Something magical happened yesterday.
Three people, three books, and a straightforward idea came together in a way that reminded me why I believe so deeply in the power of connection. We launched our first-ever Book Riffing session, and what unfolded was precisely what I hoped for—and more than I expected.
What is Book Riffing?
Gary Zukav once said, "The longest journey you'll ever take is from your head to your heart." Book Riffing is designed to get us to the heart of the matter faster.
It's not your traditional book club. We're not dissecting themes or analyzing literary devices. Instead, we're reading excerpts from books that touch our hearts and minds, then letting those words spark authentic, unscripted conversations about our real experiences, struggles, and breakthroughs.
Yesterday, I had the honor of riffing with two incredible humans:
Tenia Davis, an HR practitioner, entrepreneur, mom, and author of The Feedback Blueprint, shared insights about creating safe spaces for difficult conversations in the workplace.
Robert Slayton, a business owner and mental health advocate, opened up about his transformational journey through three devastating days that changed everything, leading him from Iceland's volcanic landscapes to dance floors, from grief to growth.
The Magic of Authentic Connection
Here's what struck me most: Within minutes, we weren't just talking about books—we were sharing our souls.
Tenia read about feedback culture and immediately connected it to a real-world workplace situation where someone was reprimanded for sharing honest observations. Robert shared his story of rebuilding his life after loss, breakdown, and breakthrough. I found myself thinking about all the people I've met who are terrified to reach out, to connect, to be vulnerable.
The conversation flowed like jazz—improvised, authentic, building on each other's rhythms. We riffed on fear, on courage, on the power of that one conversation that changes everything. Robert talked about learning to dance with two left feet and finding a community that said, "We're just happy you're here." Tania explored emotional intelligence and self-awareness. I shared my own struggles with shyness that surprise people who think they know me.
This is About More Than Books
What we're doing here is addressing what I call our connection crisis.
We live in a world where people can manage entire businesses but break into cold sweats at the thought of shaking hands and looking someone in the eyes. Where feedback becomes warfare instead of growth. We're more connected digitally than ever, yet more isolated emotionally.
Book Riffing creates a different kind of space. A place where:
Vulnerability is valued over polish
Heart wisdom matters as much as head knowledge
Real stories trump theoretical discussions
Connection happens naturally through shared humanity
The Ripple Effect
Here's what I know from decades of studying connection and building what I call "net-worlding" (mutually beneficial relationships that create transformational opportunities): Every meaningful conversation creates ripples.
That conversation between 15-year-old Annette and her instructor over vanilla pudding in a hospital cafeteria? It changed the trajectory of her life and, through her work, that of countless others.
The moment Robert's dance partner said, "We've all been there. We're just happy you're here." It opened a door to the community, transforming his entire approach to discomfort and growth.
The feedback conversation that went wrong in Tania's story? It taught everyone watching to keep their thoughts to themselves, precisely the opposite of what we need.
This is why Book Riffing matters. We're not just having pleasant conversations about books. We're practicing the art of heart-centered connection in a world that desperately needs it.
What's Next?
This first session was just the beginning. Next time, I'll be reading from my book, Angels in the Workplace, seven stories each about faith, hope, charity, courage, truth, trust, and love. Forty-nine stories about how to connect, whether in your workplace, home, or community.
But more importantly, we're building something bigger: a community of people who believe that books can be bridges, that vulnerability is strength, and that the conversations we need most are the ones that make our hearts beat faster because we have no idea where they're going, but we're going anyway.
Join the Riff
If you've made it this far, you're probably someone who understands that everything you want is behind fear and discomfort. You're someone who believes that connection isn't just nice to have—it's essential for our survival and thriving as humans.
Book Riffing isn't about being perfect or having all the answers. It's about showing up, opening up, and trusting that when we share our stories through the lens of great writing, something transformational happens.
Because here's what I've learned: There's always one person, one conversation, that changes the course of our lives.
Maybe this is yours.
What book excerpt has stayed with you lately? What story from your life would you want to riff on? Share in the comments—let's keep the conversation going.
P.S. We're planning to make Book Riffing a regular series. If you know someone who would bring heart, authenticity, and great stories to this kind of conversation, I'd love to hear about them. The world needs more spaces where people can connect from head to heart.
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