Oct 22, 2024
Read Time: 3 mins
The Who
What is the first community you felt a sense of belonging to and why? How has this community influenced your personal and professional life?
My first sense of belonging came from two places: my Waldorf School and my Little League team, the Mets. These experiences were foundational for different reasons. At Waldorf, I was exposed to a learning environment that valued individuality and creativity, which shaped my understanding of how diverse perspectives can enrich a community. Meanwhile, the Mets taught me about commitment to a group goal. Spending time on the bench allowed me to connect with quieter teammates, developing a deep empathy for others.
These early experiences instilled in me the value of reaching out to those who might otherwise go unnoticed. They showed me the power of collective effort, sacrifice, and striving for excellence. This understanding has guided my approach to community-building throughout my personal and professional life.
The Why
What role do you think the communities play for the future of your business - be it from a brand, talent, innovation or sustainability lens?
Organizations are, at their core, their own forms of community. If we want our businesses to thrive, we need to create communities that people actively want to be a part of. A strong, engaged community supports innovation, attracts talent, and sustains long-term success.
The What
Can you share a success story where community cultivation efforts, be it inside your organization or across the ecosystem, have led to meaningful impact? If you did, how did you measure this success?
A standout example is the kin group formed during my time at kyu. We came together as a group of DEI practitioners and created something collaborative, where everyone played an active part. What emerged wasn’t just a shared initiative but an enduring network of support. The ripples of this effort—the long-term value (LTV)—are clear even today. We still support one another, not just professionally by sharing ideas and opportunities, but personally, through life updates and encouragement. Beyond individual connections, this group influenced systems and policies within our respective organizations, amplifying its impact.
What strategies have you found effective in fostering a culture of collaboration and trust, the key ingredients for communities? How do you maintain and nurture this culture over time?
The foundation of collaboration and trust is honesty, care, and grace. Understanding that others’ needs are as important as our own is crucial. To sustain these values, it requires consistent investment of time and resources. Community-building often involves sacrifice—setting aside other priorities to allow it to flourish. Showing up and being reliable are key. When people know they can depend on you, trust naturally follows, strengthening the culture over time.
The How
How do you balance the needs and interests of the community with the business goals of your organization? What strategies do you use to align these objectives?
Early on, I struggled to find balance, but a better understanding of the business over time has helped me cultivate more effective community efforts. Every business has its limitations. It’s important to focus on what’s achievable and not be discouraged by what’s outside our control. This work requires time, consistency, and a steadfast mindset. Community-building isn’t about solving everything immediately; it’s about incremental progress that aligns with the organization’s broader goals.
The Next
What advice would you give to other leaders looking to adopt a community-powered lens in their organizations? What common pitfalls should they avoid?
Technology enables us to connect with people across the world, opening doors to learning and collaboration. While no specific emerging tools come to mind, it’s clear that AI will play a significant role—it already does. The challenge is to use AI as a tool that benefits communities rather than one that divides them. We need to approach technological advancements with the intention of fostering unity and shared growth.
What role do you see technology playing in the future of community cultivation? Are there any emerging tools or platforms you are particularly excited about?
Don’t obsess over immediate results. Community-building requires investment, like any other part of the business. Find passionate people and support them. Allow space for mistakes—they’re part of the process.
Listen to your people and center your efforts around their feedback. Communities cannot be dictated; they must feel organic and responsive. As your organization evolves, so will the needs of its community. Be prepared to adapt and adjust, ensuring the provisions you started with continue to meet the changing needs of your people.