond telling us why it’s important to connect – she offers insightful guidance and experience about how to authentically connect with others, whether navigating careers, building skills, or starting friendships—with true intention.??When I reflect on the past two years, I read Susan’s book with a new lens as we start to gather more in person – one that reminds me that building true connections is not transactional but is about how we learn, have fun and grow our worlds.

Fortunately, Susan and I were connected in a meaningful way years ago by mutual friends.?In our chat, Susan and I discuss her drive to write the book, and where she turns for inspiration in real-time.

Laura: When did you know you wanted to write and share the message of The Lost Art of Connecting? Was there an ‘aha’ moment or an idea that was building over time?

Susan: Honestly, this built over time and first was prompted in my early 20s a few years after I lost my mom in horrific hotel fire. She had been known as a “serial connector” and by the time I was 25, I knew I wanted to honor her legacy in some way, so I started to have fantasies of someday penning a book!

Laura: Is there anyone or anything that inspired you in the creative process?

Susan: Absolutely. I was fortunate to meet narrative healer, Lisa Weinert (in an elevator). She soon became a dear friend and writing coach who helped me tease out my zillions of thoughts in a coherent matter.

Laura: Have you felt that writing gave you a greater sense of purpose during these past two years?

Susan: I started writing the book in February 2020. Of course, the world shut down a month later and I was staring down 8 months to complete a 225-page business book. But the uplifting news is that during such an uncertain time in our world, I had something very specific to focus on. And interviewing 25+ leaders during the process provided tremendous inspiration for our future.

Laura: Based on your experience, do you have any advice for others who are looking to get started with their own creative work?

Susan: Tell your friends, your colleagues, your family members that this is a goal. They will keep you accountable and encourage you to succeed. It truly takes a village.

Laura: Just for fun, is there a song or artist on your playlist that inspires your creativity?

Susan: Always, always, St. Vincent and Beth Orton.

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You can check out the complete?Profiles in Creativity?interview Series on Medium:?https://medium.com/@profilesincreativity