There is a growing epidemic of loneliness in the modern world, so much so that the U.S. Surgeon General released a loneliness advisory in 2023. These rising levels of national isolation have significant consequences for business: lonely employees face a 50% higher risk of dementia and a 29% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, affecting both their well-being and productivity, and stress-related absenteeism alone costs employers an estimated $154 billion annually. So, what’s the antidote to loneliness? Well, unsurprisingly, it’s human connection. A 2023 Harvard School of Public Health discussion outlined the “healing effects” of strong social connection and community. UCLA neuroscientist and author of Social Matthew Lieberman describes connection as a “superpower” that makes us smarter, happier, and more productive. I always love connecting with others. But the special moments are those like the World 50 Group dinner in NYC I attended, organized by Diana Heuett, where Mark Bertolini shared powerful lessons from his incredible experiences leading companies like Aetna, Bridgewater, and now Oscar Health. Here’s the thing – this could have just been another “networking event”. And, like all such events, it would have been very valuable, and I would have learned a lot. And I would have really enjoyed it. What made it so special was my dinner companions. We set up camp at the end of the table, and the conversation very quickly got very real. From politics (and court cases) in France, to Moroccan hammams, to medical challenges and the joys of aging, we talked about things that were deeply true to women of a certain age, living in this topsy-turvy world. I laughed so hard my throat hurt. And I walked away with a sense that I was not alone. Because – even if just for that one meal – I experienced a moment of authentic solidarity. There is something special about breaking bread with strangers who are willing to share out loud their human experiences, as if to invite each other into a grand secret: we are all part of the same sisterhood. So, here’s to human connection. My hope for all of you is that you can find that moment of joy in the eyes of someone you don’t know, which tells you that you’re not alone. (Because the beautiful secret is none of us are ever truly alone.) Christina M. Yvette Ellis Mathilde Fleury Emma Citrin Mariels Almeda Winhoffer Amanda Mertens Campbell Michael Ku Teresa Reilly
What a beautiful reflection. And all you need for it to happen is the curiosity about each other’s story! It’s amazing how a simple willingness to listen and share can transform an ordinary moment into something truly meaningful.
Kaleen, I love this! I completely agree with your perspective and I would add that it is in these interactions and conversations, as World 50 Group calls them, that we learn to think about things in a different way. Sharing experiences not only brings people closer together, but also broadens our understanding about so many things. Cheers to many more conversations in 2025!
Chief People & Culture Officer, U.S., PMI | ex-McKinsey and Capital One | Oxford Masters & PhD | International social, public, private sector impact
2wShared some links in the comments!