The "Why" behind Hello Human

As humans, we have an inherent distrust of those we don’t know. Distance feels safe. It’s easier to have our guard up than to take the risk of being known. Opening ourselves up to others means we will be rejected. Not always, but that it will happen, is a fact. 

But the truth is, real relationships and strong teams only grow when we’re willing to move past the superficial.

Years ago, I read a quote by Margaret Wheatley that stayed with me:

“You can’t hate someone whose story you know.”

I had no idea what to do with that, but I couldn’t let it go. So, I mulled it over. I let it simmer beneath the surface as I continued my work in corporate photography and video production. Deep down I knew that there is life-changing truth in that statement.

Over time, I started noticing patterns:

• Though professional, many of my clients’ team members did not know much about their colleagues. It made me realise that you can walk side-by-side with someone you see every day, and still know very little about them.
  

• The most popular videos are those that feature people who are willing to be vulnerable and share their stories. Always, without fail.
  

• Even in my own monthly networking events, conversations rarely moved past the basics, despite us seeing each other regularly.
  

That’s when it clicked. We’re desperate for real connection. But most of us were never taught how to get there. We’ve been so conditioned to using pithy one liners, especially online, that our ability to navigate conversations of real value has been stunted. 

So I created Hello Human - an experience that helps people connect on a deeper level through better conversations.

It started as a card-based interaction tool, but it’s grown into something much bigger: a way of helping people shift from transactional to transformational relationships. 

Today, Hello Human includes:

• Team connection workshops that foster psychological safety and stronger working relationships
  

• Keynote talks on real-life connection in an AI-driven, disconnected world
  

• Video storytelling that captures the heart of a team, leader, or company culture

• And yes, interactive sessions using the Hello Human tool, still at the centre of many of these experiences
  

If your team is tired of tick-the-box team building and wants something deeper, and if you know your culture deserves more than small talk, let’s talk.

Until next time,

Marinda