We’re living through what I call a connection deficit, and most of us aren’t even aware it’s happening. We’re always engaged in something; either scrolling, multitasking, or half-listening while checking our phones.

Here’s what I’ve learned after decades of interviewing professionals across myriad industries: the real magic doesn’t happen at the event; it happens after it.

According to research, approximately 40-50% of participants keep their cameras off during a virtual meeting. That’s shocking to me. In some organizations, particularly those with younger team members, that number climbs even higher.

Here’s something I want you to remember: if you’re invited to a meeting, you’re there for a purpose. Your opinion matters. The question isn’t whether you should participate; it’s how to do so with confidence and professionalism.

I was recently honored to speak to a room of 425 veterans about business etiquette. Before my presentation, about a fourth of those attendees completed a survey asking: “What are your biggest challenges in business right now?”

I posted something vulnerable on social media recently. It was a personal story about my bout with cervical cancer many years ago. My finger hovered over the “share” button for several minutes. What if people judge me? What if this is too personal? What if no one cares?

As we step into 2026, most of us aren’t craving bigger goals or busier schedules—we’re craving more humanity. After all, who wouldn’t welcome a little more grace in a world that often feels rushed, transactional, and noisy?

For many professionals, these festive gatherings can trigger a familiar anxiety: How do I balance being social with staying professional?