The Joy of Connecting

Maria Doughty has spent nearly five decades' worth of institutional wisdom at her fingertips — and she uses every bit of it to do one thing: bring people together who never would have found each other otherwise. As President & CEO of The Chicago Network, a 50-year-old invitation-only community of the city's most powerful senior executive women, Maria has turned the art of connection into a leadership philosophy.In this warm and wonderfully candid episode, Maria shares how a leap of faith (signed in February 2020, with an April start date — yes, that April) led her to the role she was meant for, and what she's learned about building community that actually holds — across industries, decades, and more than 70 events a year.✨ Highlights from this episode:Why the most powerful communities are built on threads, not topics — and what that difference means for how you connectThe two founding rules of The Chicago Network that have held for nearly 50 years (no guilt + the 24-hour rule)How Maria plays the role of connector-in-chief — and why stepping away is often the most important move she makesWhat high-achieving women get wrong about giving — and the one question that stopped a member in her tracksWhy Maria believes there's no such thing as a coincidence when it comes to connectionWhether you lead a community, build one, or simply want to show up better in the ones you belong to — this one will stay with you.👉 What connection in your life is quietly waiting to become something more — if only someone nudged it forward?SHOW LINKS:The Chicago Network: https://www.thechicagonetwork.org/Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-doughty/

Meg McWilliams knows the sting of networking gone wrong—and she’s building a better way. As the co-founder of Gobby Goblin, an AI-powered event networking tool, Meg is on a mission to make large-scale events more human, one meaningful intro at a time.In this refreshingly honest episode, Meg shares her founder journey, lessons learned from gaming and immersive tech, and what it really takes to create connection at scale without losing the personal touch.✨ Highlights from this episode:Why most event apps fail at real connection—and what to do insteadHow Gobby's text-based AI mimics the intuition of a great friendWhat founders need to know about timing, ROI, and meaningful growthDesigning tech that meets people where they are—no downloads requiredThe magic of asking surprising questions (like someone’s favorite smell)Whether you’re building a product, attending your next conference, or just tired of small talk that goes nowhere—this one’s for you.👉 What would change if your next event intro felt like it came from a friend?SHOW LINKS: https://gobbygoblin.com/Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-mcwilliams-b1669976/

“Human connection isn’t instant—rapport might be, but trust takes time.” — Orlaith Brogan, Co-Founder of Wing PeopleWhat if networking wasn’t awkward, aimless, or based on chance? What if connection at events was designed—with intention, warmth, and actual follow-through?Shaena Harrison and Orlaith Brogan are the co-founders of Wing People, a company that places trained "wing people" inside events to make meaningful, real-time introductions. In this episode, they share the origin of their mission, the power of serendipity, and what it means to connect without agenda.✨ Highlights from this episode:How to make people feel safe enough to open upThe problem with pitch-slapping—and what to do insteadWhy event ROI needs more human design, not just better logisticsReal stories of connections that changed lives (years later)The magic of noticing who’s standing alone—and doing something about itWhether you’re an event organizer, a reluctant networker, or a lifelong connector, this episode will remind you that the best outcomes often come when we stop chasing them.👉 Who’s someone you could introduce—just because?SHOW LINKS: https://www.wingpeople.io/Shaena: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaena-harrison-professional-wing-woman/Orlaith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlaith-brogan-professional-wing-woman/

Connection is not a credit card swipe.  It's an investment.In this heartfelt and energizing conversation, we’re joined by Alli Kushner, Global Operations Lead at LinkedIn and founder of BeeKyn, a startup helping working parents find meaningful playdate connections for their kids and themselves.We dive deep into how modern life complicates authentic connection and how Alli is tackling that challenge head-on. From the emotional toll of postpartum depression to the triumph of building something that brings people together offline, Alli shares her story with grace, wisdom, and warmth.We discuss:Why connecting as a parent is a logistical and emotional challengeThe surprising Venn diagram of building genuine friendships as a caregiverHow postpartum depression inspired Alli to create a solution for real-life connectionThe difference between networking and investing in relationshipsWhat it takes to show up, reach out, and build community without an agendaThis episode is a beautiful, honest reminder of why human connection matters and how it can shape us in life-changing ways. Enjoy! __________👉 Find Alli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonkushner/👉 Learn more about BeeKyn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beekynco/👉 Follow Joy of Connecting Show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-joy-of-connecting-show/👉 And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning: https://thejoyofconnectingshow.substack.com/

We’re pumped to welcome Scott Tran, Founder at Support Driven, a community serving customer support and customer experience professionals, to our show.Scott has built a thriving online community of more than 13,000 members who care deeply about support. In this episode, he shares how the art of listening shaped every stage of growth, why people stay for friendship (not only answers), and what it really takes to scale a community without losing its soul. We discuss the importance of serving your community and Scott’s journey of growing Support Driven from a small Slack group to a full-fledged organization hosting conferences. Tune in to hear:How Scott built a global community from scratchWhy emotional stickiness matters in community buildingThe surprising signals that show your community is thrivingThe power of listening and adaptingIf you're growing a community of your own, you’ll love this episode. Plus, it will inspire you to ask yourself: What’s one small signal that tells you your people feel connected? Enjoy!__________👉 Find Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-tran-188815a3/👉 Learn more about Support Driven: https://www.supportdriven.com/👉 Follow Joy of Connecting Show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-joy-of-connecting-show/👉 And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning: https://thejoyofconnectingshow.substack.com/

What a treat we have for you today. We’re thrilled to welcome Yuval Yarden, a connector at heart and Founder of Pollinate, to the show. She’s a champion in building spaces where founders can thrive, crafting programming across VCs, corporates, government initiatives, and her own non-profit. She created Pollinate because she deeply believes in the magic that happens when CEOs step out of the day-to-day chaos and see their challenges through fresh eyes.In this episode, Yuval shares how she’s reshaped her work to stay close to what she loves: real, honest connection. We talk about:How she rebuilt her business from the ground up in a new countryThe cultural shifts between building community in the U.S. vs. IsraelWhy founders & CEOs need each other more than they need another expertWhat not to do when trying to help someone (& why listening is the most underrated skill in business)We also get personal and cover what happens when you lose touch with the work you love and how to get it back. Whether you build communities, lead a team, or just believe in the power of people helping people, this one’s for you. Enjoy!__________👉 Find Yuval on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yyarden/👉 Learn more about Pollinate: https://pollinate.lovable.app/👉 Follow Joy of Connecting Show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-joy-of-connecting-show/👉 And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning: https://thejoyofconnectingshow.substack.com/

We’re excited to welcome Jason Yarborough, Co-Founder of Arcadia, co-host of Friends With Benefits Podcast, and partnerships thought leader, to our show. He’s passionate about bringing humanity back into business and harmony into the lives of go-to-market leaders. Jason joins us for a conversation full of wisdom, warmth, and practical insight on building relationships that go far beyond the transaction. From launching “Coffee with Yarby” and helping hundreds of people land jobs or find direction, to founding Arcadia, Jason has made helping people his calling.We discuss:How purposeful connection can lead to personal fulfillment and professional successThe importance of human element in networking and why it's the heart of Arcadia Leadership ExperienceHow to show up as your full, authentic self and build a lasting communityThe simple question that sparks deeper, human-centered conversationThe origin story of “Coffee with Yarby” and the wonderful ripple effect it hadEnjoy!__________👉 Find Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yarby/👉 Learn more about Arcadia: https://www.bearcadia.com/👉 Learn more about Arcadia Leadership Experience: https://www.arcadialeadershipexperience.com/👉 Check out Friends With Benefits Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/friends-with-benefits-podcast/👉 Follow Joy of Connecting Show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-joy-of-connecting-show/👉 And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning: https://thejoyofconnectingshow.substack.com/

In this Joy of Connecting episode, we sit down with the brilliant Marion Siboni, Founder & CEO, La Creme de la STEM™, the only global, private network for early-stage female founders in tech and science. With deep roots in partnerships and a career spanning Cisco, MongoDB, and Techstars, Marion shares how she has leveraged connection as her greatest asset. We discuss:How Marion built a thriving community for early-stage female founders from scratchThe importance of building your network before you need itWhy you should always connect with people on personal mattersA powerful story about what happens when just one person believes in youWays a community can accelerate your personal and business growthWhether you’re a founder, a connector, or someone trying to figure out your next big move, this episode is for you. And it will make you wonder, what kind of community do you want to build, and how will you show up in it? Tune in and enjoy!__________👉 Find Marion on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionsiboni/👉 Learn more about La Creme de la STEM™: https://www.lacremedelastem.com/👉 Follow Joy of Connecting Show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-joy-of-connecting-show/👉 And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning: https://thejoyofconnectingshow.substack.com/

As a sought-after LinkedIn Coach & ghostwriter, podcast host, and Founder of Composure Digital, Ashley Laabs helps founders and executives show up with clarity and confidence. In this deeply personal and insightful conversation, she talks about courage and why it’s essential to stop performing and start showing up as your full self.She talks about what it means to build meaningful relationships, especially in professional spaces that often prioritize polish over realness. Ashley shares a beautifully human story about how one small act at the dinner table reframed her entire understanding of connection, and how you can apply that same insight in your work, networking, and everyday conversations.We discuss:How to make networking real and humanThe surprising act of kindness that shifted how Ashley connects with othersWhy giving without an agenda is the most generous and effective way to networkHow to build a community on LinkedIn without losing yourself in the scrollHer simple go-to question that sparks more honest conversationsWhether you're building a brand, growing a business, or just trying to find your people, this Joy of Connecting episode is your permission slip to do it differently. It’s a warm reminder to always lead with humanity. And ask yourself, what are you holding back that might actually help you find your people? Tune in and enjoy!__________👉 Find Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freelance-content-strategist-copywriter-ashley-laabs/👉 Learn more about Composure Digital: https://www.composuredigital.com/👉 Follow Joy of Connecting Show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-joy-of-connecting-show/👉 And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning: https://joyofconnecting.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this Joy of Connecting episode, Antonio Caridad, Head of Global Partner Operations at Tricentis, shares how the Arcadia Leadership Experience influenced some of the best career opportunities, partnerships, and friendships. He also talked about how being in the moment and off-the-grid at the leadership retreat changed his approach to connection and business forever.We dive into:The #1 mistake people make in networking (and how to fix it)Why business partnerships fall apart (and how to build ones that last)How Antonio’s “Friday Lift-off” is helping job seekers land opportunities through real connectionWhy ditching your phone might be the best networking move you ever makeThe power of human connection in career growthReady to build better partnerships and deeper connections? Buckle up and hit play!__________👉 Find Antonio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniocaridad/overlay/about-this-profile/👉 Learn more about Tricentis: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tricentis/👉 Learn more about the Arcadia Leadership Experience: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bearcadia/👉 And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning: https://joyofconnecting.beehiiv.com/subscribe