This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes features a revisit of Andy’s conversation with Melva Lajoy Legrand, a leading event planner. Andy and Melva discuss the art of creating authentic connections, not just at large-scale events but also within teams and with individual Relationships. Melva emphasises the importance of designing experiences that make people feel seen, valued, and heard. She shares practical strategies for event organisers, including using icebreakers that encourage storytelling, and creating spaces catering to diverse personality types (introverts and extroverts).

The conversation then extends beyond event planning, exploring how to foster authentic connections in the workplace and personal life. Melva reveals the significance of vulnerability and humility in building genuine relationships, both professionally and personally. They also touch upon the evolving landscape of events, with an emphasis on interactive experiences over traditional lecture formats, and pre-event engagement strategies for creating lasting connections with audiences. 

In this episode, Andy asks Melva to share a podcast episode in which she tells her personal journey. Melva recommends listening to her podcast interview with Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Melva asked to Stress that, “This post contains sensitive information which is meant to heal not harm. Read with care. Consider with compassion. Protect your peace.”

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes offers a deep dive into the art of creating authentic connections, whether through events, leadership, or everyday interactions, and provides valuable insights for anyone looking to foster genuine relationships in their personal or professional life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Design for Connection: Creating events (or any interaction) should prioritise making people feel seen, valued, and heard.
2. Authenticity is Key: Genuine connections are built on vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to share both successes and challenges. This fosters trust and deeper engagement.
3. Know Your Audience: Recognise the diverse personality types within any group and design experiences that cater to introverts and extroverts alike. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. Beyond Job Titles: Encourage interactions based on shared experiences and stories rather than solely professional roles. This fosters a sense of community and belonging.
5. Pre- and Post-Event Engagement: Extend the connection beyond the event itself through pre-event communication and post-event follow-up, creating a more lasting impact.
6. The Power of Vulnerability: Openly sharing personal struggles can build stronger connections with others, fostering empathy and trust. It’s important to do the personal work before sharing to ensure authenticity.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube

Connect with Melva Lajoy Legrand: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn 

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Andy Lopata Author, Podcast Host and Speaker on Professional Relationships Strategy

Andy Lopata is a specialist speaker on professional relationships, mentoring, networking, and social media strategy. He is a firm believer that professional relationships underpin our success in business, our roles, and our careers. The right relationships with the right people can lead to new business opportunities, investment, collaborative working, innovation, and career progress. We just need to be comfortable approaching those relationships strategically, without making people feel ‘networked’ by us.

Andy has worked in the field of networking and professional relationships for 25 years, working with global giants such as Paypal, GSK, AstraZeneca, Wella, HSBC, Wembley Stadium, the BBC, and the Prime Minister’s Office of the UAE, among many others during that time. He has also worked with leading universities including NYU, Duke University, and Oxford University’s Said Business School.

A regular blogger for Psychology Today, Andy has been quoted in The Sunday Times, The Financial Times, and The Guardian, as well as many other national and regional newspapers and magazines worldwide. He has written or co-authored six books on networking and professional relationships, with his sixth book, "The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring," being published in Spring 2024. He is also the host of The Connected Leadership Podcast and has interviewed globally recognized names in business, academia, sports, and entertainment for the show.

Andy has been inducted into the PSAE Hall of Fame – the Professional Speaking Association Award of Excellence, which was held by only 21 other speakers at the time it was presented. He is a Fellow and a former President of the Fellows’ Community of the Professional Speaking Association (PSA), a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), and a Member of the Association of Business Mentors and the Meetings Industry Association.