Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

Spring 2026 • 69

Learn more about what connection means, and how you can build stronger relationships, from AMTA’s 2026 Schools Summit Keynote speaker.

Q When thinking of connection, most people who are unfamiliar with the social sciences might be surprised there is research behind these ideas. Can you share one of the most surprising research insights about connection? A We think of connection as a nicety when really, it’s a necessity. One of my favorite studies is the Harvard Study of Adult Development. For the past 85 years, researchers have been following over 700 participants (and now their descendants) to better understand what drives health and happiness. The finding is remarkably consistent: the number one predictor of how happy we are and how long we live isn’t money, fame or even genetics— it’s the quality of our relationships. All types of relationships matter, but friendships in particular play a uniquely powerful role in helping us thrive personally and professionally. That’s something I look forward to unpacking during our session together at AMTA’s 2026 Schools Summit! Q Connection is so much more nuanced and complex than what a basic definition of the word suggests. Can you talk to us about what connection means to you? A Connection is both universal and deeply personal. We all need and benefit from connection, but what that looks like can be different for each of us. It’s not enough to ask, “How many friends do you have?” or “How often do you see colleagues?”

Connection is more than co-existing or co-working; it’s about feeling seen, supported and celebrated—for our experiences, strengths and slip-ups alike. Connection is subjective. What really matters is how satisfied and supported you feel in your relationships. That’s why it’s helpful to routinely check in with ourselves (and the people we connect with) to see whether anything needs to be addressed or reprioritized. We don’t want to let those unmet needs go unexpressed for too long because doing so can make reaching out more challenging, and relationships, teams and communities can start to feel more divided and disengaged. Q From your perspective, what is the relationship between leadership and connection? A Workplace connection is one of my favorite topics because it’s both an overlooked strategy and an untapped opportunity for leaders and organizations. The research is clear: connection is a core driver of well-being, growth and success. From my work with teams and leaders, I see three levels of connection that matter most: • Connection between leaders and their teams. When leaders invest in building trust and high-quality relationships with their team, learning, engagement and performance rise. • Connection across the team. A leader’s role isn’t and cannot be to micromanage every relationship challenge and opportunity or be the hub everyone connects through. Strong leaders create the conditions for authentic peer-to peer connection to flourish. That’s where

All types of relationships matter, but friendships in particular

play a uniquely powerful role in helping us thrive personally and professionally. That’s something I look forward to unpacking during our session together at AMTA’s 2026 Schools Summit!

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