Month: November 2021

5 Ways Your Donation to the Global Leadership Network Changes Lives

GLS21 in Angola, Africa Reignites Vision for the Church Serving the Community

What happens when you give to the Global Leadership Network? You multiply stories of positive change around the world. In fact, in more than 110 countries, including locations we cannot name for their protection, as well as prisons across the U.S., homeless shelters, transition homes, and to trafficking survivors and vulnerable youth, you don’t just create opportunity for leadership growth, you provide hope.

“In every Summit session, God taught me how to be more compassionate. There are about 35 people working under me in healthcare—and there is a ripple effect. I salute the passion, love and determination of the Summit team here who risked their lives to give back and serve humanity with His love and care.” – medical doctor and GLS attendee in an undisclosed location in the Middle East

ARVE Error: Mode: lazyload not available (ARVE Pro not active?), switching to normal mode




When you give, people all over the world are…

1. reminded their leadership matters and they have influence.

2. called out in the best way with fresh motivation and insight.

3. stretched in areas they want to improve in order to thrive.

4. rediscovering their sense of purpose.

5. finding strength to face a challenge to go out and make courageous, valuable decisions that ultimately create the positive change they long to see become a reality.

Imagine what could happen when everyone realizes their value, their worth and their purpose in this world. What could happen if everyone had the opportunity to use their unique gifts to bring about positive change?

Will you join us? Every gift, of any size, makes all the difference.
Donate Today >> 

Veteran Finds Hope After Homelessness & a Dream to Serve Others is Magnified

David Mayfield

David Mayfield is a man with dreams. If you met him today, you would meet someone who sees the world through the lens of opportunity—a man who lives his life to serve others. And now thanks to The Global Leadership Summit, David has found a network of leaders who are also passionate about making an impact, and he’s been challenged to dream bigger.

But his dreams have certainly not always felt attainable.

Becoming homeless was everything but the heroic welcome home I expected.

After serving in the military, he was honorably discharged. Yet rather than feel celebrated for his service, David was left homeless, living in his car. On a path of great hardship, David felt hopeless. “In my darkest hour, I became homeless,” said David. “I thought my life was over. I faced many complex challenges after I received an honorary discharge from the Navy. Serving my country during 9/11 gave me the inclination that life was going to be handed to me. I imagined people would celebrate me, cheer for my accomplishments, and perceive me as a hero. Much to my surprise, I fell into misfortune, heartache, and difficulty. Becoming homeless was everything but the heroic welcome home I expected.”

God did not give up on David.

In the midst of years of trauma, while living in his car, he met a pastor named Dr. Phil Lucas, and through their relationship God intervened in David’s life. “I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for God,” said David. “In one of the toughest moments in my life, the hand of God moved through my despair. I never expected to see God move in me in such a way. He wiped away all the tears, restored my faith and gave me renewed hope.”

My life reflects His wonders.

Through the support of the church and counseling, today David has not one but two college degrees, has met and married his soulmate, has a job with the Department of Defense, and is pursuing his dreams to write a novel as well as a video game, both of which he hopes will support people facing adversity. “My life reflects His wonders,” said David. “I would never have expected to find shelter, graduate from college, get born again in Christ, build a relationship with pastors that cared about teaching me the word of God, participate in an outreach that would feed the homeless, work for the Department of Defense, get married to my soulmate and together build the home of our dreams. I never expected to be here, let alone to survive.”

Empowered by The Global Leadership Summit to Dream Bigger

As David pursues his dream of writing a novel and creating a video game, he has been encouraged by The Global Leadership Summit to pursue his dreams in an even bigger way. “The Summit helped me see that anything is possible. Pursuing my dreams is an amazing journey.”

“My dream for my life today is to influence people by assisting them in establishing healthy relationships and marriages and by giving them the confidence to never give up on God,” David explained. “I dream to live a life of influence by empowering others to fight through the adversities we find within ourselves.”

David’s passion project includes his graphic novel Sleeping on Warm Foyers, which is a story about being homeless, going through adverse situations and trusting God. “To see this novel get published would be a dream come true,” said David. “Homelessness made me a fighter and I realized I have enormous power through Christ. I’ve also been working on a video game called ‘Dodge Bully’ which promotes fighting against bullying, addiction, abuse and hatred. It’s about overcoming demons and using honor and courage to face them.”

Giving back is my calling.

David’s inspiration to help others comes from the realization that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the support of people like pastor Phil, the church and those who believed in him. “Giving back is my calling and I intend to use the insight, zest and faith God has blessed me with to be a vessel on Earth,” said David. “I realize the responsibility I have to share God’s love with the world and I believe my novel and video game give me an avenue to do just that. If my story can provide courage and comfort to just one struggling person, my dream would be fulfilled.”

David welcomes you to attend the Summit to be encouraged in your vision.

“I’m excited about The Global Leadership Summit because it helps me realize that there are change agents in the world who seek to be radically generous the same way I do,” said David. “Through the Summit, I’ve been encouraged to build my network and continue to strive to impact change!

“I encourage people to attend the Summit to be inspired—just listening to the stories that have changed people and others can change someone’s world. Hearing words of wisdom are the perfect dose of medicine to give someone hope to walk in the power of their imagination.”

Join leaders like David at one of our upcoming leadership events in 2022 and discover how you too can make your dream for a better future a reality. Learn more at GlobalLeadership.org/Events

2 Cyber Monday Deals to Invest in Your Leadership

The Global Leadership Summit is your two-day infusion of  fresh  ideas,  actionable  concepts,  leadership  principles  and heartfelt  inspiration—accessed either in-person where available or online, right where you are.
Are you a leadership enthusiast who’s also a savings enthusiast? Get exclusive savings for just 24 hours on Cyber Monday!

motionmailapp.com

 

 

 

 

Deal 1 – BOGO* Tickets for The Global Leadership Summit: Special Edition

As a curious, give-back, growth-minded person with a vision for a better future, you know the change you want to see is only possible when you invest in your personal leadership growth.

Start next year with leadership focus at The Global Leadership Summit: Special Edition on February 24, 2022!

      • 5 Fresh Leadership Talks
      • 3 Rich Hours of Learning
      • 18,000+ Growth-Minded People like You
      • Exclusively Hosted LIVE Online

Buy your ticket at the early bird rate of $59 and get one ticket FREE to bring a friend when you use the code MONDAY22 at checkout. ($99 savings!)

Buy One Get One >>

 

Deal 2 – GLS 21 On-Demand**

A leader types notes while looking at the GLS21 On-Demand content.

Sharpen your skills, expand your leadership capacity and stay inspired with GLS21 On-Demand—the only way to get exclusive, one year access to full faculty talks, bonus content, session outlines, discussion guides and more from the 2021 season of The Global Leadership Summit!

 

 

 

  • GLS21 On-Demand 1 License $249 $199
  • GLS21 On-Demand Bundle (5 Licenses) - $1245 $499
  • GLS21 On-Demand Bundle (10 Licenses) - $2490 $990
  • GLS21 On-Demand Bundle (15 Licenses) - $3735 $1,485
  • GLS21 On-Demand Bundle (25 Licenses) - $6225 $2,475

Use the code  CYBER at checkout to take advantage of these exclusive Cyber Monday savings on GLS21 On-Demand!
 

Get GLS21 On-Demand >>

*The 24-hour BOGO offer for The Global Leadership Summit: Special Edition is only available to guests attending the event in the U.S. Guests from other countries please contact your local GLN or GLS office. If you have previously purchased tickets to The Global Leadership Summit: Special Edition, refunds will not be offered on previous purchases in exchange for taking advantage of this deal. Any tickets purchased and received in this deal are in addition to any previous purchases. The offer ends on Monday, November 29 at 11:59pm CST.

**The 24-hour offer to get GLS21 On-Demand at $50 off is only available to those living within the U.S. Guests from other countries please contact your local GLN or GLS office to find out about your local offerings. This offer cannot be prorated on previous purchases of this product and only applies to purchases made during the Cyber Monday offer window. This offer ends on Monday, November 29 at 11:59pm CST.

You’re Invited to the GLS City Catalyst Gathering 2021

Leaders watching the GLS Online Experience

Join like-minded leaders who are FOR their city in an online event that will encourage and inspire you to make a positive impact. Learn how to leverage your platform, influence and network to experience the positive city-wide transformation you long to see become a reality! Learn More >>

 

Learn from and encourage one another toward city transformation.

At the Global Leadership Network, we are passionate about leadership development that ignites transformation. It’s about more than supporting men and women on a journey to thrive personally—it’s also about leaders like you uniting locally around a common vision to see positive transformation ignite in your city.

Forward thinkers like yourself look at their city differently—they see the biggest needs in their city and bring like-minded men and women together to address those needs—supporting the growth of a thriving community.

Your role in your community is vital! This is why we are excited to come together to learn from and encourage one another toward positive city transformation.

 

Why Attend

  • Discover a plan to activate the leaders in your city for collaborative impact.
  • Learn how leaders like you are tackling the problems in their city.
  • Be encouraged and inspired in the presence of like-minded peers across the U.S.
  • Unleash the power of listening to and being FOR your city.

 

Sign-Up Bonus: Free Excerpt

Just for signing up to join us on December 7 at the City Catalyst Gathering, we will send a free excerpt from chapter one on six trends that will shape the future of your church from the book, The Externally Focused Quest, Becoming the Best Church FOR the Community by Eric Swanson and Rick Rusaw. Simply RSVP with your contact information, and you will receive your copy by email with your Zoom confirmation.

Join us at the GLS City Catalyst Gathering 2021 >>

GLS21 in Burundi Gathers All Sectors from Community for Leadership Inspiration

Ngozi Burundi GLS20

Each year, our premier leadership event of the year, The Global Leadership Summit (GLS), takes place in more than 50 percent of the world’s poorest countries. For this reason, our generous audience donates to help make this event available wherever there is a hunger for leadership growth to empower positive transformation. Burundi, located in central Africa, is one of those countries our donors support.

A small, poverty-stricken nation, Burundi is one of the five poorest countries in the world. Yet, their passion and desire for positive transformation is evident. Their pursuit for better leadership can be seen in their testimonies of life change.

Isaiah Burundi GLS LeaderIsaiah Nshimirimana, who leads the GLS team in Burundi, talked with several attendees after their event on October 25, 2021, in Ngozi and was blown away by the feedback. “How blessed I am to have the GLS in my country!” exclaimed Isaiah. “The GLS is God’s instrument, which He is now using to change this nation, to bring hope to many Burundians who’ve prayed and longed for good leadership. I’m so excited to read this feedback from Summit—everyone has a story to tell. Our event in Ngozi this year was extraordinary! The presence of God was there.”

More than 1,100 people attended the event, including those the governor sent to be there as well as the police, army, educators, church leaders, healthcare workers and justice department. “God is always on our side,” said Isaiah. “Every time if I read the testimonies, it gives me a hope seeing the Kingdom of God in Burundi.”

Be inspired by the stories from Ngozi, Burundi:

 

What I learned at the GLS transformed me.

Elvis Niyonkuru Burundi“I have been participating in GLS since its arrival in our country and I have been so blessed. The GLS this year has been particularly special to me—I realized leaders cannot give what they don’t have. There are so many decisions that I have made as a result of the GLS.

“The GLS has brought much impact in my leadership over the last five years. After the first event, I was elected to be a Legal Representative. I didn’t know how I could be a good leader, but what I learned at the GLS transformed me. I learned how to have good pace in leadership and humility. And because I was leading others, I discovered the value of leading with civility. Even the lives of members of the church have been transformed. Because of our participation in the GLS, the way we treat others and resolve conflicts is helping church growth. It’s true—if a leader gets better, everyone gets better and the whole community is transformed.

“This teaching can totally change people’s lives. And there a saying, ‘If you stop to learn, stop to lead’ which means that a good leader is a good learner. In our country there are so many wrong doings, including corruption. But if everyone could get the teaching of the GLS and apply it to their lives, the whole nation can be changed. Thank you for bringing the GLS to Burundi.”

Elvis Niyonkuru, Legal Representative, Witnesses of Christ Church

 

You can’t get this kind of teaching anywhere else.

Charles Ngendakumana Burundi“I do not enough words to say how much I appreciate the teachings of the GLS this year. I learned so much about leading with civility and being a leader who respects the ideas of others. I also learned to be humble in my leadership and to lead others well so that they will continue to choose to follow my leadership not because of fear but because they see that I am for them. I would pay any possible price in order to come because you can’t get this kind of teaching anywhere else. The teachings are helping us have good relationships with others in all domains of life. We are so glad for that good opportunity to be part of the GLS. God bless you so much.”

Charles Ngendakumana, Local Businessman and Leader at Water Spring Church

 

Good leadership begins in our families.

Jonas Ntirampeba Burundi“I’ve learned so much attending the GLS since 2019. I learned as leaders we may face may problems, but we don’t have to give up. Leadership is difficult but we must step forward—a leader does not escape hard times; he brings solutions through them. There is no good development whether in the country or in our churches if there is not good leadership. I have seen these teachings help all domains of life. I also learned if the leadership in our family is not strong, we cannot strengthen the leadership of where we work. Good leadership begins in our families. Continuing the GLS in Burundi can change everything and we could have a good development in our country.”

Jonas Ntirampeba, Church Leader

 

I will never miss it again!

“I got a great thirst for learning more about leadership through the GLS. I have been blessed by these teachings—it touches every part of life. I have learned how to better take care of my family, how to fight against corruption, and next year I will come back and see how it has impacted my business. While many business people think that they are too busy to attend, I will convince them to attend the GLS because I myself I will never miss it again!”

Dorothee, Local Business Trader

 

The GLS was God’s answer.

Jeanvier Nduwayo Burundi“When I started my journey of leadership, I didn’t know how to go about leadership and unfortunately, this brought a great loss in my family and ministry. The GLS was God’s answer. It helped me have clear vision of life and how I can take care my family. I’m so thankful to the invitation to attend. The GLS is helping many churches to be strong!”

Jeanvier Nduwayo, Pastor of Beraka Holy Temple Church

 

 

 

I learned that I need to be a servant to those I lead.

Antoine Burundi“I attended the GLS for the first time in 2020 two months after my nomination as a leader at Copec Bank. The picture I had of who I would be before the GLS was of someone who was going to be a great man and a boss over everyone under my leadership. But then I got chance to attend the GLS and I learned that I need to be a servant to those I lead. I discovered I need to be there to face the challenges and get the solution. Now I’m focused on building other leaders and helping them grow.”

Antoine, Copec Bank

 

If you have ever donated a gift above and beyond the ticket price to attend The Global Leadership Summit, you too are part of these stories of transformation. You make it possible for the Global Leadership Network to continue to bring the GLS around the world in more than 110 countries and 55+ languages. Learn more about how you can get involved at GlobalLeadership.org/Give.

Your Donation Makes All the Difference – Here’s Why

Young girl smiling in Malawi

I believe what you do with your influence can create positive transformation for years to come.

This is true for every area of your life—and the reason why we at the Global Leadership Network are so passionate about equipping you with leadership encouragement and insight to thrive personally and professionally. Ultimately, it’s the positive transformation you’re inspired and equipped to create, even against incredible odds, that drives us forward on this mission around the world.

As I reflect on the outcomes of The Global Leadership Summit, I can’t help but feel honored to be part of such a growth-minded, change driven community, and hopeful for what is in store for the future.

The best part? You too can be  part of this exciting future!

In fact, when you give a donation, you become part of multiplying stories of impact coming out of The Global Leadership Summit around the world—whether from prisons, war-torn regions, schools, homeless shelters, churches, businesses, nonprofits, governments, trafficking survivors, families, transition homes, hospitals, and more—your financial support makes all the difference.  

Here is just a small taste of the positive outcomes from The Global Leadership Summit:

“God called us as a church community to ignite transformation for not just the girls we saw around us, but for girls whose names we would not know. We knew if we did something to end child marriage, it would ignite transformation not just in our generation, but for generations to come.” - Flood Church founder, Sean Kampondni, Malawi  

ARVE Error: Mode: lazyload not available (ARVE Pro not active?), switching to normal mode




“After the Summit, I developed a mentoring program called Building Block that teaches leadership principles to incarcerated men. It has been life changing for both the residents and prison staff. I am so grateful.” – Renaldo Hudson, formerly incarcerated Summit attendee, current Director of Education, Illinois Prison Project  

ARVE Error: Mode: lazyload not available (ARVE Pro not active?), switching to normal mode




Imagine what could happen when everyone realizes their value, their worth and their purpose in this world. What could happen if everyone had the opportunity to use their unique gifts to bring about positive change?

Will you join us? Every gift, of any size, makes all the difference. 

Give today to join the movement >>

Ep 95: Leading With Your Authentic Self–Carla Harris & Mitch Barns

Carla Harris and Mitch Barns on The Global Leadership Podcast

SUMMARY:

In this episode we invite you to learn from Carla Harris (Vice Chairman, Global Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley), one of the most powerful leaders on Wall Street. In a conversation with Mitch Barns, Carla shares how to authentically bring your whole self to work, how to find commonality in diversity and inclusion, why relationships matter in a career, and more. No matter where you are at on your leadership journey, Carla’s wisdom will broaden your mind and encourage you.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

LEARN TO LEAD THROUGH OBSERVATION. When you are at the beginning of your leadership journey, start observing the leaders around you—both good and bad—and let them inform your own leadership choices/style.  

 

KNOW “WHOSE” YOU ARE. Sometimes an organization’s viewpoint may clash with yours. By being grounded in your identity, you can communicate honestly and transparently about what the expectations of the organization (versus your own) and lead without fear. 

 

IF YOU WANT YOUR TEAM TO BRING ALL OF WHO THEY ARE, YOU HAVE TO START WITH YOU. People still follow leaders and take their cues from them. If you celebrate people who risk bringing their whole selves to work, others will follow suit.  

 

BEING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF INVOLVES DISCERNMENT. It’s not always wise or necessary to put ALL of who you are on display; be discerning by asking, “What part of me at this moment will authentically connect?” 

 

UPHEAVAL IN WORK CULTURE HAS ALLOWED NEW CONVERSATIONS. Because so many people are working from home, the lines have been blurred between topics that are “work appropriate” and ones that are not. This uncertainty has allowed new conversations to happen which can allow people to potentially bring more of their authentic self to work.  

 

AUTHENTICITY CAN BE A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE. The more of a person’s self they can bring to work the more they have to offer: their talent, experience, intellect, etc.  

 

REMEMBER DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ARE NOT JUST ETHICAL, THEY’RE PROFITABLE. People may not always agree on the morality of diversity and inclusion, but it’s easy to find commonality on the positive impact it can have on an organization.  

 

STAY OPEN TO POSSIBILITY. Be wary of locking in too tightly to an expected career path. Sometimes there are bigger and better possibilities you cannot see or even imagine.  

 

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS PUTTING POINTS ON THE BOARD. At some point, you will need other people in order to maximize your success, so early in your career make sure you intentionally invest in relationships.  

 

TO KEEP YOUR POWER, FOCUS ON GIVING IT AWAY. Otherwise, you may be the limiting factor on your growth and development.  

 

RELATED LINKS:

Global Leadership Network 

The Global Leadership Summit 

Mitch Barns (Personal Website) 

Mitch Barns (Opus Profile)  

Carla Harris (Personal Website)  

Carla Harris (Morgan Stanley Profile) 

Morgan Stanley Multicultural Innovation Lab 

Access and Opportunity With Carla Harris 

Albert Tate on What Authenticity Is (and What it Is Not) 

“Who’s Zoomin’ Who” by Aretha Franklin (on YouTube) 

6,000+ Leaders Across Brazil Attend the GLS in 2021

GLS19 Brazil

When the Global Leadership Network set out to bring The Global Leadership Summit event around the world back in 2005, we never imagined the reach it would have. Starting in just a few countries and languages, the 2021 season of The Global Leadership Summit is now being translated into 55+ languages and taken to 110+ countries through the spring of 2022.

The impact is evident in the stories and testimonies we hear every day.

Leadership changes everything. Transformed people transforming others, using their influence and leadership for good, is the way we’re going to see change ripple out across the world—starting in our homes, then in our churches, businesses, governments, schools, hospitals, prisons, communities and our countries.

Here is just a glimpse of the impact we’ve seen from those who attended at one of the 40+ Global Leadership Summit events that took place across Brazil in 2021:

“God called me when I was still a teenager to use my life in the most unlikely area: communication and arts, and as a leader. But because of my very shy temperament, this was a very distant thing, and almost utopian. However, God calls and also empowers. More than 30 years after this call, I am an art director and have always worked, both in my professional life and in the ministry, in the area of communication and arts. God did deliver what He had promised, but a disappointment took me completely away from this calling, until the Summit arrived. The lectures seemed to tell the story of my life and how I felt so frustrated and too old to pick up where I left off. Suddenly, I started to understand how much God can still use me, even the frustrations, defeats, fears, but also the good things, and especially the fire that still burned inside me. It was the fuel I needed to complete what the Lord had started in me decades ago. After all, I could still influence people! And when my “mountain” asked me what I was really made of, I replied with the flame that still burned inside me. I owe it to Summit and specially to Bear Grylls!” – GLS Attendee, Brazil

There is no way to participate and not reflect on a better way to lead.

“I have a lot of plans and I love the idea of having my own business. The Summit inspired me with the openness of thought provided by the speakers. I am impressed that the solution to achieve a dream depends on a simple decision or change of habit. I used to think my dreams would take a large investment or a virtually unheard-of tool. Learning from the speakers made me more passionate about our heavenly Father watching over our dreams, willing to bless us.” – GLS Attendee, Brazil

“I am a mother and wife, working at home and as an artisan in order to increase our family income. Before the Summit, I felt discouraged, and I had no goals. But I realized that I am a leader wherever I am, even in the condominium where I live, among the neighbors, the mothers I am acquainted with, at the school front door where my children study, wherever I am, I will be a Christ influencer!” – GLS Attendee, Brazil

“I realized through the Summit that we are the Church in everything we do: at the gym, at school and in many different places!” – GLS Attendee, Brazil

“This was a needed event for all leaders. Valuable tools, practical examples, contagious stories; there is no way to participate and not reflect on a better way to lead. That was Summit 2021 for me.” – Paulo Frutuoso, GLS Attendee, Brazil

 

The generous Global Leadership Network community makes it possible for events like The Global Leadership Summit to be translated into 55+ languages, including Portuguese so that it can be brought to leaders across Brazil. You can help expand the movement of The Global Leadership Summit around the world with your donation at GlobalLeadership.org/Give.

Growth Over Time vs. Growth Overnight

The morning sun comes through the window while a women opens the curtains to the start of a fresh day.

Think about all the things that you invest in. Think about all the things that you take care of.

Like many people, you’re not going to have just one car your entire life, you’re going have multiple cars. With all those cars, you’ll probably take them in for a tune up. You’ll get oil changes, put gasoline in them, wash them, etc. But you only get one body. You only get one brain.

So many of us go through life constantly, just enduring it, getting beat up, not resting, not learning, not growing. We end up finding ourselves feeling stagnant.

I think the reason why it’s valuable for you to invest in yourself as a leader is because you only get one you.

The key to happiness is this one word—progress.

You don’t have to grow overnight, but if you choose to grow over time, you’re going to find yourself walking in a deeper joy.

If we’re not careful, we can be addicted to finish lines.

I’m not addicted to a finish line. My one goal is a word called growth. I want to grow. I don’t have to grow overnight. I don’t have to be the best today, but I have to get better today.

Investing in your leadership helps you get better, and as a result, other people around you get better too. For example:

  • As I learn what it means to be a better husband, I have a happier wife.
  • As I discover what it means to be a better father, I start raising epic, awesome children.
  • As I learn how to be a better pastor, I just don’t believe I preached my best message, I believe I can preach a better one.

 

If we’re not careful, we can be addicted to finish lines.

I don’t believe that I’ve seen my best days yet, I believe there’s better ones to come—it’s a mindset that you take on. It’s the mindset to say, I want to grow. I want to learn and I’m going to invest into me. This is the only vehicle I have until I step into eternity. I must take care of it. I’m going to make sure I watch over it—I want to grow, and I want to improve.

 

Take care of your leadership growth by investing in yourself at an experience like The Global Leadership Summit: Special Edition half-day event coming up on February 24, 2022. Learn more at GlobalLeadership.org/SpecialEdition.

Dr. Francesca Gino on Moments of Reflection & Authenticity

Dr. Francesca Gino will be speaking at Global Leadership Summit 2021.

ARVE Error: Mode: lazyload not available (ARVE Pro not active?), switching to normal mode




Watch has Dr. Gino describes why she encourages teams to have moments of reflection to cultivate authenticity and greater connection.