In this episode of Fear Less, Do More, host Gill Hunter sits down with Di Gates, founder of Connection Heroes, to explore the importance of human connection in the workplace and why it has never been more critical for team engagement, collaboration, and employee wellbeing.

Drawing on her journey as an entrepreneur, athlete, and leadership expert, Di shares how her early life and sporting experiences shaped her understanding of trust, teamwork, and effective leadership.

Gill and Di also discuss how organisations can rebuild connection in hybrid and remote teams, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace culture, and why companies need to prioritise employee engagement and wellbeing to drive sustainable performance.

Backed by neuroscience and practical strategies, this episode provides actionable insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners who want to create connected, high-performing teams in the modern workplace.

Whether you’re interested in leadership development, workplace culture, team collaboration, employee engagement, hybrid work strategies, or the future of work, this episode is packed with insights on putting human connection at the heart of organisational success.

Key Topics Covered

• Di Gates’ entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Connection Heroes
• How sporting experiences and early life shaped collaboration and teamwork
• Why human connection boosts team performance and employee engagement
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace dynamics and leadership
• Building trust, vulnerability, and psychological safety in teams
• Strategies for creating meaningful connection in hybrid and remote work environments
• The role of neuroscience in understanding team dynamics and human behaviour
• Innovative training methods that drive lasting behavioural change
• Prioritising employee wellbeing and engagement for long-term success
• The future of work and intentional leadership practices to foster connection

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to Connection Heroes and Human Connection
• 03:03 – The Journey of an Entrepreneur: Di Gates' Story
• 05:54 – Influences and Inspirations: The Role of Family and Role Models
• 09:00 – The Impact of Early Experiences on Business Mindset
• 11:57 – Transitioning from Agency to Collaboration: The Birth of Stick Theory
• 15:09 – Adapting to Change: The Shift During the Pandemic
• 17:47 – Building Trust and Connection in Remote Teams
• 21:07 – Developing a Scalable Product for Connection Heroes
• 24:14 – Connection Heroes vs. Villains
• 29:04 – The Importance of Human Connection
• 35:08 – Navigating Hybrid Work Environments
• 41:59 – The Science Behind Connection
• 46:37 – Fearlessness in Business and Life

Connect with Di Gates

• LinkedIn
• Connection Heroes Website

Find out more about your host Gill Hunter

• Gill Hunter on Square One Law
• Square One Law
• ‘Fear Less, Do More’ Podcast

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