Savoring Conversations:

The Gift of In-person Connections

Did you ever find yourself savoring a conversation, going back and lingering on how warm it felt, even when it was a conversation with someone you just met?

Recently I had this experience. Thanks to an invitation from my friend and colleague Pamla Gopaul, I had the privilege of attending an Africa and the World Bank Summit/IMF sessions co-hosted by the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation and the African Union-NEPAD Policy Bridge Tank.

Phenomenal leaders from across the African continent spoke about issues ranging from youth employment, economic forces, water and sanitation, to global security. The expertise and vision for the future laid out in the presentations and dialogue was absolutely inspirational. But for me, what stood out was the humanity of the individuals who were gathered.

It was during breaks and over lunch where the conversations and meaningful connections happened.

For many of us our professional lives are conducted on screens and in zoom meetings. The opportunity to be together, present for each other, to break bread together, and think through solutions to wicked problems in person, this felt extraordinary.

I’m grateful for the fact that we can stay connected through technology, most definitely! But, the opportunity to be together and present with one another was such a gift.

Offering this as a reminder that taking the opportunity to gather together in person does matter. It deepens connections in a beautiful way. I’ve been savoring the conversations. And of course, throughout the day I was drinking coffee :)