Episode 163: Learn how virtual connections, inclusion, and intentional communication can help create greater unity
What does it take to create stronger connections and greater unity in a world where so much of our communication happens online? In this episode, John Chen sits down with Mark Entrekin, a coach, consultant, speaker, instructor, and University of Denver educator who focuses on helping people achieve unity by encouraging, inspiring, and including others personally and professionally.
Mark shares his perspective on inclusion, allyship, and the importance of looking beyond our differences to recognize the value in others. He talks about experiences from his childhood that shaped his understanding of prejudice and explains how those experiences influenced his mission to help people move beyond assumptions and work together toward shared goals. He also shares his unique “love circulation” analogy and why he believes we have more in common than we sometimes realize.
The conversation then turns to virtual connection and how technology can create opportunities for relationships that might not happen in person. Mark discusses his experience working virtually since the 1980s, why people should not be afraid to reach out through video, and how virtual conversations can help people feel more comfortable sharing and connecting. He also explains why clear objectives, active listening, visual aids, and straightforward communication are important for keeping virtual audiences engaged.
John and Mark also explore accessibility and inclusion in virtual and hybrid events, including how audio descriptions can help make visual experiences more accessible. Mark shares his goals for the future, including completing his book Achieving Unity, and explains why feedback and “feed forward” can help people improve and learn from one another.
Key Takeaways
- 🤝 Why encouraging, inspiring, and including others can strengthen relationships and create greater unity
- 🌎 How recognizing differences while appreciating other people’s backgrounds and experiences can create stronger connections
- 💻 Why virtual communication can open new opportunities for networking, friendship, and meaningful conversations
- 🎥 How short video messages can make online outreach feel more personal than a traditional text message
- 🎯 Why setting clear objectives and avoiding assumptions can make virtual communication more effective
- 👂 How active listening, follow-up, and asking questions can help people understand each other better
- ♿ Why accessibility and intentional inclusion can create better experiences for everyone in virtual and hybrid events
- 📖 How Mark is working toward completing his book Achieving Unity and sharing his message with a wider audience
- 🔥 Why Mark believes anger does not create effective results and why explaining things clearly can be a better way forward
Whether you’re leading a team, hosting virtual meetings, building relationships online, or simply looking for better ways to connect with people who may be different from you, this conversation with Mark Entrekin offers practical ideas for creating more understanding, inclusion, and unity.
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceojohnchen/
