Elevation Collective Voices – The Art of Connection

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The Art of Connection: Why Community Matters More Than Ever

This week we held another Elevation Collective Voices gathering, bringing together over 30 members of our community and exceptional guests from around the world to explore a simple but powerful theme: the art of connection.

The Elevation Collective is built on the idea that people who care about doing good in the world should not have to do it alone. When thoughtful, values-driven people connect with each other, the remarkable happens. Ideas grow. Confidence increases. New initiatives emerge. And the good that people are already doing becomes amplified.

That spirit was felt strongly throughout the evening.

A powerful reminder of resilience and humanity

One of the most moving moments came when Nikki J Owen shared her story.

Just over a year ago Nikki suffered a cardiac arrest. After prolonged CPR she survived with a one percent chance of recovery but woke to discover she was paralysed from the chest down. What followed has been an extraordinary journey of resilience, reflection and contribution.

Rather than seeing the past year as a tragedy, Nikki described how she chose to live by four guiding principles: Live, Love, Learn and Legacy.

Live – making a conscious decision to embrace life fully rather than simply exist.

Love – learning to accept and appreciate her body and her circumstances just as they are.

Learn – approaching the practical realities of rehabilitation with curiosity and determination.

Legacy – asking how she could uplift others every day, even from a hospital ward.

While recovering for 9 months at Stoke Mandeville spinal unit she created a meditation circle for other patients and began supporting people struggling with trauma and confidence.

Nikki’s impact in the world resulted in a massive network of care. Hundreds of people supported her through the darkest moments. A WhatsApp group held night time vigils together – sending her healing thoughts.. It was a reminder that connection is not just about opportunity – it is also about love, support and shared humanity.

Peace begins with each of us

We also heard briefly from Michael Macy, who leads a global initiative called Enacting Peace.

The idea is simple. Four times a year, on the solstices and equinoxes, people around the world are invited to do something that represents peace. It might be lighting a candle, hosting a gathering, organising a concert or simply performing an act of kindness.

Michael’s message was that peace is not something delivered by governments alone. It is created through the intentions and actions of ordinary people.

The power of strategic generosity

Our main conversation of the evening was with Judy Robinett, angel investor, speaker and author of books including the no 1 best seller – How to Be a Power Connector.

Judy spoke about how meaningful relationships are built and why connection is one of the most powerful assets any of us can develop.

A few key insights stood out.

First, connection is not about collecting contacts. It is about building genuine relationships based on trust, generosity and shared values.

Second, you don’t need thousands of contacts to make a difference. Research suggests that a small number of meaningful connections can transform your opportunities.

Judy also shared three questions that have helped her build an extraordinary network.

How can I help you?

What advice do you have for me?

Who else do you think I should talk to?

These simple questions shift the dynamic away from transactional networking and toward mutual support and collaboration.

Another powerful reminder was the importance of being open to unexpected connections. Judy described how some of her most valuable relationships including during her recent visit to Davos began with simple conversations with strangers – on trains, in queues or at events.

When we approach people with curiosity and kindness, doors often open in surprising ways.

The real value of community

We always take the time to split into small breakout groups where people reflect questions and what they had heard. The serendipity that occurred in these was remarkable as some people found themselves with the perfect set of .

The themes that emerged were strikingly consistent.

People spoke about the importance of belonging, about the loneliness that can accompany mission-driven work, and about the energy that comes from being part of a community that shares similar values.

The evening was described as uplifting, inspiring and hopeful.

One person summarised it perfectly in a single word: community. Another shared afterwards that it is was two of three levels above anything else they had experienced.

In a world that can sometimes feel divided and uncertain, the ability for good people to connect with one another may be more important than ever.

Amplifying the good

After almost fifteen years of hosting the Business Elevation Show and speaking with hundreds of extraordinary individuals, one thing has become very clear to me.

There is far more good happening in the world than we often realise.

Every week I meet people who are working quietly and passionately to improve lives, build better businesses, heal communities and create new possibilities for good.

The purpose of the Elevation Collective is : to bring those people together and amplify the good they are doing.

When we connect people who care, extraordinary things can happen.

You can find out a little more about The Elevation Collective here.

Together we really can create powerful ripples of positive change.

Chris

There is far more good happening in the world than we often realise. Every week I meet people who are working quietly and passionately to improve lives, build better businesses, heal communities and create new possibilities for good.

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