When I first moved to New York City, it took me about a year to find close friends. The first 12 months I said “yes” to every invitation and then wondered why I didn’t find most of those hangouts that fulfilling. It turns out there could be a very simple explanation as to why these meetups didn’t net deeper connections. In order for friendships to work, three conditions need to exist, Mel Robbins, author of “The Let Them Theory,” recently told Jay Shetty on his podcast On Purpose. 1. Proximity: To become someone’s friend, seeing them consistently needs to be…

Michel Koopman Leadership lies at the intersection of driving outcomes and cultivating human connection. Balancing these forces—what I call “edge” and “soul”—is the hallmark ofleaders who make a genuine impact. Think of edge as the sharp, results-oriented side of leadership. It’s the ability to drive outcomes, make tough decisions, and relentlessly focus on metrics like efficiency, ROI, and growth. Edge ensures that your vision translates into action. On the flip side, soul represents humanity in leadership. It’s about empathy, purpose, and connection. Leaders with soul prioritize relationships, foster trust, and create a culture that resonates deeply with employees and stakeholders.…