One Hello by Cass Thompson

Get the Confidently Connect On-Demand Workshop: https://www.cassthompson.com/connectworkshopCass explores why making genuine friends as an adult—especially after 30—feels so difficult, arguing the biggest barriers are the 3 C’s. 00:00 Why Adult Friends Fade01:07 Three Silent Killers01:28 Convenience Killed Friction05:15 Customization And Algorithms09:21 Comfort Trap And Avoidance13:26 Self-Care Became Solo15:54 When Effort Still Fails19:13 Are You Doing The Work20:39 What Actually Works24:26 Final EncouragementSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: [email protected]://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionCass Thompson breaks down the “soft socializing” trend from Eventbrite’s 2026 Social Study, describing low-pressure, activity-based community events where socializing is optional and often a byproduct. 00:00 Introduction02:59 The Good09:03 What's Missing12:38 Takeaways14:56 The ConcernsSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: [email protected]://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 Cassandra Thompson ties National Friendship Month to practical ways to strengthen friendships through five types of gatherings, from high-maintenance, “Insta-worthy” hosted events (like themed spreads, coffee bars, and dinner parties) to lower-lift options like plug-and-play parties, recurring clubs, and standing appointments. She emphasizes that consistent time together builds bonds and argues for reviving “casual hangs” (simple, low-pressure time together) as an overlooked but effective way to connect, noting proximity can make them easier and that these ideas can apply in work settings too. 00:00 Friendship Month Kickoff 00:22 Why Gatherings Matter 01:46 The High Maintenance Hang 04:13 Type 4 07:14 Type 3 08:50 Type 2 12:34 Type 1 (with a rant!) 15:32 More Ideas 16:38 Proximity and Real Life Limits 17:39 Wrap Up and Call to Action SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection

Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20  Cassandra reflects on a story about adult friendship and how modern schedules and convenience can take priority over showing up for people who need support. She explains what a “village” is, why most people need community beyond just immediate family, and how shared structures (like work or church) only create proximity unless individuals choose to participate. She then offers a four-part framework for being a more reliable, reciprocal person in others’ lives: following through on commitments, making time even when it’s inconvenient while still using healthy boundaries, being willing to ask for help instead of outsourcing everything (including relying on AI for emotional support), and initiating connection rather than waiting to be invited. She closes with practical challenges for the week and previews a future episode about different types of get-togethers. Time codes: 00:00 Esquire story + the “village vs villager” problem 05:30 What a village is and why it matters 10:10 Four-part framework overview 11:00 Keeping commitments and following through 24:30 Making time, inconvenience, and boundaries 36:40 Asking for help vs outsourcing (including AI) 52:00 Initiating invitations and simple ways to connect 1:02:00 Weekly challenge, recap, and next episode preview SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 In this episode of Creating Opportunities, host Cassandra Thompson delves into the often-overlooked secret to a fulfilling career: genuine friendships at work. Drawing from personal experiences and empirical evidence, Cassandra highlights how forming real connections with coworkers can significantly boost job satisfaction, reduce stress, enhance collaboration, and provide long-term career benefits. Throughout the episode, she offers actionable strategies for building and nurturing these friendships, such as sharing relatable anecdotes, offering genuine help, and remembering to follow up on personal details. With February being National Friendship Month, this episode is dedicated to encouraging professionals to be more intentional about fostering connections and creating a supportive, enjoyable work environment. 00:00 My Journey to a Happier Work Life 00:45 The Secret to a Fulfilling Career 01:34 The Importance of Work Friendships 02:15 Overcoming the Stigma of Work Friendships 03:42 The Benefits of Having Friends at Work 05:54 How to Create a Friendly Workplace 07:53 Three Actions to Build Trust and Relatability 13:55 The Power of Small Actions 15:00 Conclusion and Call to Action SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection The Villainization of Friendliness: Why Building Connections at Work Is Crucial In this episode of Creating Opportunities, Cassandra Thompson discusses the growing trend of villainizing friendliness in the workplace. She argues that advice discouraging interpersonal interactions, like stopping by a coworker's desk, ultimately fosters a cold and isolated work environment. The episode addresses three main areas—treatment of extroverts, prioritizing efficiency over humanity, and advice discouraging initiation—emphasizing that those who initiate connections are vital for a positive work culture. Cassandra also provides actionable steps for leaders to build a more friendly and connected workplace. 00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Modern Workplace Advice 00:59 The Stigma Around Friendliness at Work 02:02 Podcast Introduction and National Friendship Month 03:20 Villainizing Extroverts in the Workplace 06:16 Efficiency vs. Humanity 08:43 Discouraging Initiation and Connection 14:03 Creating a Culture of Friendliness 16:25 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!

Why Efficiency Might Be Ruining Your Work Relationships The WSJ Article: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/the-downside-to-using-ai-for-all-those-boring-tasks-at-work-dab9d3c8?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink In this episode of 'Creating Opportunities,' Cassandra Thompson explores how the drive for efficiency in the workplace has compromised human connections and undermined team effectiveness. She discusses the loss of informal, trust-building moments in the workplace due to remote work, Slack messages, and AI, and explains the importance of reintegrating 'inconvenient' interactions to foster better relationships and team cohesion. Thompson also highlights research from Google's Project Aristotle and the Academy of Management Journal to substantiate her points. Key timestamps include discussions on psychological safety (15:25), the benefits of small talk (22:30), and the impact of AI on burnout (35:00). Tune in to learn practical ways to rebuild connections and enhance your work life. 00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Efficiency 00:15 Welcome to Creating Opportunities 00:36 The Downside of Removing Friction 02:48 The Importance of Informal Moments 03:48 Reintroducing Inconvenience for Connection 10:32 The Role of AI in Workplace Burnout 13:53 Conclusion: Balancing Efficiency and Connection

Get the Confidently Connect Workshop Here: https://www.cassthompson.com/connectworkshop Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 In this episode of 'Creating Opportunities,' host Cassandra Thompson addresses the growing issue of social rustiness that many of us are experiencing. Cassandra details how the pandemic and modern efficiency culture have eroded our social muscles, making even simple interactions feel awkward. She provides practical advice on how to rebuild these skills through small, consistent efforts and mindset shifts. The episode emphasizes the importance of micro-conversations and human connections, offering actionable steps to help listeners regain their social confidence and improve their workplace interactions. 00:00 Introduction: The Social Skills Decline 00:55 Understanding Social Rustiness 03:10 The Impact of Efficiency Culture 04:22 Overcoming Social Anxiety 07:18 Mindset Shifts for Social Confidence 10:23 Practical Steps to Rebuild Social Skills 16:58 Conclusion and Recap SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 Work has started feeling more disconnected and isolated, and it’s not all due to remote work. Even in-office employees report feeling lonely. In this episode of Creating Opportunities, Cassandra Thompson dives into what's truly driving workplace loneliness, the shift towards efficiency over humanity, and how micro-interactions are becoming villainized. She offers actionable insights on how to bring back meaningful connections and participation at work. Discover how to create low-stakes moments of connection to drive psychological safety and overall better work performance. 00:00 Introduction: The Growing Disconnect at Work 00:52 The Real Causes of Workplace Loneliness 02:36 Shift 1 04:43 Shift 2 09:51 Shift 3 14:06 Actionable Steps to Reconnect 15:19 Conclusion and Call to Action SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!

Hello to Hello Again templates: https://www.cassthompson.com/offers/YLHVXAPP Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/3Nbij6D Workbook: https://amzn.to/49e5JMw Diary of a Ceo with James Clear: https://youtu.be/rtufWBLOXgw?si=gWTb1YmHkEKbctuu Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection In this episode of Creating Opportunities, Cassandra Thompson reflects on her failed networking goals from the previous year and shares valuable lessons learned. She highlights the pitfalls of tackling too many new goals at once and the importance of building manageable micro habits. Cassandra introduces concepts from James Clear's 'Atomic Habits' and BJ Fogg's 'Tiny Habits' to create a practical strategy for effective goal setting and networking. Tune in for actionable tips on making consistent progress with realistic and sustainable habits to enhance your professional connections. 00:00 Introduction: My Networking Failure 01:10 The Overwhelm of Too Many Goals 03:44 The Shift to Micro Habits 06:38 Implementing Effective Networking Strategies 08:59 Practical Tips for Setting Micro Habits 14:38 Conclusion and Encouragement Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!