Let’s Talk … The Connect Effect Concept

ByKirryn Zerna InConnection

Welcome to this special edition of The Connect Effect Conversations! Today, I’d love to take you on a journey through a concept video released this week, that I believe can redefine how we connect in the digital age.

In it, I dive into the challenges brands and leaders are facing in creating deep connections in a digital world—both with customers and with leaders managing their teams. Plus, I offer some simple strategies that can make a big impact.

Feel free to share the video with anyone who might find it valuable! Let’s explore how we can use technology to fuel—not replace—genuine human connection.

And a huge thank you to Toby Zerna Media for incredible work on filming and production.

The Big Question: Can You Imagine the Future of Connection?

Imagine a world where digital tools like AI and emotion-sensing technology enhance human connection, helping teams and customers interact more intuitively. Virtual Reality (VR) transforms remote work into immersive, collaborative environments where distance becomes irrelevant, and technology fuels every interaction to be more meaningful, personal, and impactful.

This future may sound far off, but we’re closer than you think. And in this evolving digital landscape, we have a unique opportunity to redefine how we build deep, connected relationships—with our customers and our teams.

Where We Are Today: The Disconnection Problem

Today, one of the biggest challenges brands and organisations face is the impact of the digital world on the depth and resilience of our connections—both with our customers and within our teams.

According to Gallup’s 2024 Global Workplace Report, 77% of employees worldwide are disengaged at work. Only 23% of people feel fully engaged and are contributing enthusiastically.
15% of workers are actively disengaged—ready to leave.
The vast majority—62%—are simply “not engaged.” These individuals show up physically, but they’re psychologically disconnected, doing the bare minimum. These are the so-called “quiet quitters.”

And this disengagement isn’t just a morale problem—it’s an economic problem. Gallup found that this disconnection is costing the global economy a staggering $8.9 trillion in GDP.

But the disconnection doesn’t end with employees—it extends to our customers as well. With the rise of digital communication channels, we’re experiencing media oversaturation, making it harder than ever to capture and hold a customer’s attention. As the Global CEO of Ogilvy Advertising put it, we’re living in an age of media abundance but attention scarcity.

Capturing your customers’ attention is one thing. Keeping it? That’s an entirely different challenge. To succeed in this digital age, we need new strategies to engage and build trust.

So, What’s the Answer? Introducing The Connect Effect

That’s where The Connect Effect comes in. It’s not just about solving the disconnection dilemma—it’s about relearning the art of deep connection in a digital world.

Trust: At the core of deep connection is trust—whether it’s online or in person. Building authentic rapport is the foundation of every meaningful relationship.
Tribe: Establishing rhythms and rituals that foster strong, connected teams is vital in today’s hybrid and remote work environments. These rhythms help create a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Thrive: Learning how to repair and strengthen relationships when disconnection happens is key. Turning these moments of disconnection into opportunities for growth can lead to deeper, more resilient connections.

Looking Forward: The Future is Now

We’re standing at a crossroads. The future of connection is about bringing the best of human connection with the best of digital innovation.

We have an incredible opportunity to use digital tools to not only drive innovation but to create deeper, more impactful relationships—both within our teams and with our customers. And if we can get this balance right, the potential is limitless.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to watch The Connect Effect concept video and explore how we can shape the future of connection—together.

ABOUT KIRRYN ZERNA

Kirryn Zerna is an communications and connection keynote speaker, a LinkedIn Top Voice in Communications, Non-Executive Director, and author. She has just launched her latest keynote, The CONNECT Effect: The Art of Deep Connection in a Digital Age, helping leaders, teams, and brands use digital fuel to connect on a whole new level. Ready to chat about your next event? www.kirrynzerna.com

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO 👇🏼

connection, customer service, future of connection, team building