“Loneliness is as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
Lonely people are 50% more likely to die prematurely than those with healthy social connections.”
Wow.
In this episode, host Kim Westlund explores the importance of connection with guest, Richard Lee Tai. They discuss the need for belonging and the impact of loneliness on health and well-being. Richard shares his personal story of feeling lonely and out of place, and how it led him to focus on connection in his work.
Kim and Richard discuss the root issues that hinder connection, such as self-confidence and upbringing, and offer tips for improving professional networking. They also explore the power of asking better questions and using creative tools for connection.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of connection on life and the responsibility individuals have in creating the right conditions for connection.
Richard Lee-Thai
Richard Lee-Thai is a TEDx Speaker, Connection Consultant, and co-author of “Become Your Superself: Connect with Yourself to Connect with Others.” His TEDx talk: "How to Find Excuses to Connect” outlines how people can make meaningful connections easier. His ultimate vision is to create a world without loneliness.
People never grew up with a class on “How to Make Friends”, so his work focuses on lessening the gap in social health education. As a professional speaker and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation, he empowers individuals and organizations with the social skills and confidence to make meaningful connections for the rest of their lives.
His motto is: "You never know how any connection can transform your life."Connections can happen anywhere and anytime, so he encourages you to find that excuse to connect!
Connect with Richard Lee-Thai:
www.linkedin.com/in/richardleethai/
www.instagram.com/richardleethai/
www.facebook.com/richardleethai2/
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:36 The Importance of Connection
02:22 Guest Introduction: Richard Lee Thai
03:19 The Need for Belonging
04:39 Richard's Story and the Power of Connection
08:08 The Complexity of Loneliness
09:33 Factors that Hinder Connection
11:25 Root Issues and Self-Connection
16:54 Improving Professional Networking
19:47 Asking Better Questions
22:35 Creating Connection Opportunities
23:58 Using Creative Tools for Connection
25:54 The Power of Connection Events
29:06 The Impact of Connection on Life
31:22 Addressing Connection in Early Education
33:20 Taking Responsibility for Connection
36:38 Finding Connection Preferences
39:23 Online Communities and Connection
43:11 Creating the Right Conditions for Connection
46:32 Conclusion
