Work is full of communication. Slack messages. Zoom calls. Meetings stacked on meetings. But many teams still struggle to do the one thing that matters most: connect in ways that build trust, insight, and better thinking together. It’s like we’re starving at a buffet.
Ann Kowal Smith, founder and CEO of Reflection Point, argues that a successful future (at work and beyond) depends not only on new technology, but on enduring human capacities: listening, empathy, curiosity, challenging assumptions, and disagreeing respectfully. Reflection Point helps organizations develop these five skills through shared discussions about literature, using stories as a practical tool for culture building and stronger collaboration.
Joining Ann is Randell McShepard, Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Talent Officer at RPM International, who discusses why his company sees these critical capacities as essential to leadership, culture, and performance.
Following their remarks, a live Reflection Point demonstration using a provocative short story. Together, the conversation shows how stories can help teams think more deeply, relate more honestly, and work better together.
