Connection Before Tasks: Rethinking Virtual Collaboration

Building Community One Tile at a Time | Erin Braddock

What does a cancer diagnosis, a heavy duffel bag full of tiles, and a two-and-a-half-hour mahjong lesson have in common?  In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Erin Braddock, Founder of Mahj Pit. Erin shares how a life-altering health journey reshaped her priorities and gave her the courage to ask "why not me?" She talks about spotting a gap in the mahjong market, building confidence by starting small, and why she believes your job in corporate America may not be as secure as you think. But this conversation goes deeper than entrepreneurship. Erin and Angela explore why mahjong, and games like it, are filling a real void in our increasingly isolated lives, the power of low-stakes social rituals, and how recurring gatherings build relationships that no dinner party ever could. Wear your pajamas. Bring a bag of chips. Press play. To learn more about Erin’s work, check out: https://mahjpit.co/ [https://mahjpit.co/] If you’re interested in the June 2026 pop-up, check out: https://www.tiletravelersmahjongretreats.com/savannah-june [https://www.tiletravelersmahjongretreats.com/savannah-june] —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-r-chong/] & on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makingtheconnectionpodcast/]  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

The Real Currency of Business: Relationship Capital | Jaclyn Strominger

What if the most valuable asset in your business isn't your product, your pitch, or your marketing strategy but the people you already know? In this episode, relationship strategist and co-author of Charting True North, Jacqueline Strumminger, breaks down the concept of relationship capital and why building genuine, intentional connections is the ultimate long game in business and in life. Jacqueline shares why she ditched the phrase "your network is your net worth" in favor of something more meaningful, how she thinks about the math behind every room she walks into, and why being pitch-slapped on LinkedIn is basically a masterclass in what not to do. You'll hear real stories of podcast connections that turned into book deals, 30-year friendships that still pay dividends, and a simple three-step follow-up process you can start using today. In this episode, we cover: * The difference between building trust and building belief and why it matters in the short term * What relationship capital actually is and how to calculate it * How to work a room (virtual or in-person) with intention and without the awkward pitch * Why your existing network is more valuable than you think and how to actually work it * The role of AI in relationship building, and where it falls short * How to start building deeper connections today, starting with your phone Whether you're a seasoned networker or someone who dreads walking into a room full of strangers, this episode is a reminder that real relationships are still the most powerful currency in business. —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-r-chong/] & on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makingtheconnectionpodcast/]  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

How to Stay Visible (and Connected) in a Remote World w/ Susan Collins

Most people think building strong professional relationships takes big, impressive moments, but in reality, it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest impact. In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Susan Collins, founder of The Network Concierge, for a thoughtful and refreshingly practical conversation on what it really takes to build meaningful professional relationships–especially in a remote-first world. Susan shares simple but powerful strategies for staying connected, from tracking personal milestones in your calendar to the underrated impact of a well-timed handwritten note. We talk about how small, intentional actions can turn everyday interactions into lasting relationships. Our conversation expands into the realities of remote work, where visibility, communication, and trust play a critical role in career growth. Susan offers actionable advice for both team members and leaders: how to create “virtual water cooler” moments, build trust through consistent communication, and foster a culture where mistakes are openly discussed—not hidden. Drawing from her years in talent acquisition and executive coaching, Susan also dives into the deeper work behind career growth. She shares how patterns and behaviors can hold professionals back, why self-awareness matters more than we think, and what it really looks like to let go of the habits that once made us successful in order to grow. We dive into: * How to build genuine relationships through small, intentional actions * Staying visible and connected while working remotely * Creating trust and accountability on remote teams * Why making space for mistakes leads to stronger leadership * Identifying and breaking patterns that limit career growth * Thinking ahead: how to approach long-term career planning with intention This episode is a reminder that strong relationships (and strong careers) aren’t built on big moments, but on consistent, thoughtful connection over time. To learn more about Susan’s work, check out: https://www.thenetworkconcierge.com/ —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-r-chong/] & on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makingtheconnectionpodcast/]  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

What a Year of Hugging Strangers Can Teach Us About Work Relationships w/ Melinda Lee Schmitt

How do you build genuine professional relationships—especially in a remote or digital work environment? In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Melinda Lee Schmitt, author of Rebel Hugger, to explore how vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional connection can transform the way we show up at work. After completing a year-long experiment hugging thousands of strangers, Melinda shares what that experience taught her about human connection—and how those same principles apply to professional relationships, leadership, and workplace culture. Together, they discuss: * How to build authentic relationships at work (even remotely) * The role of vulnerability in professional settings * How to set healthy boundaries without damaging relationships * Moving from people-pleasing to self-acceptance * How to handle difficult coworkers and misaligned working styles * Why listening—both to what’s said and unsaid—is a key leadership skill Whether you’re a founder, part of a marketing team, or navigating corporate life, this conversation offers practical insights on building stronger, more human connections in the workplace. If you’re looking to improve communication at work, strengthen professional relationships, or create a more connected team culture, this episode is for you. To learn more about Melinda’s work, check out: https://melindaleeschmitt.com/ —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-r-chong/] & on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makingtheconnectionpodcast/]  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

Connection Before Tasks: Rethinking Virtual Collaboration

In a world where so much of our work happens through screens, building genuine professional relationships can feel harder than ever. In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Cathy Baillargeon, Owner and Chief “Cathy” Officer of Virtual Cathy, to talk about what real connection looks like in a virtual-first workplace. We explore how relationships are built on commonality, not surface-level networking, and why showing your personality early can completely change the tone of a professional relationship. We also dig into delegation — not as a weakness, but as a skill that takes practice — and what it really means to build trust, rapport, and culture on a remote team. In this episode, we cover: * What creates genuine connection in professional relationships * Why impactful questions matter more than small talk (especially virtually) * How to show personality without oversharing * The mindset shifts required to successfully delegate * How to build trust and rapport with virtual assistants and remote teams * Practical tips for getting started with a VA the right way Whether you’re hiring support, managing a virtual team, or simply trying to build better professional relationships, this conversation is full of thoughtful, practical takeaways you can apply right away.