Category Archives: collaboration

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September 5, 2025

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collaboration, communication, Connection

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A Gig of Conversations: Lessons from Bob Schmidgall

Bob Schmidgall was one of the most incredible speakers I’ve ever heard. I admired his ability to connect with people and studied him often. One of his greatest strengths was speaking in a way that reached blue-collar, white-collar, and gold-collar workers—all at once. Each listener walked away believing Bob was speaking directly to them.

If you haven’t heard those terms, they’re general categories of labor:

  • Blue Collar: Manual laborers and skilled tradespeople.
  • White Collar: Office and professional workers.
  • Gold Collar: Highly skilled and valued specialists, often in cutting-edge fields like AI.

When Bob made a key point, he often shared it three times. But he never sounded repetitive. Instead, each sentence was crafted for a different group. He wasn’t restating; he was expounding—layering meaning so each person heard it in a way they could relate to.

The result? Everyone left the room feeling as though his talk was written just for them. He was relatable, informative, humorous, and full of great stories. Out of the hundreds of speakers I’ve listened to, Bob remains in my top five.

At some point, I realized something important: no amount of study would turn me into Bob. But that wasn’t the point. Bob had his gift. What I needed to see was that all of us actually speak far more than he ever did. Over a lifetime, we will likely have the equivalent of a gigabyte of conversations—not just spoken words, but emails, texts, social DMs, and even old-fashioned snail mail.

Each exchange adds another “file” to our personal archive. Some are blurry images best deleted, but others are crisp, high-resolution moments worth revisiting.

And that leads to the real question: if you’re going to spend that much time talking, typing, and connecting—why not upgrade your conversations so they actually build trust, opportunity, and collaboration?

Here are five simple Conversation Upgrades I’ve found that can transform ordinary chatter into meaningful dialogue.

Upgrade 1: Curiosity Beats Cleverness

Instead of prepping stories to tell, prepare questions to ask. Dale Carnegie put it best: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than in two years by trying to get other people interested in you” (How to Win Friends and Influence People).

A practical way to stay curious? Think about their Family, Work, Recreation, and Dreams (the F-W-R-D framework). Ask about their kids’ hobbies, the wildest thing that happened at work this month, the new restaurant they tried, or the goal that lights them up. When you anticipate their story, you can’t help but lean in—and that anticipation is contagious.

Upgrade 2: Turn on Charisma Mode

Charisma isn’t some magic dust—it’s built from presence, warmth, and confidence. Olivia Fox Cabane (The Charisma Myth) shows how teachable this is.

  • Presence: Give someone the sense that there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.
  • Warmth: Try the “flooding smile”—pause, take them in, then let a genuine smile slowly spread. It feels personal, not pasted on.
  • Confidence: Strong posture and a few thoughtful pauses tell the room you’re comfortable in your own skin.

When those three align, people don’t just hear your words—they feel your attention.

Upgrade 3: Add a Twist of Surprise

Boring conversations fade. Playful ones stick. Instead of standard answers, toss in a curveball:

  • Instead of “I’m from Chicago,” say: “I’m from Chicago, where pizza is deep enough to need a lifeguard.”
  • Instead of “I’m a consultant,” say: “I’m a consultant who’s learned more from coffee spills in boardrooms than from MBA textbooks.”

It’s not about impressing—it’s about giving others something fun to react to, like setting up the first line of an improv scene.

Upgrade 4: Ask for Feelings, Not Just Facts

Charles Duhigg’s Supercommunicators highlights a Harvard study of speed dating conversations: the people who landed second dates asked emotion-driven questions, not fact-gathering ones.

Swap:

  • “Where are you from?” → “What do you love most about your hometown?”
  • “What do you do?” → “What makes your work exciting—or exhausting?”
  • “What did you do this weekend?” → “What was the highlight of your weekend?”

By aiming for Dreams, Elevated moments, and Passions (D-E-P), you’ll unlock stories that reveal what matters most. That’s the difference between polite small talk and real connection.

Upgrade 5: Let People Know They Landed

Everyone wants to feel heard. Psychiatrist Mark Goulston (Just Listen) says even small acknowledgments—nodding, “mm-hmms,” or paraphrasing—make a huge impact.

When someone shares, don’t just reply with “Wow, that’s crazy.” Echo a detail that mattered: “That’s hilarious—after all that effort, the IKEA shelf was upside down the whole time.”

It signals: I didn’t just hear you. I understood you. That’s the glue of collaboration.

Why These Upgrades Matter

Each “conversation upgrade” builds on the 3Cs framework that I’ve developed:

  • Communication: Clearer, warmer, and more engaging.
  • Connection: Deeper emotional resonance—because you’re asking what really matters.
  • Collaboration: When people feel seen and valued, they bring their best ideas to the table.

Conversations aren’t background noise—they’re the raw material of relationships. And when you upgrade them, you upgrade your influence, your opportunities, and your impact.

It’s Time to Upgrade

You’ve got a gig of conversations ahead. Most people will let theirs auto-save in the background. But you? You can choose to upgrade yours—turning them into meaningful files worth archiving.

Start small: one curious question, one genuine smile, one playful twist. Then watch how fast your communication, connection, and collaboration grow.

Copyright 2025 by CJ Powers

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September 3, 2025

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ai, collaboration, communication, Connection

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Being the Human AI Can’t Replace

Daniel Lucas, the host of Book 101 Review, invited me to be a guest on his podcast. The show’s format spends more time on the guest than on the book they review. So while I spoke about Will Guidara’s “Unreasonable Hospitality,” Daniel asked me lots of questions about AI.

If I were to summarize the interview, I’d say that Daniel dove into a timely question: What does it mean to be human in the age of AI?

For decades, I’ve worked in communications—helping corporations, entrepreneurs, and small businesses clarify their message, connect with their audience, and collaborate effectively. And today, with AI entering every corner of our lives, I see the same question surfacing again and again: Will AI replace us?

The short answer: No. But only if we choose to be fully human.

Driving AI Instead of Being Dragged by It

On the show, I used a simple analogy. AI is like a car. You can either grab the wheel and drive it, or you can be dragged behind it.

(I created the elements in the picture above with ChatGPT and built it with Canva.)

Too many people fear AI because of what they’ve seen in movies—machines taking over, robots replacing people. But AI is a tool, nothing more. And like any tool, it can either empower you or run you over, depending on how you use it.

If you want to stay in the driver’s seat, there are three keys I always come back to: Communication, Connection, and Collaboration.

The 3C Framework

  • Communication – Knowing not just what you want to say, but how to say it clearly to both people and AI.
  • Connection – Engaging authentically. People crave genuineness. They don’t want polished perfection; they want honesty, vulnerability, and someone who really listens.
  • Collaboration – Working productively with others and with AI. Collaboration is where we build things greater than ourselves.

If you master those three areas, you’ll always be more valuable than the technology around you.

The Power of Authenticity

One theme that came up repeatedly in the conversation was authenticity. It’s become a buzzword, but what it really means is this: I bring my full self, flaws and all, into the room—and I give you permission to do the same.

Our imperfections make us human. They make us trustworthy. They make us irreplaceable.

AI may simulate compassion or generate words that look empathetic, but at the end of the day, it’s mimicry. It can’t truly connect at a heart level. And when we show up with vulnerability and honesty, we offer something AI can’t touch.

Productivity Redefined

For years, productivity has been defined by speed and efficiency. But people don’t just want faster anymore—they want better. They want something that feels personal.

In the podcast, I shared how I worked with a global laboratory that reduced a 14-hour reporting process to just four minutes using AI automation. That freed up time for people to focus on relationships, innovation, and creative work. That’s the real win.

Productivity in the future won’t just be about doing more, faster. It will be about depth over speed—quality over quantity—human over machine.

Why Human Art Still Matters

Art gave us another window into the conversation. AI-generated art and music may look impressive on the surface, but true art always contains something AI can’t replicate: mistakes.

Every brushstroke, every lyric, every twist in a story carries the weight of human imperfection—and that’s what makes it resonate. AI’s attempts at mistakes feel artificial. Our mistakes, on the other hand, make our work feel genuine and alive.

Daily Practices for Staying Human

So how do we practice being more human in our work and life? I suggest three steps:

  1. Clarify – Be clear about your purpose and your message.
  2. Simplify – Speak at a level where both people and AI can follow. (Think sixth-grade clarity.)
  3. Amplify – Let your passion and purpose shine through, whether you’re speaking to one person or an audience of thousands.

If something can be done the exact same way three times in a row, hand it to AI. Then use your freed-up time for creativity, problem-solving, and relationships.

A Book Worth Reading

Toward the end of the interview, I recommended Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. His insights align perfectly with what we discussed:

  • Be fully present.
  • Take your work seriously.
  • Treat people as unique treasures.

That book, like this conversation, reminded me that no matter how advanced technology becomes, our human touch remains the deciding factor in business and in life.

A Final Thought

If there’s one takeaway from my conversation with Daniel, it’s this: lean into your humanity.

Experiment with AI. Automate repetitive tasks. Use the tools available. But never forget that what makes you irreplaceable isn’t efficiency—it’s authenticity.

AI can copy, simulate, and predict. But it cannot create wisdom. It cannot make genuine connections. It cannot replace the art, purpose, and relationships that define us.

So let’s stop asking if AI will take our jobs. Instead, let’s ask: Am I being fully human in the way I communicate, connect, and collaborate?

Because that’s the one thing AI can never replace.

Here is the full show…

Copyright 2025 by CJ Powers

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January 20, 2025

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Building Differential Strengths as Communicators, Networkers, and Team Players

Three key skills will define the most successful professionals in 2025: communication, connection, and collaboration. While these skills may seem fundamental, they have evolved into essential tools for navigating complex work environments, building relationships, and driving success.

To thrive in our dynamic world, we need to consider these skills from the perspective of the types of people who have built a strength while focusing on a single part of it: communicators, networkers, and team players.

The Strengths of Communicators, Networkers, and Team Players

Strengths are an intricate blend of innate talent, acquired knowledge, honed skills, an experiences gained from facing challenges. At the highest level, the finest communicators, networkers, and team players have mastered their craft, consistently refining their abilities through experience, learning, and mentorship.

Communicators

Communicators are the architects of understanding. They shape how information flows, ensuring clarity and engagement.

Talent: A communicator’s most essential talent is effectively conveying ideas—painting a picture everyone quickly understands. They possess natural eloquence and an innate understanding of tailoring messages to diverse audiences. They are also strategic thinkers, deliberate in crafting messages that resonate.

Knowledge and Skills: To excel, communicators master not only language and rhetoric but also the nuances of storytelling, persuasion, and emotional intelligence. They must be well-versed in the various communication channels, whether digital or in-person, and understand the role of technology in enhancing or hindering their message.

Experience: Effective communicators often learn through failures, such as missed opportunities, misunderstood messages, or poorly received content. These experiences teach them the importance of timing, tone, and context in their communication.

Craft: The highest level of communication strength involves predicting how messages will be received and adjusting them accordingly. This skill is often developed through mentorship, where communicators learn the delicate art of crafting persuasive, authentic, and clear messages that create lasting impact.

Networkers

Networkers are connectors who build and maintain relationships across diverse sectors, industries, and distances. They thrive on creating mutual value through connections that go beyond transactional needs.

Talent: Networkers excel at building rapport. Their key talent is empathy, which enables them to understand the needs and desires of others. They are naturally curious and possess an uncanny ability to make people feel heard and valued.

Knowledge and Skills: To be effective, networkers must develop a deep understanding of their industry and the industries they connect with. They should be proficient in reading people, understanding social dynamics, and maintaining professionalism while forming personal bonds. Networking skills also include strategic thinking, as successful networkers can leverage connections to create value for others.

Experience: A seasoned networker has made mistakes, such as misreading signals or overpromising. These experiences teach the importance of authenticity, follow-through, and timing in building long-lasting relationships.

Craft: The highest level of networking involves connecting people in ways that spark collaboration and innovation. Great networkers often learn this by working closely with mentors who teach them the subtleties of relationship management and help them build an extensive network of trusted contacts.

Team Players

Team players are the backbone of successful collaboration. They bring energy, enthusiasm, and support to group efforts, helping to turn individual contributions into collective achievements.

Talent: A team player’s innate talent lies in collaborating and contributing meaningfully in a dynamic group. They’re often skilled at fostering cooperation, managing conflict, and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.

Knowledge and Skills: Team players must understand group dynamics, leadership principles, and how to manage conflict constructively. Their skills include active listening, giving and receiving feedback, and contributing to the group’s goals without seeking the spotlight.

Experience: Experienced team players have learned to navigate challenges like interpersonal conflicts, misunderstandings, or missed deadlines. They’ve gained wisdom from seeing how their actions, or lack thereof, affect the group’s success or failure.

Craft: The highest level of strength as a team player involves building a culture of collaboration that empowers others. Great team players learn this craft through direct experience, often observing and apprenticing with strong leaders who create environments of trust and mutual respect.

Why Communication, Connection, and Collaboration Matter in 2025

The rapid pace of change in 2025 means that traditional methods of working and leading are no longer enough. The ability to communicate clearly, connect with others meaningfully, and collaborate effectively will determine who thrives in an increasingly complex, interconnected, and fast-moving environment.

  • Communication enables individuals to express their ideas, needs, and feedback in a way that resonates with others. In an age of information overload, communicators who can cut through the noise and convey essential messages are highly valued. They clarify, simplify, and amplify their content to create the ideal message.
  • Connection is the key to building networks of trust and mutual benefit. In an increasingly remote and digital world, networkers who can forge and maintain strong relationships are the linchpins of personal and professional success. Their focus is to engage, relate, and build their relationships for the future.
  • Collaboration allows teams to achieve results greater than the sum of their parts. As organizations grow more cross-functional and global, team players who can work across diverse groups and bring people together will be crucial to achieving success. They focus on aligning, acting, and achieving goals as a team.

How to Develop Your Strengths as a Communicator, Networker, and Team Player

We must practice self-awareness and commit to continuous learning to build differential strengths in these areas. Start by identifying where your strengths lie and where there is room for growth.

  1. For communicators: Focus on refining your ability to adapt your message to different audiences and contexts. Practice active listening and learn to read nonverbal cues. Seek feedback on your communication style and aim to be more concise and impactful.
  2. For networkers: Invest in building genuine relationships rather than merely expanding your contact list. Be present, offer value, and seek to understand others’ goals and challenges. Build your personal brand through authenticity and integrity.
  3. For team players: Work on being adaptable in team settings. Focus on being supportive, cooperative, and solution-oriented. Learn to resolve conflicts constructively and encourage diverse perspectives in group discussions.

In 2025, the most successful professionals will excel as communicators, networkers, and team players. By recognizing the importance of each role and continuously refining the strengths associated with these key skills, individuals can thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-paced world. As you build your career or lead others, remember that true success lies in what you know and how well you connect, communicate, and collaborate with those around you.

Copyright © 2025 by CJ Powers