Remember little 8-year old me, waiting to be picked for the team sport?

That gut-wrenching rejection that hurt like hell when I was the last to be chosen? As we’ve shared throughout this blog series, there's a good reason it felt so painful. Our brains are wired for connection and when we don't feel like we connect or belong, it creates pain.

Fast forward a few decades, and I've spent my career figuring out why some people seem to effortlessly build relationships while others struggle. The good news? It's not about being naturally charming or being a ‘people person’, it's about being intentional and consistent.

See, while everyone's freaking out about AI and robots taking over, there's one thing they can't replicate: genuine human connection. Your ability to build real relationships isn't just career insurance - it's your secret weapon!

The best bit, the connection follows a formula. And once you know it, everything changes.

"Human connection at its simplest form can warm your soul. As different as we are, we are more alike than we think. When we get it right, the power of connection is truly remarkable!"


The 5-Step Connect-Ability Formula:

  • 🧠 SEEK Similarities: Like attracts like, and your brain decides who to trust in 33 milliseconds. Master people's names, find genuine common ground, and use "we" language instead of banging on about "I, I, I"

  • ❤️ BOOST Belonging: Social pain is real pain. Check in about the person, not just their work. Create rituals that make everyone feel included. Remember, it's the micro moments that matter most

  • 🤗 GIVE Generously: Show your real self! Share your struggles, give before you expect anything back, and model the behaviour you want to see. Vulnerability beats competence every time

  • 🎭 SHARE Stories: Logic tells, stories sells! Craft clear, emotional narratives with specific details. Every story should have a point - don't just entertain, create those "aha" moments that stick

  • 🧪 CREATE Chemistry: Get your oxytocin flowing! Make proper eye contact (put the phone down!), use appropriate touch, laugh together, and manage your stress so cortisol doesn't block your connection chemical

  • 🎯 BE Intentional: Stop hoping relationships will happen naturally. Audit your "relationship kitty," practice these steps consistently, and track how people respond differently

  • 🔄 STAY Consistent: Connection isn't a one-and-done deal. It needs ongoing love and attention, just like any relationship worth having

  • 📊 NOTICE the Magic: Watch for increased collaboration, more opportunities, people seeking your advice, and that energised feeling when you're around others


This stuff can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But here's the thing - you don't need to master all five steps overnight. Pick one that resonates (or the one that makes you squirm a bit because it's your weak spot), and just start there.

The future belongs to the people who can build genuine relationships in an artificial world. While robots handle the repetitive stuff, humans will thrive on connection, collaboration, and creativity.

So here's my question for you: which of these five steps is your biggest challenge, and what are you going to do about it this week?

You want to know more about how Blythe creates meaningful connections? ✨

👉 Check out Blythe’s LinkedIn profile to read more articles and blogs!