Thrive time. Unlocking leadership through Connection, Meaning and Growth. (Part I: Connection)

In a world that’s constantly shifting and where complexity is rising by the day, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life and the pressures of career success. But “what if…”?

What if you could tap into something deeper—something that fuels not just what you do, but who you are? What if the key to flourishing in your personal and professional life isn’t about doing more, but being more: aligning your work, relationships, and growth with your true strengths, values and beliefs?

In this article, I start exploring the three essential seeds for flourishing: connection, meaning, and growth. These are the pillars that can transform your journey, helping you to thrive not just through accomplishments, but through the deeper fulfillment that comes from living with purpose and intention – while uplifting others, helping them finding their own voice. After all, the only path to true happiness is to help and serve others, and success is a bypass, something you attract by the person of value you become.

Read on to discover how to build a life that’s rooted in these principles—and unlock the potential that’s waiting for you and the people around you; because ultimately we are so much better together, and only through others we become.

1. Connection: to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us

Connection begins within. It starts with cultivating a deep understanding of who we are, our values, and our purpose. And by purpose I don’t mean something “fluffy”. Purpose is hard-nosed clarity about the impact we want to make; it is rooted in our core strengths, values, and beliefs (aka the first principles we operate from), guiding us to respond thoughtfully, skillfully and eloquently, rather than react impulsively, and empowering us to uplift others by staying grounded in our best selves. Especially in the small moments of every day, the “real” moments that truly matters, especially on “bad” days. When we connect with ourselves, with our deeper purpose, we create a solid foundation that allows us to engage more meaningfully with others. This self-awareness is not just about knowing our strengths and weaknesses, but also about being honest with ourselves, reflecting on our desires and intentions, and being clear on the impact we want to have. When we truly understand ourselves, we are better equipped to connect with those around us in an authentic way (meaning that between what we say and what we do, there is very little if no gap at all), consistently. The relationships we build—both in our personal and professional lives—are the bedrock upon which we thrive. These connections are not one-sided; they are reciprocal, allowing us to give and receive support, inspiration, and collaboration. It is through these connections that we grow and evolve. Only through others we become. Our networks lift us up, challenge us, and provide new perspectives that enable us to see the world in different ways.

As we extend this sense of connection outward, it shapes the way we engage with the world. Whether we’re making a difference for our clients and key stakeholders, participating in community-driven efforts, embracing sustainable practices, or supporting social causes, these actions connect us to something greater than ourselves. It’s through these broader connections that we begin to understand how much we truly belong to the world, and how our individual contributions can make a meaningful difference. When we view connection as a two-way exchange—both with ourselves and with the world—we can create lasting, positive change. I love the book “The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible”, where the author (Charles Eisenstein) claims that the divisions we see—whether between people, cultures, or the environment—are born out of a mindset of separation. But what if we shifted from "us vs. them" to "we are all interconnected"? By embracing connection, empathy, and mutual care, we can start to transform not just our personal lives, but the world around us. Connection, Eisenstein argues, is the true foundation for positive change, allowing us to act with love, generosity, and collaboration, rather than fear or scarcity. This shift in perspective is not just idealistic—it’s essential for creating the more beautiful world we all long for.

Concrete, actionable practices:

• Mindfulness & reflection: intentionally take 10 minutes each day to reflect on your thoughts and emotions can significantly enhance your emotional intelligence and clarity in decision-making. Practicing mindfulness helps you tune into your inner world, giving you space to process what’s going on inside. This practice not only grounds you in the present moment but also helps to uncover patterns in your thinking and behavior. Incorporating gratitude into this daily reflection can deepen the practice. Take a few moments to write down three things you’re grateful for each day. It can be as simple as appreciating a kind gesture, a personal achievement, or the beauty of the world around you. Research shows that gratitude strengthens our emotional resilience and shifts our focus toward abundance rather than scarcity. When combined, mindfulness, reflection, and gratitude create a powerful feedback loop: mindfulness helps us observe and understand our thoughts, reflection provides clarity and learning, and gratitude cultivates positivity and a deeper sense of connection—both within ourselves and with the world around us. This practice not only nurtures emotional intelligence but also supports more mindful, purpose-driven decision-making in all areas of life.
• Actively engage with others through questions and active listening: whether in a team, a meeting, or a personal relationship, focus on listening deeply, asking thoughtful questions, and being present. ?Stay curious a little longer and tame your advice monster; resist listening for a hook by asking open-ended questions like "Can you tell me more about that?, “What else?”, or "What’s most important to you here?" These moments of genuine connection foster trust and open communication. Here′s more questions from “the coaching habit” ?How to know if you are truly listening? Simple: the other person is doing most of the talking!
• From ME to WE: the transition from “me” to “we” is not just a feel-good principle; it’s a strategic shift that drives business success. Leaders who adopt a collective mindset inspire higher levels of psychological safety, key to improved performance, innovation, and collaboration, ultimately achieving results that benefit both individuals and the organisation as a whole. A tangible practice to shift from "me" to "we" is to recognise the success and contributions of others publicly in meetings, emails, or team gatherings. Acknowledge both individual and collective achievements, highlighting how each person’s efforts contributed to the team’s overall success. Another practice is to regularly facilitate collaborative team check-ins focused on shared goals and collective progress. This practice encourages leaders to create a dedicated space for team members to share their challenges, ideas, and feedback - fostering a sense of ownership, trust, and alignment across the team. These check-ins also allow also for active listening, recognition of contributions, support, ultimately ensuring that team members feel valued and connected to a shared purpose. For instance, at the start of each week, a leader can ask their team to answer three key questions:

o?? What is our shared goal this week?

o?? What can I do to help others achieve their goals?

o?? How will we give each other feedback?

Self-Reflection Questions and Key Work Practices for Each Section

1. Connection

Connection: Self

1. What are the core values that guide my decisions, and how do I live them daily?
2. When do I feel most aligned with my true self, and what triggers that state?
3. What small moments have brought me joy or clarity this week, and why?
4. How do I react under stress, and what does that reveal about my relationship with myself?
5. What personal boundaries do I need to set to preserve my energy and focus?
6. What habits or routines help me feel grounded and present?
7. How well do I know my strengths, and am I utilizing them fully?
8. When I reflect on the last month, which moments felt most authentic to me?
9. How do I handle self-doubt, and what tools or practices help me move through it?
10. What does self-compassion look like for me in challenging situations?

Connection: Others

1. How do I ensure that my words and actions match my intentions when interacting with others?
2. What feedback have I received recently, and how have I acted on it?
3. How do I create space for others to feel heard and valued in our conversations?
4. When was the last time I showed vulnerability with someone, and what was the impact?
5. How often do I express genuine gratitude toward others, and how do I do it?
6. What assumptions might I be making about others, and how can I clarify them?
7. In what ways am I contributing to building trust within my relationships?
8. How do I handle conflict or tension, and what does this reveal about my ability to connect?
9. When do I feel most connected to my team or community, and how can I nurture that?
10. What can I do differently to deepen my relationships with colleagues, friends, or family?

Connection: The World

1. How does my work or daily actions contribute to something greater than myself?
2. In what ways do I feel connected to the environment or society, and how can I enhance that connection?
3. What causes or global issues resonate deeply with me, and why?
4. How do I balance my personal goals with contributing to collective well-being?
5. What small actions can I take to make a positive impact in my community?
6. When do I feel a sense of belonging to the world around me?
7. How do I ensure that my work aligns with my values for sustainability or social impact?
8. How do I engage with diverse perspectives, and what have I learned from them?
9. What inspires me about humanity, and how can I embody that inspiration in my daily life?
10. How does my personal story connect to the larger narrative of the world?

Other work related practices:

• Mindfulness & Gratitude: Start meetings with a moment of reflection or gratitude to set a tone of positivity and presence.
• Active Listening Exercises: Incorporate practices like “What else?” from The Coaching Habit to deepen team dialogue.
• Recognition Culture: Publicly acknowledge contributions in meetings, linking them to shared team goals to build psychological safety.

Go-To Resources:

• “The more beautiful world our hearts know is possible” by Charles Eisenstein
• "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott for building effective connections and team dynamics
• “How to tame your Advice Monster” by Michael Bungay Stanier
• Jim Ferrell′s upcoming book “You and We”: a relational rethinking of work, life and leadership
• “Manifesto for a moral revolution” by Jacqueline Novogratz

This edition focused on Connection. In the next newsletter I will focus the remaining key elements of meaning and growth. Together, the three seeds of “meaning, connection, and growth” are not just abstract concepts; they are practices we can weave into our daily lives to flourish and shape our future with confidence. By intentionally cultivating these "seeds", we grow not only as individuals - but as communities and organisations.

Let’s continue to learn, collaborate, and create a world where each of us thrives and makes an impact that matters. By focusing on connection, meaning, and growth, we can create a life that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling - not only our own future but the future of those we touch. In fact, the path to a flourishing life isn’t defined by the “hustle” to keep up with the next trend, the fear of missing out, the fear of other people opinions or all the other external accolades. It’s about creating a life that feels purposeful, connected, and open to growth—where each step we take aligns with our deepest values and intentions. By nurturing the seeds of connection, meaning, and growth, we lay the groundwork for a future that mirrors our highest aspirations—both as individuals and as a collective.

The journey ahead is ours to shape, filled with endless opportunities to learn, evolve, and contribute to a larger purpose. As we embrace these principles, we begin to realise that success is not a fixed destination, but a continuous, transformative process—one that propels us closer to the better versions of ourselves. And while doing so, we uplift others along the way, contributing to a more inclusive, compassionate, and impactful working world. Together, we create a space where everyone can grow, and where the success of the group is shaped by each person’s unique contribution. When we support and lift each other up (when “co-elevate”), we build something meaningful—a place where we can all find purpose and fulfillment. It's about showing up for one another and working together toward a vision that matters to all of us. Because in the end, true success is what we create together.