Can We Talk? The Importance of Human Connection in the AI Era

Work is full of communication. Slack messages. Zoom calls. Meetings stacked on meetings. But many teams still struggle to do the one thing that matters most: connect in ways that build trust, insight, and better thinking together. It’s like we’re starving at a buffet.

Ann Kowal Smith, founder and CEO of Reflection Point, will argue that a successful future (at work and beyond) depends not only on new technology, but on enduring human capacities: listening, empathy, curiosity, challenging assumptions, and disagreeing respectfully. Reflection Point helps organizations develop these five skills through shared discussions about literature, using stories as a practical tool for culture building and stronger collaboration.

Joining Ann is Randell McShepard, Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Talent Officer at RPM, who will discuss why his company sees these critical capacities as essential to leadership, culture, and performance.

Join us at the City Club for a unique forum featuring a live Reflection Point demonstration using a provocative short story. Together, the conversation will show how stories can help teams think more deeply, relate more honestly, and work better together.

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Online ticket sales for this forum will conclude on Monday, May 18th at noon. Still need a ticket? Let us know! Complete the ticket waitlist form here. We will reach out directly if we can accommodate your request, subject to availability.

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The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00pm. Have questions for the Q&A? Text them to 330.541.5794.