33: Being Social - A Simple Step to Open-Mindedness Speak UP

This podcast is meant to open the audience's mind to the idea of taking on a more social attitude as opposed to the closed off and self-isolated mindset that most people have taken in recent years. What this refers to specifically is when people feel a sense of discomfort or annoyance when talking to people that are not in their close professional or social network, or in other words, talking to strangers when there is not a direct need to. Examples of this include refusal to speak to the person next to you in class, wearing headphones in public to give the signal that you do not want to be spoken to, or not having a desire to meet anyone new because you feel that you have everyone you need. Two guest speakers, JT Kelly of Keller Williams, and Sydney McCoy of Charles Rutenberg (both NU alumni), are brought on to speak about their experiences taking a more open-minded approach to life and interactions, and they share how it has benefitted both their personal and professional lives. Independently, I also share my personal experiences with this subject and share my findings after reading a Wall Street Journal article on the subject and reading Malcom Gladwell's book, Talking to Strangers. The message of this podcast is meant to appeal to college students to make them realize that being in university is a once in a lifetime experience where you are constantly surrounded by hundreds of people from all walks of life that all possess knowledge that you can learn from, or qualities that you can benefit from. Having a cynical and anti-social mindset during the college years is truly a wasted experience. This is also important for those who are out of college as new professional and personal relationships should never be looked down upon.