Where are YOU investing your social capital?
I planned another topic. But for some reason, a Rich Roll podcast episode with Tim Ferriss would not let go. A few colleagues reached out to talk about it because it struck a chord and I had made them avid listeners as well.
The topic of this latest conversation lands differently for me. I can actually remember life events that seemed unsurmountable when I first engaged with their podcasts. Almost 10 years of podcasting from each of these men and I realize they have both grown along with my journey. Your mileage may differ but I like turning over new ideas and realizations in my head.
Rich Roll is an endurance athlete with a long list of achievements. He also has an innate ability to listen and tell stories. Conversation will become a lost art if we don’t explore where we fit in. Throngs of folks are raging against artificial intelligence and how it is coming for their jobs in tech and communications. I would argue that not if you value authenticity and the type of discussions that grow in your head and spark longer engagements.
Like Tim, I don’t have social apps at the ready. His analogy is something like an occasional cheat day is okay but let’s face it none of us should be huffing down pixies every day.
TIM FERRISS
MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHEDELICS, & TRANSCENDING PRODUCTIVITY
The part of the conversation that resounded so broadly for me had to do with conversation, trust, and the recognition each has for the others journey. This wasn’t random for me.
It has been lodged in my brain. In fact, I recently posted a quote that resonated with me.
"The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love — whether we call it friendship or family or romance — is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light. Gentle work. Steadfast work. Life-saving work in those moments when life and shame and sorrow occlude our own light from our view, but there is still a clear-eyed loving person to beam it back. In our best moments, we are that person for another" -- James Baldwin
Maybe because I was on the road for several weeks rendering myself a little more nostalgic but I see these professional connections and get a little jealous. Female friendships are a little trickier. It might just be me so I will refrain from elaborating but I did notice how strong they can be in professional circles.
My thoughts for 2024 include more empowering opportunities for women. Not just sliding into an empty seat reserved by a company or event trying to check a diversity or inclusion box. A table filled with clear-eyed professionals beaming our strength, expertise and emboldened to have big ideas and big conversations.