David Nour, CEO of the Nour Group, brings his extensive expertise on applications of strategic business relationships to the challenges of 2022’s marketplace uncertainties and work conditions. As a senior leadership and board advisor, educator, executive coach, and prolific, best-selling author, David shares his insights about the importance of reciprocity, empathy, and the exchange of value to transform our professional exchanges and develop mutually beneficial, rewarding, and deep long-term relationships.   KEY TAKEAWAYS   [02:44] How David grew up in Iran and as a child was sent to live in the US with relatives.   [03:36] David learns about the value of nurturing relationships from his father early on.   [04:24] There is a different emphasis in business in the US compared to other countries.   [05:04] David went on a listening tour and learned what he really did well.    [06:00] What David sees as the problem with ‘networking’.   [06:40] The role of trust in relationships.   [07:39] How planning and value exchange generate success in relationships.   [09:06] Matching the natural give and take of relationships.   [11:05] How empathy changes the relationship dynamic.   [11:29] The importance of asking good questions.   [12:07] Why it starts with “you” first.   [13:05] How are you showing up? How are people experiencing you?    [15:05] Have you considered why anyone would want to spend time with you?   [16:26] David emphasizes the significance of consistency in relationships.   [17:26] How you can add or offer value to someone else to build a relationship.   [19:44] What the Great Resignation is really about. [20:20] Which relationships are worth investing time in?   [22:07] How pushback is healthy for developing a strong relationship.   [23:55] The importance of aligned values.   [26:16] The benefit of jobs fitting people, not people fitting jobs.   [28:27] How are we defining and measuring success?   [30:30] The relationship dynamics of high-performing teams.   [34:17] Key elements David has updated in the new version of Relationship Economics.   [35:52] David’s research into influencing without authority.   [38:44] Coping with the pandemic long-term.   [39:30] How David suggests everyone can get comfortable at in-person events.    [40:20] IMMEDIATE ACTION TIP: Suspend judgment. Give people more options. Focus on three priorities. And ask more about people’s wellbeing—but only if you care.   [41:16] What are the key questions to ask?   [42:37] Focus on fewer things. Add less to people’s plates, not more.    [43:32] How to nurture your priority relationships.   [46:00] David advocates for micro communities and shares an invitation to join his private community.     RESOURCES   David Nour on LinkedIn  David Nour on Twitter David Nour on Instagram The Nour Group website Join David’s group   QUOTES   “If you lead with the relationship, if you think about the relationship as the arrowhead, not as the feathers at the tail end of the arrow, you'll create a very different set of outcomes.”   “In every interaction you have basically two options: You’re either going to enhance, elevate, and amplify that relationship, your reputation, the perceived value in you, or you’re going to dilute it.”   “If you’re not thinking ‘what’s in it for the other person?’ you’re missing half the value.”   “You know what it takes to network? A pulse. You know what it takes to make relationships succeed? A plan.”   “A certain does of respectful pushback is healthy for every relationship.”   “Let's talk about this pandemic. I think the evolution or the nature of human species says, “We will adapt.””