The power of conversation, connection and contribution
Our founder, Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst wrote a book in 2018.
She shares in that book and on her podcast, stories that make us think.
It can be so easy to live in a bubble and focus on the immediate problems you need to solve. Yet when we expand our horizons, we learn so much about ourselves and others and develop ways to drive business and find growth and fulfillment.
Connect with others whose experiences are different to your own
One of the stories Kerryn shares is about connecting with others whose experiences were very different from her own.
When Kerryn’s children were young teenagers, the family volunteered at the Sacred Heart Mission Annual Christmas Dinner. Their clients were either homeless, living in local boarding houses around St Kilda or had fallen on tough times.
They were cautioned by the social workers not to be too excited about Christmas because not everyone thinks of it as a joyful time of year. In a conversation with one of the social workers, they learnt how clients were often living in difficult circumstances due to a tragedy in the family or because of illness, mental health, or financial loss–all circumstances well beyond their control. She explained how homelessness does not discriminate; it affects men, women, children, elderly, professionals, tradies and non-skilled workers.
Sharing problems and challenges through conversation
During the conversation the social workers described the scope of the problem and shared many of the challenges. Without an address you cannot apply for a job or a driver’s license because you have no contact details. Even if you can provide a physical address, you can’t apply for jobs online or on paper when you don’t have access to a computer or money for printing applications. It is extremely difficult to prepare for an interview or get ready for work without bathroom facilities and clean clothes.
This conversation prompted thought about how else the family could contribute and reminded them that no one should judge another person by looking at what they see on the surface.
Kerryn explains in her book “ I could hear my mother’s words ringing in my ears from childhood, ‘There but by the grace of God go I.’”
Gaining through contribution
Time may have been given but the Powell family each gained far more than ever was anticipated.
The contribution illustrated in real terms, and with great clarity that we cannot and should not live in a bubble.
Reminding all the family of the fortunate lives they lived, and prompting them to always remember there are so many people in the immediate community who are less fortunate. It was an exercise in developing greater empathy, fundamental for emotional intelligence and the development of resilience.
Success does not have to be constrained by definitions or aspirations
Since starting YTM, Kerryn and Leigh have increased their awareness of people and organisations who are striving to make a difference and support others. Some have lost loved ones or are battling illness. Many have created organisations that provide support or are helping others in similar situations. Still others are working to help individuals reach their full potential.
One of the Conversation Starter cards that Kerryn has designed, asks players “What does success look like to you?”
The conversations that ensue, demonstrate that success comes in many forms and is an individual driver. For some it may be financial wealth, for others it is earning a degree or achieving a business related outcome.
The varied responses from the YTM members confirm that success does not have to be constrained by other people’s definitions or aspirations. Success may be to provide lunches to the elderly, to raise funds for research, to kick a football at the park with a child or to cycle from Perth to Broome. Never once has the response been about the amount of money a person wants to earn. The responses are more about the aspects of growth and fulfillment.
YTM has been privileged to share inspiring stories that have touched the hearts of the YTM community. We have been introduced to real people who have had to face life-changing challenges and have somehow found a way to develop skills we all need: resilience, perseverance and commitment through the YTM Ripple Grant program.
The YTM Ripple Grant program is designed to support both not-for-profit and for-profit organisations, who seek to bring positive influence and change where they see the opportunity to tackle inequality, by collaborating with others. It encourages connection with others seeking to influence change and creates conversations about the value of contribution.
Our hope is that through conversation, connection and contribution as a community we can create “A ripple effect which starts with a pebble in a pond causing ripples that multiply and influence much further than the original start-point”.
Would you like to find out more about how you can connect, contribute and involve yourself in powerful conversations? READ MORE HERE
Hello, I am Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters and podcast host of Conversations and connections to amplify and inspire. and am a connection strategist, conversation starter and network catalyst who thrives on building communities and creating the right connections for those seeking strategic allies to make a positive impact through connection, contribution and community.
I draw on my diverse career portfolio, experience, skills and knowledge to encourage, support and empower business owners, professionals, teams and individuals to create true connection through authentic conversations that build real relationships, boost confidence and generate business and opportunities.
For the past 9 years, I have provided opportunity for more than 3000 business owners to engage in real life and online events through her business, Your Time Matters. BOOK a discovery call TODAY, and let’s have a conversation to see how I can help you find , start or improve your business networking,
