This week, I’m delighted to welcome Ann Louden to the podcast. Ann is a New York City based consultant for nonprofit leaders. Her emphasis is teaching the skills of how to be an expert connector. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am wired to be a connector. People to people. People to resources. It brings me so much fulfillment. Not sure what a true connector is or does? Don’t worry, Ann does a fabulous job of explaining it. Also during our conversation, Ann shares the attributes of connectors, how connecting is different from networking and how we can model these skills for our teens and young adults. Stay tuned for Ann’s valuable advice on how parents can help their teens become socially courageous which will ultimately serve them as they develop their connection skills. This is a topic that is helpful to both teens and adults alike.
About Ann Louden
Ann Louden is a New York City based consultant for nonprofit leaders. Her emphasis is teaching the skills of how to be an expert connector. During her professional career, Ann spent three decades in higher education. working with alumni, donors, and families of high school students applying to college. A cancer survivor, Ann recognizes the importance of building lifelong resources for both prosperity and crisis. The parent of a 23 year old daughter, Ann is vitally interested in fostering confidence and good habits for teenagers and young adults.
Episode Highlights
- How crisis can help us related to other people
- What/who is a connector?
- How connecting is different from networking
- The attributes of a connector
- Connectors aren’t born that way
- Modeling behavior for our kids will help them learn
- The importance of social courage and how it leads to connection
- Parents should demonstrate social courage and vulnerability in interactions with teens
- Advice for parents to help teens develop connection skills
Resources
Ann’s book, “From Social Courage to Connection: Lessons From Leaders Who Change and Save Lives“, coming in 2022