Riaz Meghji has over 20 years of experience as a broadcast interviewer and presenter for several brands. He now serves as a human connection keynote speaker, helping leaders build trust, meaningful relationships, and inclusive cultures in our hybrid reality.    His unique insights have been featured in various publications like Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Financial Post. As an author of the bestselling book, Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships, Riaz has shared his proven connection strategies with companies on a global level.   He’s also the creator of The Magnetic Presenter, an advanced presentation skills group coaching program that helps high-performing professionals transform their ideas into magnetic presentations that elevate speaking influence, impact, and authority.   With such a wealth of insights and diverse backgrounds, I can’t wait for you to dive into the conversation as we talk about building extraordinary relationships! [00:01 - 6:12] Opening Segment   I introduce Riaz Meghji  Bio  Riaz shares a bit about his background The impact of Riaz’s book on readers  Revelations from his background in broadcasting and interviewing Difference makers were those who mastered humility and discipline  Realizing that every conversation counts    [06:13 - 16:15] Building Extraordinary Relationships: The 5 Habits of Human Connection    Riaz talks about a story from his book  “The James Brown story” - interview with Shaggy Every conversation has the potential to change a life  Be intentional about every conversation to break out of autopilot  Power relationships can be built with intention  The effects of powerful listening skills  We need to be present in the moment  Our brains are hardwired to miss details How to listen without distraction  What gets in the way? Start clearing them out Touching on some of the habits of human connection Listening without distraction Making ‘small talk’ bigger Evoking more positive emotion  The happiest people = something to do, someone to love, something to look forward to Re-emphasize past connections Giving each moment your all  “What’s on your mind?”  Prioritize the person’s priorities People want raw and real  Give your curiosity    [16:16 -  30:23] Connection and Conversation in the Virtual World    Riaz talks about communicating over Zoom and other virtual platforms Keep the camera on and the self view off Don’t keep looking in the mirror Gestures proceed conscious thought  “Call people UP, don’t call people out”  Set expectations and encouragements before the meeting  How to manage personalities and understand etiquette  Use the opportunity for the leader to bring the quiet ones in  Get people to share something unique about themselves Be the catalyst in the conversation ‘Efficiency is the enemy of connection’  Things can move so fast we forget to “human”  Slow down and get curious  Toasting to the little things  Praising makes people want to work harder  Bring out the best in humanity and amplify our future on The Goodness Exchange More information on how you can join in below   [30:24 - 38:01] Every Conversation Counts: Social Media and Being Real Riaz’s thoughts on connection and social media It’s not about perfection, it’s embracing imperfection If you want to motivate people - “Go first!” Creation over consumption Using social media passively can trap us into comparison  Be vulnerable first to remove fear  Be careful not to overshare - operate with respect  Removing the masks  What are you sacrificing to hide yourself?  “You rarely meet anyone for the first time physically”    [38:02 - 45:52] Closing Segment   “I would rather be hated for who I am than love for who I am not.”  You will never have 100% approval and that’s okay! How to connect with Riaz and more of his content  Links below  Final announcements    Tweetable