In this episode, Riaz Meghji, who provided an amazing Keynote at the recent ABPM Spring Conference in Boston, offers additional insights and approaches for creating more authentic connections in our professional and personal lives. He provides specific questions we can all utilize to build trust and manifest deeper relationships. Even if you attended his Keynote, Riaz offers so many more meaningful insights during our conversation that you won’t want to miss! 

Episode Highlights: 

• How to create space for people to show up as their authentic selves instead of overwhelming them with data
• Key approaches to “make small talk bigger” including asking questions in a way that prompts deeper responses
• The importance of “listening without distraction” and how to be confident in our preparation to allow for improvisation
• Ways to “convey credibility before vulnerability”... modeling how to share imperfections which allows others to do the same 
• Practicing “making people feel famous” through specificity, milestone moments and gratitude 
• How  “empathetic curiosity” can ease anxiety around difficult conversations and help us show up in better ways
• Steps to encourage stories that evoke positive emotions - “trials, transitions and triumphs”

Powerful Quotes: 

• “Real Connection is the ability to admit imperfections.”
• “Efficiency is the enemy of human connection.” 
• “Connected leaders give their people permission to get personal.”

Episode Resources: 

• RiazMeghji.com
• YouTube - Riaz Meghji 
• "Every Conversation Counts" Book by Riaz Meghji 
• Scott Shute - Changing Work (and the World) from the Inside Out 
• "Full Body Yes" Book by Scott Shute 

Guest Thought Leader:

Riaz Meghji
Human Connections Speaker, Author and Executive Coach

Drawing on his almost two decades of experience as a broadcast interviewer and presenter for brands such as Citytv’s Breakfast Television, MTV Canada, CTV News, and the Toronto International Film Festival, 'Every Conversation Counts' author Riaz Meghji now serves as a human connection keynote speaker, helping leaders build trust, meaningful relationships and collaborative cultures in our new world of work.

His practical insights have been featured in various publications including Harvard Business Review, Fast Company and Financial Post.