How do you build genuine professional relationships—especially in a remote or digital work environment?

In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Melinda Lee Schmitt, author of Rebel Hugger, to explore how vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional connection can transform the way we show up at work.

After completing a year-long experiment hugging thousands of strangers, Melinda shares what that experience taught her about human connection—and how those same principles apply to professional relationships, leadership, and workplace culture.

Together, they discuss:

• How to build authentic relationships at work (even remotely)
  
  
  
• The role of vulnerability in professional settings
  
  
  
• How to set healthy boundaries without damaging relationships
  
  
  
• Moving from people-pleasing to self-acceptance
  
  
  
• How to handle difficult coworkers and misaligned working styles
  
  
  
• Why listening—both to what’s said and unsaid—is a key leadership skill
  
  
  

Whether you’re a founder, part of a marketing team, or navigating corporate life, this conversation offers practical insights on building stronger, more human connections in the workplace.

If you’re looking to improve communication at work, strengthen professional relationships, or create a more connected team culture, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Melinda’s work, check out: https://melindaleeschmitt.com/

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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

In a world where so much of our work happens through screens, building genuine professional relationships can feel harder than ever.

In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Cathy Baillargeon, Owner and Chief “Cathy” Officer of Virtual Cathy, to talk about what real connection looks like in a virtual-first workplace. We explore how relationships are built on commonality, not surface-level networking, and why showing your personality early can completely change the tone of a professional relationship.

We also dig into delegation — not as a weakness, but as a skill that takes practice — and what it really means to build trust, rapport, and culture on a remote team.

In this episode, we cover:

• What creates genuine connection in professional relationships
• Why impactful questions matter more than small talk (especially virtually)
• How to show personality without oversharing
• The mindset shifts required to successfully delegate
• How to build trust and rapport with virtual assistants and remote teams
• Practical tips for getting started with a VA the right way

Whether you’re hiring support, managing a virtual team, or simply trying to build better professional relationships, this conversation is full of thoughtful, practical takeaways you can apply right away.

On this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Lynn Whitbeck, sales strategist and relationship-driven leader, to explore what it truly takes to build genuine professional relationships—especially in sales.

Lynn shares her philosophy of leading with “worthy intent,” why curiosity and care matter more than closing tactics, and how long-term relationships can turn clients into promoters—even when a sale never happens.

We also dive into:

• How to build authentic relationships in sales without feeling transactional
  
  
  
• Navigating personality clashes and repairing trust when things go sideways
  
  
  
• Why thinking like your customer unlocks better results and deeper trust
  
  
  
• Providing real value without giving everything away
  
  
  
• Reframing sales from short-term wins to long-term partnerships
  
  
  

This episode is a must-listen if you believe connection should always come before conversion.

To learn more about Lynn’s business, visit: https://strategicsalesqueen.com/

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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast