Convening power | Agata Pawlik | TEDxFiesole

Key Concepts

• Connection: Empathy, magic, vibration, energy, engagement, synergy, belonging, community.
• Convening Power: Gathering people for invention, idea generation, decision-making, and action.
• Renewed Humanism: Embracing complexity, courage, and compassion in leadership.
• Climate Change: Growing consciousness and the importance of collective decision-making.

The Drive for Connection

The speaker begins by acknowledging the shared experience of gathering, highlighting the underlying "drive, curiosity, and willingness to meet people, to connect, to network." This sets the stage for exploring the multifaceted nature of connection.

Defining Connection

When asked about the meaning of connection, friends provided insightful replies, describing it as:

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another.
• Magic: An intangible, powerful force created between people.
• Vibration and Energy: A palpable sense of shared feeling and dynamism.
• Engagement: Active participation and involvement.
• Synergy: The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
• Creating a Safe Place of Belonging: Fostering an environment where individuals feel accepted and valued.
• Creating Community: Building a group with shared interests or goals.

These elements are crucial for various gatherings, from business conferences and private meetings to social events like "tiramisu or head party or sunglasses party."

Convening Power: Beyond Authority

The speaker introduces the concept of "convening power," clarifying that it's not about dominance but about the act of "convening, gathering people together via connections." The purpose of such gatherings is to:

• Invent: Create new things.
• Take Forward: Advance projects or ideas.
• Brainstorm New Ideas: Generate innovative thoughts collectively.
• Take Decisions: Reach agreements and make choices.
• Combat Decisions into Actions: Implement and execute decisions.

Insights from COP 28

A significant real-world example discussed is the speaker's experience at COP 28 in Dubai. While acknowledging the "consciousness about climate change and how it affects us" as critically important, the speaker expresses being "a bit scared" by some insights. However, the event is highlighted as a historic moment where "159 presidents gathered to take important decisions," underscoring the potential of collective action.

An Invitation to Connect

The speaker extends a personal invitation to the audience:

• Connect with yourself.
• Connect with your loved ones.
• Connect with your friends.
• Connect with people outside.

This is encouraged with a positive outlook: "Don't be scared. Put your smile on your face, the energy into your eyes and this vibration into your voice." The goal is to "create gatherings which are meaningful also during the week" and to "join some conferences some meetings which are meaningful for you."

Renewed Humanism and Leadership

The discussion shifts to the broader societal context, referencing Claudia Pedrati's book on "renewed humanism," inspired by Edgar Morin. This concept resonates deeply with the speaker, especially in the context of living in a "disrupted word, uncertain." The need for "new, elevated leadership" is emphasized, characterized by:

• Embracing Complexity: Understanding and navigating intricate situations.
• Courage: The willingness to act despite fear or difficulty.
• Compassion: Showing empathy and concern for others.

The Speaker's "Why" and Takeaways

The speaker articulates their personal motivation ("my why") as the desire to "give this message across: to be connected, to stay connected, to create connections." While acknowledging that the audience's "why" might still be evolving, the speaker wishes them a "meaningful, powerful day of great ideas, insights." The ultimate takeaway is the commitment to action, even if it's just "one idea," and to always approach it "with that bit of fun."

Conclusion

The core message revolves around the profound importance of human connection in driving innovation, decision-making, and positive change. The speaker advocates for intentional, meaningful gatherings, emphasizing the need for empathetic and courageous leadership in an increasingly complex world. The call to action is to actively cultivate connections, both personal and professional, and to translate insights into tangible actions, infused with a sense of joy.