672. Shift 2 — Communication to Connection: The Reconnection Era - Susan McPherson
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This episode is part of 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact.
Overview
Ever felt that ache of reaching out endlessly, yet still standing alone in a crowded room? You're not alone, true connection is the heartbeat nonprofits are missing right now.
In this episode of Shifts in 2026, Susan McPherson, author of The Lost Art of Connecting and Founder + CEO of McPherson Strategies—returns with her signature warmth and wisdom to explore the deeper meaning of connection in today’s world. Together, they dive into the "reconnection era," shifting nonprofits from communication overload to dialog that rebuilds trust, sparks belonging, and tackles the loneliness epidemic head-on.
Susan shares eye-opening stats, candid truths on AI's limits, and a heartfelt playbook—from leading with twice-as-much listening and empathy, to simple local salons, skills-based volunteering, and brave vulnerability. It's honest, hilarious, and that rare human spark that leaves you lighter and ready to show up differently.
If you're craving deeper ties with your team, donors, and community, this one's pure gold.
Takeaways:
Why loneliness stats should stop us in our tracks (and why nonprofits are uniquely positioned to respond)
The limits of AI + why humans still need… other humans
How listening (like, really listening) becomes a leadership superpower
The magic of local salons, skills-based volunteering, and smaller, braver conversations
A simple but challenging reframe: connection isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s the operating system
Exercise
Take a deep breath.
Once you can take a step back, really focus on the relationships within your organization - your funders, the populations you serve, and prioritize trust.
The best way to prioritize trust is listening. Ask questions and be curious!
Let your team and employees guide you.
Take the first quarter and - take a look at where you are?
“People are craving to find connection, right? And they’re realizing it’s not going to be through a chat bot.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript Here
Episode Highlights
Understanding Loneliness and Disconnection (04:25)
Evolving Perspectives on Connection (12:11)
Shifting from Communication to Connection (15:41)
Actionable Steps for Nonprofit Leaders (24:06)
Susan’s One Good Thing + Homework (25:00)
Powerful Quotes
“The real question is what does lack of connection lead to?” -Susan McPherson
“Think of the lack of connection as the actual problem.” -Susan McPherson
“None of us are perfect. And every single other person has too. We can only expect of others what we expect of ourselves.” -Susan McPherson
“When you look at where the private sector is investing in terms of helping the nonprofit sector, it is very much focused on getting their employees involved with causes.” -Susan McPherson
“I would be looking for those opportunities to be a recipient of that, and show how you as a nonprofit leader can build community locally.” -Susan McPherson
“We’re seeing a lot more focus from companies wanting to implement volunteer programs because people want to feel like they are making a difference.” - Susan McPherson
"Connection isn’t a nice-to-have — it should be your operating system." — Susan’s One Good Thing
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