Why connection matters now more than ever.

After receiving a surprise nomination for Podcast of the Year, I dive deep into the journey behind the mic from wrestling with criticism and self-doubt to celebrating the small moments of impact. The real message?

Numbers aren’t everything; touching just one life can make years of effort worthwhile.

if you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or like your voice doesn’t matter, this episode is for you. It’s a warm, powerful invitation to focus less on the “hustle,” and more on building relationships that last—by listening with true intent.

00:00 – Why Connection Matters More Than Ever
00:33 – From Curacao to Podcast of the Year: An Unexpected Nomination
01:59 – Overcoming Criticism and Finding Your Voice
05:52 – Moving Between Cultures: UK Loneliness & Dubai’s Surprise
08:05 – Building Trust vs. Transactional Networking
09:41 – Remembering People by Story, Not Title
10:17 – Why Real Listening Transforms Relationships

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