Coffee Connections May 2026 The Power of Meaningful Connections in the Workplace

Coffee Connections is our monthly in-person roundtable discussion where we invite an expert speaker to lead discussions on trending topics.

Topic for 5/20/26

The Power of Meaningful Connections in the Workplace

Connection has always mattered at work. Right now, it’s become a differentiator.

You’re operating in an environment where hybrid teams, constant change, and rising expectations are reshaping how people show up. Engagement is fragile. Tenure is shorter. Culture is harder to feel. And in the middle of all of that, one thing consistently stands out in the research and in real-world experience: people stay where they feel connected.

In this interactive Coffee Connections session, Sydnee Bagovich will explore what meaningful connection actually looks like in practice—and why it directly impacts retention, performance, and long-term organizational health. You’ll move beyond surface-level networking or team-building clichés and get into the human dynamics that drive trust, collaboration, and belonging.

Expect a mix of research-backed insight and lived experience, grounded in what’s happening across modern workplaces. You’ll look at how connection influences whether people speak up, take ownership, and invest in their work. You’ll also examine what breaks connection—often unintentionally—and how small shifts in behavior can rebuild it.

Sydnee brings an immersive, high-energy format designed to get you involved from the start. You’ll participate in guided exercises that surface real perspectives, challenge assumptions, and create moments of genuine interaction in the room. You’ll leave with practical tools you can apply immediately. Whether you manage a team, collaborate across functions, or are early in your career, these are skills you’ll use every day.

About the speaker

Sydnee Bagovich
My superpower is connection—helping people feel comfortable, seen, and energized. I’ve spent my career weaving this gift through leadership, community engagement, training, and event facilitation. I’m happiest with a mic in my hand and a room full of engaged people, connecting for a greater purpose. I speak from the heart, blending humor and authenticity to create instant ease and trust. I don’t just speak connection—we feel and practice in real time, using simple and versatile tools for immediate use.