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The hottest topic for industry events in 2026 and 2027 will be about Human Connections. As our world has gotten more focused on technology and productivity, we are building a society of "Efficient Strangers". But this is not good for the whole of our society... and it is not the way to build a sustainable career or life. Thom Singer is an expert on human connections and human behaviors that wrote his first book on the topic in 2005. That book, "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow, and Keep Your Business Relationship" looked at how the tech of the day was already undermining how people engaged. Social media soon boomed and everyone assumed it would be easy to have more and more effective human connections. But that is not what happened. Social media companies created algorithms that have split people apart, not brought them together. Add into this Remote Work and the shut downs of 2000 and we now have a crisis of trust and truth and people are lonely and disconnected. This episode is the draft of a short keynote speech developed by Thom Singer, CSP. He has been speaking about business relationships for over 20 years, and is active with all the current technologies. This is not an anti-tech look at human connection. It is a people first view that is more important now than ever before. Learn More About Thom Singer, Human Connection Speaker at his website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer takes on a topic that clearly struck a nerve: conferences are too packed with content and not designed with enough room for actual human connection. After a LinkedIn post on this subject drew far more attention than usual, along with comments, shares, and direct messages from people who both agreed and disagreed, Thom decided to dig deeper into why this issue matters so much right now. Thom argues that many events are still built around an outdated assumption, that the more sessions you cram into a conference, the more value attendees will feel they received. But in reality, back to back breakouts and overloaded agendas often leave people exhausted, distracted, and less likely to engage. He shares an example of a recent conference with nonstop 50 minute sessions and only 10 minutes between them, a schedule that may have looked efficient on paper but left little time for reflection, conversation, or the spontaneous interactions that make in person events memorable. A central point in the episode is that people no longer attend conferences just to get information. In a world shaped by the internet, social media, podcasts, and AI, content is everywhere. What people cannot get from a screen is the energy of being in the room, the spark of an unexpected conversation, or the trust that begins to form when people share ideas face to face. Thom believes that is the real value of conferences now, not just the presentations, but the conversations that happen because of them. He also pushes back on the idea that open space at events does not work because introverts need everything to be structured. Thom notes that introverts are often excellent at making meaningful connections when they choose to engage. At the same time, he is not calling for chaos or the elimination of speakers. Instead, he makes the case for more intentional event design, where planners create white space and speakers help set a tone that encourages people to talk, connect, and stay present with one another. Thom explains that simply leaving time on the schedule is not enough. If attendees spend that extra time staring at their phones, the opportunity is wasted. Conferences need to be designed as experiences where connection is part of the culture. That means creating an atmosphere where people feel invited to engage, where speakers reinforce the value of interaction, and where attendees are encouraged to treat the event as more than a series of sessions. The conversation also points toward a bigger shift. Thom predicts that while AI will remain a dominant topic on conference agendas, the next major theme across industries will be human interaction, trust, personal brand, and connection. What used to be dismissed as soft skills is quickly becoming essential. His message is clear: in an AI driven world, the events that stand out will be the ones that make room for people to actually engage with each other. This episode is a call to meeting planners, speakers, and organizational leaders to stop thinking only about content density and start thinking about experience design. The best conferences are not the ones with the most sessions. They are the ones where people leave feeling like they learned something, met someone important, and were part of something real Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Making Waves at C-Level," Thom Singer again takes his latest blog post and turns it over to AI to create an episode. These episodes are getting more attention than his self-talk episodes. The content is all Thom Singer's belief about Human Interaction. In this article, Thom Singer argues that human interaction is a vital strategic asset rather than a secondary soft skill in an increasingly automated economy. While artificial intelligence excels at data processing and efficiency, it cannot replicate the trust, empathy, and authenticity required to sustain long-term business relationships. Singer suggests that as digital noise increases, the ability to foster genuine connections becomes a primary competitive advantage for leaders and organizations. He warns that over-reliance on technology has created a human deficit, making interpersonal proficiency more valuable for innovation and client loyalty. Ultimately, the text asserts that professional success in the future will belong to those who balance technological tools with the irreplaceable power of human presence. Thom Singer is a professional keynote speaker who talks about why connections are a strategy for greater success. This topic is becoming a leading topic for 2026 and 2027 conferences.... and Thom Singer has been speaking about this since 2005 when his first book was released. Is it ironic that someone who talks about human interaction would use AI to create this episode of the podcast? He is not looking to go back to the typewriter. Singer embraces tech and thinks we all should be playing with the tools. But AI tools are NOT a human connection. The winners in this will be the ones who use both.... heavy use of tech for efficiency, and the ability to connect to others and build trust and relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are you known for in your community. You do not decide... others decide. This episode is AI generated from an article Thom posted on LinkedIn about reputation and brand. It is amazing the info from his life and work that is added to this. While the jury is still out about generating a podcast from a written article... Thom is exploring this medium. What do you think? While humans still rule, we cannot and should not ignore the new tools. Thom Singer explains that a genuine reputation is not something an individual can manufacture through self-promotion or social media; rather, it is a social status granted by others based on consistent behavior. While many attempt to prioritize visibility and ego, true community legitimacy is earned through long-term contributions and a sincere commitment to others. The text warns that people easily detect superficial branding and selfishness, which can permanently damage one’s standing. Instead, lasting trust is built by showing up consistently, advocating for meaningful causes, and matching actions to words. Ultimately, the author suggests that personal substance and a focus on serving the greater good are the only ways to develop a meaningful legacy. This perspective shifts the focus from seeking fame to fostering reliable relationships within one's professional and local circles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thom Singer, CSP, has been speaking about the importance of connections and relationships for two decades. And the topic is starting to explode. This is becoming one of the leading subjects meeting planners are seeking out in 2026 and 2027. Many famous speakers/thought leaders are starting to talk about the importance of Human Interaction (H.I.) in an AI-Driven world.... and more are joining the discussion. But Singer wrote his first book on this in 2005. In March 2026 he wrote a long blog piece called the Human Interaction Manifesto. This podcast is a review of this piece as created by an AI tool.. Is it irony that an article about human relationship, trust, reputation, etc... is being turned into a podcast episode created by AI voices? NO. Singer is very pro AI and believes in using tech tools. But the message is the key here. It is about how we invest in people. The message of "Choose People" has been part of his keynote since 2009. This episode of "Making Waves at C-Level" is just an experiment .... using the AI tools to review an important piece he wrote and to see if it captures the idea. Singer found it fascinating. But see for yourself. Read the whole manifesto on his blog and then listen to the podcast https://thomsinger.com/blog/human-interaction-h-i-manifesto/ ***** Thom Singer, CSP, is a keynote speaker who has been working with meeting planners for associations, companies, and law firms for over 20 years. His message is about how the people side of business is the secret weapon for developing a sustainable career. "All Opportunities Come From People" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corporate Citizenship, Real Leaders Show Up It’s been a while since I released an episode of Making Waves at C-Level, and I’m working to bring it back consistently. The more time I spend talking with CEOs and senior leaders, the more I’m convinced we have a growing problem in corporate America: the decline of real corporate citizenship. For most of the last century, companies understood that if you operated in a city, you had a responsibility to help make that place stronger. Not just through donations, but through leadership and presence. Serving on boards. Supporting civic institutions. Investing time and talent in the community where your employees live, where your customers come from, and where your company benefits from infrastructure, education, and opportunity. Over the past 25 years, that expectation has faded. We celebrate the “Lone Ranger” entrepreneur and the celebrity CEO, as if success is a solo act. That story is convenient, and it’s also wrong. Nobody builds anything meaningful alone. Every company’s success is built on people, teams, mentors, customers, partners, and a community that helped create the conditions for growth. And yet today, too many leaders approach civic engagement with one question: “What’s in it for me?” If it doesn’t create immediate return, they opt out. That mindset is understandable in a world obsessed with quarterly results, but it’s also how communities weaken over time. This matters more now because the pace of change is speeding up. AI is already reshaping work, and more disruption is coming across industries. When societies face upheaval, the answer is not more isolation and self-protection. The answer is stronger community, built through sustained involvement, real collaboration, and leaders who are willing to show up. In this episode I lay out practical ways for companies and senior leaders to rebuild corporate citizenship: Celebrate civic time, not just civic money. Put the best leaders into service roles in community institutions, boards, and committees. Invest in the talent pipeline, internships, partnerships with schools, and workforce development. Support the “unsexy” stability issues: housing, transportation, education, digital inclusion. Choose collaboration across business and civic organizations instead of turf wars. My closing challenge is simple: if you lead a company, pick two civic commitments you can make in the next 90 days, and encourage your senior team to pick at least one. If you believe you’re a great leader but you’re giving nothing back to the community you operate in, you may not be as great as you think you are. Have ideas for future topics, or want to react to this one? Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation on Making Waves at C Level, I sit down with Eliz Greene, a renowned stress researcher, author, and sailor who learned hard lessons about uncertainty after surviving a rare heart attack while seven months pregnant with twins. Eliz reframes stress as a natural reaction to our environment, not a moral failing, and shows leaders how to bring heart rates down, clear cortisol, and think clearly when the waters get rough. We explore her Border Collie and Iguana recovery styles, a memorable way to help teams honor that people refuel differently. Some need activity and structure. Others need quiet and space. Great leadership makes room for both. Eliz connects those ideas to sailing on Lake Michigan, where preparation and practice turn unpredictability into something the brain can recognize. Life jackets go on before you need them. In business that means systems, communication, checklists, and visible markers of progress so people feel secure during change. One story that will stick with you is our discussion of Capacity Optimism. Many of us believe we have more capacity than we do. Eliz discovered her fuel tank held 30 gallons when the label promised 36, and that twenty percent gap mirrors how leaders and caregivers overestimate time, energy, and staffing. Capacity Optimism shows up when we take on a full workload while raising kids, supporting aging parents, and managing a team. The fix is not superhuman effort. The fix is reducing load where possible, and routinely refueling with sleep, movement, real breaks, and friendships that allow you to say the hard things out loud. We also talk about building your bench. Eliz and I share how our long running mastermind functions like a Bat Signal. When someone calls, we answer. Leaders who model that kind of connection build resilient cultures. Practical tactics include noticing your personal stress indicators, using intentional breathing, scheduling recovery time, and, most importantly, communicating early and often so uncertainty does not hijack performance. If you lead people in a high change environment, or if you are a high performer who quietly carries too much, this episode delivers language, tools, and stories you can use today. Learn more about Eliz Greene at https://elizgreene.com Learn more about Thom Singer at https://thomsinger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, host Thom Singer interviews sales trainer, coach, and speaker Chris Bussing, founder of the Tech Sales Accelerator. Chris draws from years of experience working in both large corporations and emerging startups, and now helps salespeople and teams elevate their performance and achieve greater results. Chris shares that sales is not only about hitting numbers. It is the driver of growth and the foundation of every company’s success. Leaders who do not understand the challenges their sales teams face are leaving opportunities on the table. For Chris, sales became the perfect fit because it allowed him to combine his love of working with people and his drive to excel. Through his career in both global enterprises and smaller ventures, Chris learned the unique advantages and obstacles of each. Established companies provide instant credibility that makes prospecting easier. Startups demand creativity, resourcefulness, and carefully crafted messaging to get attention. His conclusion is that adaptability is the most important skill a seller can master. Prospecting is hard work. Many hours of calls and emails often result in silence. Chris explains that the best leaders show empathy for this grind and are even willing to get involved themselves. When leaders roll up their sleeves, model behaviors, and share the hustle, they inspire teams to push forward with commitment. Chris is skilled at teaching how to secure meetings with top tier prospects, the whales and dolphins that truly move the revenue needle. He recommends a multi channel approach that combines calls, emails, and LinkedIn messages, all tied together with consistent and value driven personalization. He stresses that targeting is equally important. Salespeople must know their ideal customer and avoid chasing minnows that consume resources but offer little return. Chris shares his personal story of beginning as the lowest performer on his first team and how a pivotal conversation with his manager pushed him to change course. That moment ignited his determination to improve. From this experience, he developed a path to reaching potential: Learn constantly by studying methodologies and strategies and by staying curious. Build strong relationships with mentors, peers, and leaders who can share insight. Prepare thoroughly with clear plans, organized lists, and practiced talk tracks. Play the numbers game with persistence, knowing that consistent activity creates opportunities. Chris now leads the Tech Sales Accelerator, an approach that blends online training with personalized coaching. He works with new sellers beginning their careers, experienced professionals looking to break into higher level accounts, and sales leaders who want to strengthen their teams. His program focuses on practical skills that open doors, build trust, and create lasting customer relationships. Alongside coaching, Chris produces daily content on LinkedIn, shares outbound focused videos on YouTube, and hosts his own podcast. This episode provides valuable takeaways for professionals at every level. Sales leaders will hear reminders about the power of empathy and the importance of modeling behavior. Individual contributors will find strategies to improve prospecting, preparation, and resilience. Executives will gain insight into why sales must be supported as the key driver of business growth. Chris Bussing’s passion for outbound sales and his people first approach make this a conversation filled with actionable ideas to accelerate sales performance and professional growth. Sales as the Core of GrowthInsights from Different EnvironmentsThe Sales Grind and LeadershipLanding Meetings with the Right ProspectsReaching Full Potential in SalesThe Tech Sales AcceleratorWhy This Conversation Matters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Collaboration is no longer optional for leaders... it’s essential. In this solo episode, Thom Singer shares why collaboration is the new leadership and how creating a collaborative culture drives trust, innovation, and long-term success. Drawing from years of experience speaking about human interaction, networking, and trust, Thom explains why collaboration has become the key factor that separates thriving organizations from those that struggle to adapt. Leaders who cultivate a collaborative vibe don’t just build stronger teams... they create workplaces where people want to engage, contribute, and stay. Collaboration fosters human connection, breaks down silos, and empowers individuals at every level of the organization. Thom outlines how collaboration is at the heart of problem-solving, innovation, and resilience, especially in industries facing rapid change. By weaving collaboration into daily leadership practices, executives can multiply their impact and build lasting loyalty within their companies and communities. In this episode, Thom unpacks 8 benefits of a vibe of collaboration that every leader should embrace: Builds trust faster Fuels innovation Improves engagement and morale Breaks down silos Strengthens problem-solving Enhances adaptability Multiplies leadership impact Creates long-term loyalty If you’re a CEO, executive, or rising leader, this episode will inspire you to make collaboration the cornerstone of your leadership style. **************** Thom Singer, CSP, is a professional keynote speaker and the CEO at the Austin Technology Council. He is know for saying "Community, collaboration, and conversations can solve all problems" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Become a Professional Speaker – My Experience and Advice This episode of Making Waves at C-Level is the audio of a video I made about how to become a professional speaker. I often get asked, “How do I become a paid professional speaker?” The internet is full of programs promising shortcuts, insider secrets, and magical communities that will make you rich using the spoken word. Some deliver value, but many are designed to separate people with hopes and dreams from their money. This episode is my opinion based on nearly two decades in the speaking business. If you ask 50 speakers how to make it in this career, you’ll probably get 50 different answers. This is simply my story—what has worked for me and what I’ve seen work for others. Seventeen years ago, I joined the National Speakers Association (NSA). My career—over 1,000 paid speeches and a sustainable lifestyle business—would not have been possible without NSA. The sessions and keynotes are valuable, but the real gold has been the relationships—my “speaker friends” who work in the business every day. Real community isn’t built in one weekend. I’ve shown up year after year, invested in friendships, and learned directly from people actively speaking for a living. NSA offers new speakers, seasoned pros, and even Hall of Fame members who give back to the industry. A friend once called for advice. I suggested she attend NSA’s annual conference—less than $3,000 for membership and the event. She chose a $15,000 for-profit group instead, believing it was a shortcut. A year later, the group had essentially dissolved, leaving her without the promised community or ROI. I’m not against for-profits or coaching—I do some coaching myself—but I believe in asking why an organization exists, where the money goes, and whether the people selling advice are actively making a living as speakers. If you want to build a speaking career that lasts, join your trade association. Surround yourself with working speakers in the lane you want to be in. Learn the lanes of the speaking industry—corporate, association, education, training, Speak-to-Sell, and more—and choose where you’ll focus. Build your reputation over time. Invest in relationships with people who will genuinely help you succeed. Being a professional speaker isn’t about fairy dust or viral fame. It’s about doing the work year after year, delivering value to your audiences, and being part of a real community. For me, that community has been the National Speakers Association. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re serious about this business, it’s worth exploring. I’m not the richest or most famous speaker, but I’ve built a career I love, working with clients I respect, and enjoying the lifestyle I want. That’s a win in my book. Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion and experience. Your path may look different. If you ask 50 speakers how to succeed, you’ll get 50 different answers. Take what resonates, test what works for you, and build your own version of success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attention management needs to be payed to how we develop relationships with people. Our world is more disconnected and yet when we have more friendships we live longer and are happier. CEOs, business leaders, and association managers need to realize that companies and trade assocations play a special role in helping people make new connections. Thom Singer has been speaking about the importance of Human Interaction (H.I.) in an AI - Driven world.... but he really wants other people to be talking about his. Younger professionals need to realize that the relationships they build early in their career are their secret weapon to more success down the line. This episode of Making Waves at C-Level is the first of many new episodes after some time off. Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Making Waves at C-Level, keynote speaker and leadership strategist Thom Singer returns to the mic to address a vital question for today’s business world: What is the evolving role of the CEO in a time of massive technological and societal transformation? As artificial intelligence, automation, and other disruptive technologies accelerate change across every industry, leaders in the C-suite are facing a new responsibility... not just to steer their companies, but to help guide their teams, communities, and broader society through an uncertain future. Thom shares his insights on how CEOs can lead with intention, compassion, and clarity during times of disruption. Drawing from over a decade of working with executives and tech leaders, he outlines four powerful actions every CEO and senior executive can take right now to elevate their leadership: Model calm in the face of uncertainty Stay visible and engaged in your organization and community Talk openly about the human impact of technological change Partner with purpose-driven organizations to strengthen community trust If you’re a business leader seeking to understand how to remain relevant, respected, and trusted in an AI-driven world... this episode is for you. As a keynote speaker focused on human interaction, trust, and leadership in the digital age. Want to bring Thom to speak at your next leadership summit, executive offsite, or industry event? Learn more at ThomSinger.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer interviews Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). Rick shares insights from his 35+ years in association leadership, including his journey from radio DJ to running successful organizations like the Maryland Tech Council and APMP. They discuss the pivotal role of proposal management professionals in driving revenue, the evolution of associations in a changing world, and the importance of human connection in leadership. Rick highlights APMP's innovative certification programs and how they position members for success, as well as strategies for fostering growth, adapting to generational shifts, and creating a culture of inclusivity and respect within organizations. Packed with actionable advice for leaders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make an impact in business and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this video, discover why prioritizing human interaction is essential for a successful career in law. Join [Thom Singer] as he shares key insights on how building relationships not only enhances your reputation but also drives client loyalty and firm growth. Whether you're aiming to grow your network, strengthen client connections, or advance your legal career, these proven strategies will help you stand out in a competitive industry. Watch now to learn how authentic engagement and networking can transform your practice and position you for long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer dives deep into the power of networking and human interaction in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. With over 15 years of experience as a keynote speaker, author, and CEO of the Austin Technology Council, Thom shares his unique insights on how real human connections are the key to unlocking new opportunities, building business relationships, and fostering community. He explains why, despite the rise of AI and technology, face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable when it comes to creating trust and long-lasting relationships. Thom also discusses the concept of "uncommon connections" and how leaders can cultivate environments where these meaningful relationships can flourish. He breaks down the importance of getting out of your comfort zone at events and offers practical advice on how to maximize your networking efforts at conferences and business meetings. Tune in to learn how human interaction remains one of the most powerful tools for business success, even in an increasingly tech-driven world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their career, build their personal brand, or create a strong, connected business community. #Makingwavesatclevel #peoplematter #humanconnections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices