A World of Connections: Lessons from a Map and an 8-Year-Old
A Moment That Moved Me
The other day, I found myself standing in front of a world map with my 8-year-old granddaughter. It started as a fun geography moment—pointing out places and countries I’ve heard about or traveled to. But then something unexpected happened.
As I began to share where I know people—where I’ve formed real, lasting connections—the map took on a whole new meaning. I wasn't just pointing to countries. I was pointing to relationships. Friendships. Collaborations. Stories. Lives that have intersected with mine because of the work I do, the virtual meetings I’ve attended, the communities I’ve joined, and the platforms where I show up consistently (hello LinkedIn!).
What started as a “wow” moment for my granddaughter became a jaw-dropping realization for me.
From Local Roots to Global Reach
Reflecting on it later, I was struck by just how vast my network has become. I’ve connected with people from all over the globe—from Europe to Asia, from Africa to South America. Not just as followers or "likes," but as real people with whom I’ve shared stories, learned about their cultures and businesses, collaborated with on projects, and grown alongside.
And it hit me: this expansive network would not have been possible without one game-changing gift…
The Internet.
More specifically, virtual meetings and tools like Zoom. (Side note: can we all agree that investing in Zoom before 2020 would’ve been the move of the decade?)
The Gift of Virtual Connection
While the pandemic brought immense challenges, it also accelerated a virtual revolution. Suddenly, we weren’t limited by geography. We could hop into a meeting with someone in Singapore, brainstorm with a partner in Spain, or share insights with a colleague in South Africa—all before lunch.
The walls came down, and the world opened up.
Thanks to this shift, I’ve met some of the most incredible people I never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise. People who’ve inspired me, challenged me, taught me, and become true friends.
You know who you are—and I’m tagging you in this post, because you’re part of this story. Thank you for expanding my world. 🌍
Lessons Worth Sharing
Here’s what I hope my granddaughter saw in that moment:
Curiosity opens doors.
Connection makes the world feel smaller—and warmer.
Relationships matter more than reach.
And here’s what I hope you take away from this story:
Don’t underestimate the power of a Zoom call.
Show up with intention and authenticity, even virtually.
Your voice has the power to connect across oceans.
So, the next time you open your calendar for a virtual meeting, remember: you’re not just filling a time slot—you could be building a global bridge.
🌍 And that’s the kind of legacy worth leaving.
