Mookie has a spirited chat with David Garrison, CEO of Connect Networks to discuss the organizational challenges of fragmentation, communication, and misaligned priorities—and what to do about it. The two dive headfirst into how David's networking platform leverages human-centered tech to smash silos, spark curiosity-driven collaboration, and build trust through radically simple one-on-one conversations.
David explains how most companies chase optimization through systems and metrics while ignoring the essential unit of transformation: the conversation. From boomerang hires and missed business development goldmines to the real reasons people quit, the discussion shreds conventional thinking and proposes a basic but powerful paradigm shift—create structured opportunities for real human connection, and the rest will follow.
You’ll learn:
- Why fragmented orgs kill innovation (and how to fix it)
- How structured serendipity beats static networking
- Why the real ROI isn’t just money—it’s trust, insight, and retention
- How conversations—not tech dashboards—change organizations
Whether you're leading a nonprofit, scaling a company, or just trying to feel less isolated in your role, this episode will change the way you think about internal culture and the power of human connection at work.
The Guest
David Garrison is CEO of Connect Networks, a networking platform purpose-built to create meaningful human connection—at scale—through the art and science of conversation. He also co-founded Climate & Capital Media, a respected non-profit news organization focused on the business of climate change, and built Climate & Capital Connect, a global professional network for climate, sustainability and impact. An experienced executive, David draws on decades advising bold leaders and building teams as a brand-conscious strategy consultant focused on complex business, social, and leadership issues. He's led strategy and marketing at global agencies and for innovative companies in spaces as diverse as healthcare, consulting services, and music.
His Company
Connect Networks (www.connectnetworks.ai) is a platform purpose-built to create meaningful human connection — at scale — through the art and science of conversation.
Connect introduces your people for 1:1 conversations, strengthening networks by slowly knitting together groups in and around your organization that normally wouldn’t overlap. That, in turn, leads to innovation and new kinds of collaboration, builds loyalty, drives profitability, and creates measurable business and social impact.
Resources
www.climateandcapitalmedia.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgarrison/
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