Every conversation is a mirror, every connection a catalyst

Introverts, this one’s for you: Why connection matters more than we think.

"Every interaction—I treat like serendipity."

The first time I heard this phrase, it was from a senior leader at the World Bank Group. I was interviewing him about a program I was leading. He arrived 10 minutes late—having completely forgotten the meeting.

But what he did next stayed with me far more than the delay.

He went out of his way to apologize. Poured a glass of water for me, saying it was the least he could do. I was floored.

In all my years, I had never seen a leader of his stature treat a moment like that—with such grace and humility. And I remember thinking:

 No wonder he’s the star participant in this program—his name kept surfacing in anonymous feedback, always with deep admiration.

That moment reshaped my understanding of leadership—and the small, human gestures that define it.

And I keep learning this.

As an introvert, my first inclination is to avoid making the effort to interact. And yet—almost every time I push past that resistance, I walk away feeling energized, inspired, and strangely grateful.

Recently, as I go full swing in my coaching practice, I’ve been meeting many new people—diverse personalities, different life paths, unfamiliar energies. Each one so different from me.

And yet, with every single interaction, there’s been one common thread.

 A shared value.

 A moment of recognition.

 A reflection of something within myself.

And that’s the unexpected gift.

 The more I interact, the more I find myself, the more I grow.

It makes me believe: we carry so many layers within us that only get revealed in connection—with others, with their stories, their presence, and our response to it.

In my own work, I’ve seen this play out clearly. The programs I’ve designed that bring people together in cohorts—consistently lead to deeper insights, richer growth, and relationships that outlast the program itself.

We become more whole through:

our own experiences,

others’ experiences,

empathy,

reflection and more.

Each has its place. But human connection is more powerful than we think.

So what can introverts do? 

We don’t need to become extroverts. But we can:

- Seek one-on-one conversations over large groups

- Lead with curiosity, not performance

- Build human-to-human relationships, not just transactional ones

- Trust that authenticity is more powerful than polish

People can sense when we’re real. And that’s what leaves a lasting imprint.

Sometimes the thing we resist most is the thing we most need.

 Connection isn’t a detour—it’s the path.