Exploring the Magic of Connection

As the future of work is redefined, we explore the magic of?collective intelligence—how groups can perform at more than the sum of their parts.?This theme, extensively researched in our book, The Social Brain: The Psychology of Successful Groups, continues to inspire our work.

Building Belonging and Creating Connection at TH

‘Under the cloche’, ‘no rinal?reason’, (for 'no rhyme or reason') ‘full ball’, ‘viola’ (for voila), ‘besides himself’, ‘irregardless’, ‘hyhena’, ?'pinoculus' (for binoculars), lol (still thinking it means lots of love)?…

At TH, we have a fun weekly ritual: our team meeting begins with a check-in question designed to promote connection and belonging within our group. Each member of the team gets a turn to provide the check-in question for a meeting, which we all answer before moving on to the rest of our agenda. ?

Last week's question, courtesy of Gavin, was: Share a word or phrase that you/someone close to you misuses to joyful effect.? The examples above were some of the responses from the team.? ? Here are some recent check-ins we’ve had:

1. Which of TH values comes least naturally to you?
2. What are your pet hates/worst nightmares?
3. How would a parent of yours describe you in one sentence? How would one of your children describe you? Which description is closest to “Your truth”?
4. Share something new/interesting you learned/read/ discovered recently.
5. Share the one allowable fault you would like the team to always forgive you for.
6. Create a poem about TH together - one line each to rhyme with the one before.
7. What was one thing that surprised you over the holidays?
8. Share a memorable meal from your travels.
9. What is one of your best memories from being at school?
10. What is your second favourite UK county and why?

?Why don’t you try this at your team meetings? It’s a great way to discover new things about your colleagues and build team bonds through sharing and laughter.?

A Call to Cultivate Community for our Individual and Collective Wellbeing

Parting Prescription for America?- Outgoing US Surgeon General, Dr Vivek Murthy’s parting prescription to the US is to Choose Community. ?

“Community is a powerful source of life satisfaction and life expectancy. It’s where we know each other, help each other, and find purpose in contributing to each other’s lives.” ?

The core pillars of community—relationships, service, and purpose—are powerful drivers of fulfilment. They can also significantly influence health outcomes, including premature mortality, heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Community also gives us strength and resilience when facing the big challenges.

He argues that the loss of community has become one of the defining challenges of our time. In response, we need a fundamental shift in how we build and prioritise community. ?

Read the full article here.

Our Work in Action

Exploring AI with Business Leaders

We recently designed and led a session with a valued client focusing on the strategic opportunities and challenges of AI. Tech Philosopher, Tom Chatfield, shared some useful insights:

• AI as a Cognitive Prosthesis -?Tom challenged us to view AI not as a replacement for human thought but as a cognitive prosthesis—in other words, a tool to help us think and perform better, not just do things for us.
• In the Loop, but What and Where?“It’s not enough to keep humans ‘in the loop,’” Tom said. “The real question is: which loops and where?” As leaders, we need to focus on where human oversight of AI and human judgment add the most value.?
• The Probabilistic Nature of Generative AI -?Generative AI, unlike human beings, isn’t deterministic—it doesn’t guarantee accuracy, just plausibility. Sometimes, this can lead to humorous results (ChatGPT can produce a comprehensive business plan for ladders to the moon??), but at other times, it can have ?serious consequences—think misinformation and reputational risks.?
• Leaders Need to Stay Ahead of Value -?Tom highlighted how AI disrupts traditional value models. His example: Chegg, a company that generated essay responses for students, valued at $15B pre-GPT, dropped to $267M after GPT launched. The lesson? Leaders must continually anticipate where and how value is created.?

As we grapple with the opportunities and risks of AI, the need for thoughtful, questioning leadership has never been greater.

Collected Intel

Company Culture Matters More Than Ever In 2025

Have a look at this Forbes article by Tracy Lawrence outlining strategies for culture change and the imperative to build a culture of excellence. “Peter Drucker’s famous observation that 'culture eats strategy for breakfast' has never been more relevant. Research shows that employees who feel connected to their organization’s culture are?four times more likely?to be engaged at work and nearly six times more likely to recommend their workplace to others. These statistics cannot be ignored in an era where talent attraction and retention are key competitive advantages.”

Read the full article here

Pods and Fractals: Taking Inspiration from Nature in Organisational Design

An interesting Forbes article by Scott Hutcheson explores the concept of podding—breaking workforces into smaller, cross-functional groups or pods—and its alignment with human biology. ?

It highlights Robin Dunbar’s research that shows humans naturally thrive in smaller groups. This research is also described in The Social Brain book that (you may remember!) Robin co-authored with Tracey and Sam. Key points include:

• Optimal working groups range from just 5–15 members.
• Oxytocin, the "trust hormone," fosters psychological safety and collaboration in smaller teams during positive social interactions.
• Mirror neurons enhance our ability to empathise and understand others’ emotions—working best in closely-knit teams.

These biological mechanisms drive greater cohesion, creativity and collaboration in smaller teams, potentially making thinking in pods or fractals a game-changing approach for organisational success.

Read the full article here

This approach to teams has always informed TH’s organisational culture and team development work. Could podding be the next step in organisational evolution, blending human collaboration with technological efficiency? We believe it makes sense.

Podcast Highlight:

Laughter is the Best Medicine - the Connection between Comedy and Leadership

What can comedy teach us about leadership and transformation? A lot more than you'd think! In our latest Collective Intelligence podcast, Samantha Rockey chats with the incredible John Vlismas—comedian, educator, and all-around truth-teller—to explore the profound intersections of humour, connection and personal growth.

What you'll discover:

• John’s evolution from seeking laughter to building authentic connections through vulnerability.
• The power of presence and stillness—in performance and leadership.
• Why gossip isn’t just about punchlines but a societal force we need to use responsibly.
• How leaders can integrate generational responsibility and self-knowledge into their practices.

John’s insights are both deeply personal and universally applicable—whether you’re stepping on stage, sitting in the? boardroom, or simply navigating the complexities of life.?Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts entertaining and enlightening.

Listen now

The Social Brain Thrives ...

The Social Brain made it onto Cat Barnards’ books for 2025.

Podcast host, author and workplace strategist Cat Barnard selected ‘five books that have shaped my thinking and sustained my faith in human nature as an eternal force for good.'

Here's her list:

1. Hope in the Dark - Rebecca Solnit
2. The Regenerative Business?- (the late) Carol Sanford
3. Who do we Choose to Be?- Margaret Wheatley
4. The Social Brain - Tracey Camilleri, Samantha Rockey & Robin Dunbar
5. Helping People Change?- Richard Boyatzis, Melvin Smith & Ellen B. Van Oosten

We've also received photos of our book spotted in Hermanus, South Africa and Tirana, Albania!

Please reach out if you'd like to know more, share your insights or collaborate. And please share this newsletter with anyone you feel may be interested in what we do.

Warm regards Tracey, Sam, Gavin and the Thompson Harrison team

Collective Intelligence is written by Tracey Camilleri, Sam Rockey and Gavin Weeks of Thompson Harrison.

Tracey and Sam’s book The Social Brain – The Psychology of Successful Groups, co-written with Prof. Robin Dunbar, has been featured in many leading business publications. Get your copy. If you enjoyed it, please leave a review on Amazon.

Our team delivers leadership programmes, facilitates team development, and optimises workplace cultures. Recent clients include Coca-Cola, Tech Mahindra, NHS and Asahi.

Explore our work.

Get in touch. Let’s collaborate to unlock the power of thriving teams.?