Jeff Williamson is the Founder of Converge Group Inc, a professional coaching, leadership development, and consulting practice that helps individuals and organizations grow through executive coaching and people development services. Before launching Converge in 2017, he served over 30 years in higher education as a dean, executive director, and professor of organizational leadership. He is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach and the author of Joy Café: Rediscovering Community, Connection, and Belonging, a book inspired by visits to more than 60 coffee shops across 15 states. Jeff also hosts the Leadership Level Up podcast and speaks on leadership and human connection.
What happens when we slow down long enough to truly notice the people around us? In a world shaped by isolation, remote work, and constant distraction, many of us feel disconnected even when we're surrounded by others. Could rediscovering joy be as simple — and as challenging — as rebuilding community one conversation at a time?
Jeff Williamson explains that joy is rediscovered through intentional connection, presence, and shared stories. As a longtime educator, author, and community builder, he emphasizes that people are wired for belonging and often underestimate the power of everyday interactions. He highlights how storytelling, vulnerability, and "weak ties" create spaces where people feel seen and valued, ultimately restoring meaning and connection. Through personal experiences in coffee shops, classrooms, and conversations with strangers, he shows how small moments can lead to profound impact and lasting joy.
In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Jeff Williamson, Founder of Converge Group Inc, to discuss rediscovering joy through community, storytelling, and human connection. They explore why stories help people feel they belong, how everyday spaces can foster meaningful relationships, and what we've lost — and can rebuild — since the pandemic. Jeff also shares practical ways to create connection, even for those who feel shy or disconnected.
