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How We Connected

How We Connected

Auteur(s): US Chamber of Connection
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À propos de cet audio

How We Connected brings listeners inside the conversations that power communities right across the United States. Every week, hosts Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and the moments of connection showing up in their own lives. They talk with a community leaders from around the country about the relationships, collaboration, and human stories behind meaningful change. Join us every week for a reflections and practical advice on the ideas you can carry forward into your own communities.



Aaron Hurst

Aaron Hurst is the Co-Founder and CEO of the US Chamber of Connection and a long-time leader in the movement to strengthen community through work. A serial entrepreneur and social innovator, he previously founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation, two organizations that reshaped how companies think about purpose, service, and meaningful work. His book The Purpose Economy helped define a new era in which connection, meaning, and relationships stand at the center of business value.


At the Chamber, Aaron focuses on reconnecting America by mobilizing community builders in every town and city. Known for turning big ideas into practical action, he works at the intersection of business, civic life, and community leadership. Aaron co-hosts How We Connected, bringing thoughtful perspective, personal stories, and a clear belief that human connection is a skill every organization can cultivate



Charlotte Massey

Charlotte is the Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection and Executive Director of the Seattle Chamber of Connection, where she leads strategy, programs, and partnerships dedicated to strengthening the connective tissue of communities in Seattle and nationwide.


Her background spans political organizing, digital marketing for large-scale nonprofits, and venture-backed entrepreneurship. She is a Forbes 30 under 30 awardee, a Thomas J Watson Fellow, and a Tory Burch Fellow. Charlotte creates environments where collaboration is natural and accessible.


Charlotte started her career in political and civic organizing, later serving as a digital marketer for major nonprofits and advocacy organizations, helping them mobilize supporters and scale their impact. She co-founded Gnara, a venture-backed outdoor apparel company that developed patented zipper technology to make clothing more functional and accessible for women, earning national recognition and viral reach.


A lifelong community builder, Charlotte also founded the Seattle Picnic Society, a 2,000-plus-person open-invite community that gathers for creative, joyful events across the city. As co-host of How We Connected, Charlotte brings grounded, practical insight and a keen sense for the moments that reveal how connection actually happens – in workplaces, neighborhoods, and local ecosystems.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Chamber of Connection
Développement commercial et entrepreneuriat Entrepreneurship Gestion et leadership Science Sciences sociales Économie
Épisodes
  • Finding Friends Through Fitness: Miracle Olatunji, Founder, Crunch & Brunch
    Dec 15 2025

    Building Community Through Fitness and Brunch with Miracle Olatunji


    In the second episode of 'How We Connected,' hosts Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey introduce Miracle Olatunji, founder of Crunch and Brunch and the Seattle Wellness Summit. Miracle shares her journey of moving to Seattle, the inspiration behind combining fitness and brunch to foster community, and practical insights on scaling her initiative. She discusses the importance of authenticity in partnerships, her strategies for securing sponsors, and her vision for expanding Crunch and Brunch nationwide. The episode underscores the significance of structured post-event socialization and offers valuable advice for aspiring community builders.


    00:00 Introduction and Miracle's background

    12:43 Early experiences with community

    15:43 Creating Crunch and Brunch

    21:13 Making friends as an adult

    27:35 Event growth and sponsorships

    33:16 Advice for community builders

    35:46 Upcoming events and closing reflection


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    How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.


    Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.


    Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.


    Connect with Us

    www.chamberofconnection.org


    Crunch and Brunch

    https://luma.com/CrunchandBrunch


    Miracle Olatunji

    https://miracleolatunji.com/


    Heylo

    https://www.heylo.com

    Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    42 min
  • Connecting Through Yoga: James Tan, CEO, Yerbana
    Dec 9 2025

    Building Community & Wellness with James Tan, CEO, Yerbana


    In this insightful and inspiring first episode of How We Connected from the US Chamber of Connection, we are joined by James Tan, founder and CEO of Yerbana, a holistic wellness organization based in Seattle. James shares his journey from being an introverted, health-conscious kid to creating a thriving community centered around wellness. He recounts the challenges of balancing a passion-driven business with community building, and his initial forays into promoting Yerba Mate as a healthy beverage. James discusses his flagship event, Yoga in the Park, which grew from a small gathering to an event drawing nearly a thousand people weekly, promoting accessible health and wellness. He touches on the struggles of running a for-profit beverage company, the transformative power of community support, and his vision for expanding his wellness initiatives nationally. The episode concludes with James offering advice for aspiring community builders and details on how to get involved with Yerbana.


    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Launch

    03:25 Charlotte's Travel and Reflections

    11:21 About the US Chamber of Connection

    16:34 Interview with James Tan: Early Life and Wellness Journey

    26:02 Starting Yurana: The Yerba Mate Business

    28:41 Birth and Growth of Yoga in the Park

    35:40 Financial Struggles and Sustainability Challenges

    40:33 Vision for Accessible Wellness and National Expansion

    46:45 Community Building Strategies and Advice

    51:02 Closing Reflections and Next Episode Preview


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    How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.


    Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.


    Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.


    Connect with Us

    www.chamberofconnection.org


    Yerbana

    www.yerbana.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    55 min
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