Ep2: We're Not Really Strangers with Richard Lee-Thai

“Loneliness is as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

Lonely people are 50% more likely to die prematurely than those with healthy social connections.”

Wow.

In this episode, host Kim Westlund explores the importance of connection with guest, Richard Lee Tai. They discuss the need for belonging and the impact of loneliness on health and well-being. Richard shares his personal story of feeling lonely and out of place, and how it led him to focus on connection in his work.

Kim and Richard discuss the root issues that hinder connection, such as self-confidence and upbringing, and offer tips for improving professional networking. They also explore the power of asking better questions and using creative tools for connection.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of connection on life and the responsibility individuals have in creating the right conditions for connection.

Richard Lee-Thai

Richard Lee-Thai is a TEDx Speaker, Connection Consultant, and co-author of “Become Your Superself: Connect with Yourself to Connect with Others.” His TEDx talk: "How to Find Excuses to Connect” outlines how people can make meaningful connections easier. His ultimate vision is to create a world without loneliness.

People never grew up with a class on “How to Make Friends”, so his work focuses on lessening the gap in social health education. As a professional speaker and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation, he empowers individuals and organizations with the social skills and confidence to make meaningful connections for the rest of their lives.

His motto is: "You never know how any connection can transform your life."Connections can happen anywhere and anytime, so he encourages you to find that excuse to connect!

Connect with Richard Lee-Thai:

www.excusestoconnect.com

www.linkedin.com/in/richardleethai/

www.instagram.com/richardleethai/

www.facebook.com/richardleethai2/

Takeaways

• Connection is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life.
• Loneliness can have serious health consequences and should be addressed.
• Self-confidence and upbringing can impact our ability to connect with others.
• Asking better questions and using creative tools can enhance connection.
• Online communities can provide meaningful connections.
• Individuals have a responsibility to create the right conditions for connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:36 The Importance of Connection

02:22 Guest Introduction: Richard Lee Thai

03:19 The Need for Belonging

04:39 Richard's Story and the Power of Connection

08:08 The Complexity of Loneliness

09:33 Factors that Hinder Connection

11:25 Root Issues and Self-Connection

16:54 Improving Professional Networking

19:47 Asking Better Questions

22:35 Creating Connection Opportunities

23:58 Using Creative Tools for Connection

25:54 The Power of Connection Events

29:06 The Impact of Connection on Life

31:22 Addressing Connection in Early Education

33:20 Taking Responsibility for Connection

36:38 Finding Connection Preferences

39:23 Online Communities and Connection

43:11 Creating the Right Conditions for Connection

46:32 Conclusion