How to Make Meaningful Connections Online and In-Person

Monday, January 24, 2022
8:00 PM 9:00 PM 20:00 21:00

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Looking for an excuse to connect?

Hosted by Richard Lee-Thai (Founder of Excuses to Connect) in partnership with the Dynamically Speaking Toastmasters club, this panel discussion will leave the audience with a better understanding of how they can make meaningful connections in their daily lives.

"You never know how any connection can transform your life."

The Panelists

Calling in from 3 different countries and time zones, the panelists represent a diverse range of perspectives on the topic of meaningful connections. They have all been previous guests on the Excuses to Connect podcast in 2021, but are coming together for the first time in this exciting discussion!

Ahmad Jabbir | Toronto, Canada

Ahmad Jabbir is an upcoming TEDx Speaker for TEDxRyersonU in February 2022 and will be presenting a talk entitled "Why You Should Pursue Social Discomfort". His talk shares his experience of meeting 100 strangers from 89 different cities during the pandemic, and the lessons he learned. He also works as part of the Marketing team for Seek Discomfort, the apparel company of the YouTube channel, Yes Theory. It is designed for people who are committed to chasing their wildest dreams and uncovering the beauty that lies outside their comfort zone.

Cherie Werner | Austin, United States

Cherie Werner is the Co-Founder and Chief Kindness Officer at KOYA. KOYA is a social platform and app designed to create meaningful and intentional connections. She also runs the F.I.E.S.T.A. (Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers) Meetup group in Austin, Texas. She was also featured on the Meetup Podcast on the topic of "The Joy of Connecting People". As someone in her late 50’s a key message she wants to share is you are never too old/young or underqualified to take on new opportunities. Neither age nor lack of experience should limit or define you.

Aakash Dhingra | Goa, India

Aakash Dhingra is a Sustainability Consultant, Self-Leadership Advocate & Photographer. He has spearheaded many initiatives to provide others with a platform to self-reflect and share their stories. This includes a photo-zine called Unshakable Self (Belief). Inspired by his own struggles of self-doubt, he is interviewing people about how they overcame their self-doubt in order to fully see their self-worth and find meaning in life. He is also the creator of Compassion Cards, a conversation-based card game designed to unlock the capacity for compassion in humanity.

The Host

Richard Lee-Thai | Calgary, Canada

Richard Lee-Thai is a TEDx Speaker who delivered a talk entitled “How to Find Excuses to Connect" which outlines how people can make meaningful connections easier. He is the Founder of Excuses to Connect, a business focused on building connections through one-on-one coaching, podcasting, public speaking, and merchandise. As a Connection Coach, he supports individuals and organizations with building their social confidence and fostering communities where everyone feels like they belong. His philosophy on life is captured in his motto: "You never know how any connection can transform your life." His ultimate vision is to empower and connect Connectors, and together, we can transform our lives and the lives of others, one connection at a time.

Time Conversions for Guests: Monday, January 24 - 7-8 PM MST