In today’s episode, we dive into team connection, leadership, and actionable strategies to foster meaningful workplace relationships with Steven Van Cohen. Steven is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, leadership consultant, and expert on creating connected cultures in businesses. He’s worked with top companies like Home Depot, Salesforce, Bank of America, and Zoom to improve team well-being and boost employee engagement. He’s been featured in major publications such as CNBC, Forbes, and Fast Company, and today, he’s here to share strategies to strengthen workplace connections and overcome common obstacles that hinder engagement, ultimately helping you create a thriving online business.

Steven Van Cohen is a leadership consultant, executive coach, and the co-author of Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams from Isolated to All In. With over a decade of experience, Steven has helped organizations like Home Depot, Salesforce, and Zoom create connected cultures, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. His focus is on reducing loneliness, improving employee engagement, and fostering deep, authentic relationships within teams. He’s been featured in prominent outlets like CNBC, Forbes, and Fast Company and is a leading expert on workplace dynamics and leadership, skills that can be applied to any coaching or business leadership environment.

• Loneliness is about the absence of connection, not people: Loneliness arises when the quality of our relationships doesn't meet our needs. It’s not about the number of people around us, but the depth of connection.
• The importance of connection in the workplace: Disconnected employees are more likely to disengage, underperform, and quit. Loneliness at work impacts productivity, engagement, and retention.
• Leaders play a key role in creating connection: As a business leader, it’s not about matchmaking but about creating environments where meaningful relationships can thrive. Leaders should set the tone and create opportunities for connection.
• Small actions lead to big results: Small, intentional efforts, like team-building exercises or 10-minute check-ins, can have a significant impact on team connection and overall performance. These strategies also work for online coaching teams and businesses looking to scale.

• Loneliness affects more than just the individual: It impacts performance, engagement, and overall team dynamics. Disconnected employees are 7 times more likely to disengage and 5 times more likely to miss work due to stress.
• Statistics on loneliness: 72% of employees feel socially disconnected monthly, and 55% feel it weekly. Disconnected teams perform 56% worse than connected ones.

• Creating opportunities for connection: As a business leader, your role isn’t to create friendships, but to create environments where trust and connection can thrive.
• Small efforts matter: Simple, regular activities like icebreakers or “crush” exercises can significantly improve team morale and connection. These small steps can help build a community for your clients or business team.
• Complacency is the enemy: Leaders must go beyond the basics and invest time, money, and effort into long-term connection-building strategies to scale their business and team dynamics effectively.

• Weekly "Crush" Exercise:
• A short, weekly activity where team members recognize and appreciate each other’s contributions.
• Builds a culture of...