Friendship Matters

Donna Brighton, Russell Greenfield, MD, and Lisa Grimes
  • 5.0 (2)
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Join your hosts the Coach (Donna Brighton), the Doctor (Russell Greenfield, M.D.) and the CEO (Lisa Grimes) where we explore the science, skills, and stories behind thriving relationships at work and beyond. Brought to you by The Friendship Institute. Our mission is to help people improve / enrich existing friendships and create / build rich new ones.

  1. Belonging Is Not a Perk, It Is a Performance Strategy

    22H AGO

    Belonging Is Not a Perk, It Is a Performance Strategy

    Are you surrounded by people, yet still feel alone? SEASON 4: Foundations of Friendship at Work & Cultures of Connection Part 2: Creating Cultures of Connection Episode 8 - Escaping the Loneliness Trap: From Loneliness to Belonging   *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:43d5a2bd-7215-4d72-a00c-10866ee89b3e-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Loneliness is not simply being alone. It is the emotional experience of lacking meaningful connection, and research shows it carries serious mental and physical health consequences. From inflammation and cardiovascular disease to anxiety and depression, the impact is real. But belonging is not passive. It is something we actively create. Drawing on insights from leadership, coaching, and medicine, we unpack why belonging begins with friending yourself first, why fitting in is not the same as belonging, and how small, intentional behaviors can close the gap between isolation and connection at work and beyond. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between loneliness and isolation, and why the distinction matters How self acceptance and self trust are foundational to belonging The health consequences of chronic loneliness, including inflammation and cardiovascular risk Why fitting in erodes authenticity, and how true belonging requires courage The power of invitational leadership and intentional follow up How inclusive language, especially shifting from "I" to "we," shapes connection Practical ways to create belonging through rituals, vulnerability, curiosity, and welcome How leaders can repair trust quickly through ownership and humility Belonging does not happen by accident. It is built through everyday choices, courageous conversations, and small behaviors that signal, you matter here. If you care about workplace culture, personal well being, or building deeper relationships, this episode offers research grounded insight and practical tools you can apply immediately.   ©Friendship Institute 2026   The Friendship Matters™ podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the guidance provided by medical professionals directly involved in your care. Do not use information shared on the podcast for the diagnosis or treatment of any type of health problem. Because we care about your wellbeing, please raise any health concerns immediately with your personal medical providers.

    20 min
  2. Leadership, Belonging, and the Biology of Connection at Work

    FEB 16

    Leadership, Belonging, and the Biology of Connection at Work

    What if belonging is not a soft concept, but a strategic lever for performance, health, and culture?   SEASON 4: Foundations of Friendship at Work & Cultures of Connection Part 2: Creating Cultures of Connection Episode 7 — The Leadership Impact on Workplace Connection   In this episode of Friendship Matters, we explore the leadership impact on workplace connection through the lens of psychology, neuroscience, and organizational research. Drawing from Maslow's hierarchy of needs, social identity theory, Conversational Intelligence, Gallup engagement data, and emerging health science, we unpack a central truth: belonging is not optional for high performance organizations. It is foundational. In This Episode, We Explore: Why belonging sits just above survival in Maslow's hierarchy, and why that matters at work The difference between inclusion and true belonging How social identity theory shapes performance and engagement The neuroscience of connection, including oxytocin, cortisol, and the gut brain axis The concept of belonging uncertainty and why it drives disengagement and turnover Research showing recognized employees are significantly more engaged Why listening is often more powerful than having answers, especially during change How fear based leadership behaviors create disconnection, including micromanagement, dismissing input, internal competition, and results at any cost The role of psychological safety in innovation and dissent How small leadership behaviors, including saying "I need your help," can be transformational Why the quality of conversation determines the quality of culture Why You Should Listen If you lead people, shape culture, or influence change, this episode offers a research grounded framework for understanding how your daily interactions ripple through your organization. You will walk away with practical behaviors you can implement immediately, along with a deeper appreciation for the biological and psychological impact of connection. Belonging is not a perk. It is a performance driver. And leadership sets the tone.   ©Friendship Institute 2026   The Friendship Matters™ podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the guidance provided by medical professionals directly involved in your care. Do not use information shared on the podcast for the diagnosis or treatment of any type of health problem. Because we care about your wellbeing, please raise any health concerns immediately with your personal medical providers.

    30 min
  3. Stop Awkward Networking. Start Meaningful Connections.

    FEB 9

    Stop Awkward Networking. Start Meaningful Connections.

    Are you transacting business or building relationships that lead to business?   SEASON 4: Foundations of Friendship at Work & Cultures of Connection Part 2: Creating Cultures of Connection Episode 6 — Networking for Connection   Networking does not have to feel fake, forced, or transactional. In this episode, we flip the script on traditional networking and explore how to move from collecting contacts to building meaningful connections. Instead of asking, "What can I get?" we challenge you to ask, "How can I help?" You will learn: How to reframe networking from transaction to connection Better questions that create deeper, more authentic conversations How to handle awkward interactions with confidence Practical follow up strategies that turn introductions into real relationships Why generosity and curiosity lead to unexpected opportunities If networking drains you or feels superficial, this conversation offers a research informed, practical approach that makes it more human and far more effective.   ©Friendship Institute 2026     The Friendship Matters™ podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the guidance provided by medical professionals directly involved in your care. Do not use information shared on the podcast for the diagnosis or treatment of any type of health problem. Because we care about your wellbeing, please raise any health concerns immediately with your personal medical providers.

    27 min
  4. Why Hiding at Work Is Killing Performance, The Science of Belonging and Trust

    FEB 2

    Why Hiding at Work Is Killing Performance, The Science of Belonging and Trust

    Have you ever felt like you needed to edit yourself at work, hold back the truth, or put on a version of you that feels safer?   SEASON 4: Foundations of Friendship at Work & Cultures of Connection Part 2: Creating Cultures of Connection Episode 5 — Authenticity and Belonging   In this episode, we dig into what is really happening beneath the surface, and why belonging is not a feel good perk, it is a performance and wellbeing issue. We explore the science behind authenticity and psychological safety, and why environments built on fear, judgment, or mixed signals quietly push people into defense mode. Then we get practical. You will hear real leadership moments that build trust fast, like matching words with actions, listening with full attention, creating simple rituals that make it safe to say, I am not okay today, and building human connection through small, consistent follow through. Why listen: If you lead people, coach leaders, or want a healthier workplace, this episode connects the science to practical moves you can use immediately to build trust, belonging, and a culture where people can do their best work without wearing a mask.   ©Friendship Institute 2026 Friendship Matters™ is intended to help improve our Friendship IQ. While this generally signals an improvement in our overall wellbeing, this podcast is not intended in any way to offer specific counseling or medical advice. Please seek help from a trained professional.

    39 min
  5. Building a Friendship First Workplace Culture That Fuels Trust and Innovation

    JAN 26

    Building a Friendship First Workplace Culture That Fuels Trust and Innovation

    The strongest teams do more than collaborate well, they care about one another. SEASON 4: Foundations of Friendship at Work & Cultures of Connection Part 1: Foundations of Friendship at Work Episode 4 — Building a Collaborative Culture   We explore why friendship at work is one of the most underestimated drivers of collaboration, trust, and performance. While many leaders worry that connection will distract from results, research and real world experience consistently show the opposite. When people feel a sense of belonging, they are more engaged, more innovative, and far more willing to support each other and the mission of the organization. Through leadership stories, medical insight, and practical examples, this conversation examines how friendship strengthens psychological safety, reduces workplace friction, and creates the conditions for teams to do their best work. We also unpack what leaders can do to intentionally build a friendship first culture, especially in hybrid and fast paced environments where connection is often overlooked. In This Episode, You Will Learn Why friendship at work improves productivity, innovation, and teamwork rather than undermining it How trust and psychological safety are built through everyday leadership behaviors, not titles The impact of social connection on employee wellbeing and performance, including physical and mental health Practical ways leaders can foster connection through shared experiences, clear expectations, and intentional moments How small relational investments create long term cultural and business benefits If you want to build teams that collaborate better, perform stronger, and feel more human, this episode will reshape how you think about friendship at work. This episode is for leaders, managers, and team members who want stronger collaboration, healthier culture, and better results without sacrificing professionalism or accountability.   ©Friendship Institute 2026   Friendship Matters™ is intended to help improve our Friendship IQ. While this generally signals an improvement in our overall wellbeing, this podcast is not intended in any way to offer specific counseling or medical advice. Please seek help from a trained professional.

    27 min
  6. Workplace Wellbeing Reimagined, How Friendship Drives Engagement and Health

    JAN 19

    Workplace Wellbeing Reimagined, How Friendship Drives Engagement and Health

    The science behind friendship at work, loneliness, and building a culture of belonging. SEASON 4: Foundations of Friendship at Work & Cultures of Connection Part 1: Foundations of Friendship at Work Episode 3 — Workplace Wellbeing and Social Connection   We spend more than a third of our lives at work, yet many organizations still treat connection as optional and friendship as a distraction. In this episode of Friendship Matters, we explore why friendship at work is actually one of the strongest drivers of wellbeing, engagement, and performance. Drawing on research from Gallup, healthcare, and organizational science, we unpack the hidden cost of workplace loneliness and why social connection directly impacts mental health, productivity, retention, and even longevity. This conversation challenges outdated leadership beliefs that prioritize tasks over relationships and shows why wellbeing cannot exist without social health. Through real stories from leadership, medicine, and coaching, you will hear how small, intentional moments of connection create trust, fuel collaboration, and help people feel seen and valued at work. In this episode, you will learn: • Why friendship is a critical part of workplace wellbeing • How loneliness quietly erodes engagement, creativity, and retention • What the research really says about having a best friend at work • How belonging and purpose affect both performance and health • Simple, practical ways to build connection without forcing it If you are a leader, HR professional, or anyone who wants work to feel more human without losing focus or results, this episode reframes what truly drives thriving workplaces.   ©Friendship Institute 2026   Friendship Matters™ is intended to help improve our Friendship IQ. While this generally signals an improvement in our overall wellbeing, this podcast is not intended in any way to offer specific counseling or medical advice. Please seek help from a trained professional.

    29 min
  7. Connection Is a Strategy, Three Leadership Practices That Transform Teams

    JAN 12

    Connection Is a Strategy, Three Leadership Practices That Transform Teams

    Trust is not a soft skill. It is the foundation of every high performing team. SEASON 4: Foundations of Friendship at Work & Cultures of Connection Part 1: Foundations of Friendship at Work Episode 2 — The Science of Friendship and Leadership part 2   Listen in as we break down what trust and connection really look like in modern leadership and how they are built through daily, intentional actions, not titles or authority. If you have ever wondered how to move your team from functional to fully engaged, this conversation gives you a clear and practical path forward. Learn a simple, repeatable three step framework that you can use immediately to strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to do their best work. In this episode, you will learn: Why authenticity builds trust when it is done with boundaries, not oversharing How closing the say do gap directly impacts credibility and leadership effectiveness Practical ways to create meaningful connection at work, in person or remote Why listening deeply and allowing silence leads to better insight and stronger teams How thoughtful recognition, from handwritten notes to moments of fun, drives engagement and loyalty A powerful leadership case study showing how connection transformed an entire organization Through real stories from executive leadership, healthcare, and coaching, this episode challenges the idea that connection just happens. It shows why leaders must design it intentionally and how small actions can create lasting ripple effects across a team. The benefit of listening If you want a team that trusts you, stays engaged, and genuinely wants to follow your lead, this episode gives you a clear, human centered framework to build trust and belonging starting now. Leadership is not just about managing work. It is about building relationships that help people and organizations thrive.   ©Friendship Institute 2026   Friendship Matters™ is intended to help improve our Friendship IQ. While this generally signals an improvement in our overall wellbeing, this podcast is not intended in any way to offer specific counseling or medical advice. Please seek help from a trained professional.

    26 min
  8. People Follow People, Not Titles, The Role of Friendship in Leadership

    JAN 5

    People Follow People, Not Titles, The Role of Friendship in Leadership

    What if one of the most powerful leadership tools is also one of the most overlooked? SEASON 4: Foundations of Friendship at Work & Cultures of Connection Part 1: Foundations of Friendship at Work Episode 1 — The Science of Friendship and Leadership In this episode, we kick off our series by exploring the surprising role friendship plays in effective leadership. Research shows that employees are seven times more engaged when they have a best friend at work, yet many leaders are still taught to keep connection at arm's length. We unpack why leadership is fundamentally relational, not transactional, and why trust, care, and authenticity are not soft skills but strategic advantages. Through real world stories and lived experience, including powerful examples from executive leader Lisa Grimes, we explore what it looks like to lead with genuine connection without sacrificing performance or accountability. You will hear why people follow leaders they trust, how consistency and authenticity build loyalty over time, and why knowing your people matters more than surveys, bonuses, or titles. We also examine the hidden costs of disconnection, from loneliness at work to disengagement, retention challenges, and even imposter syndrome among leaders themselves. This conversation challenges the myth of command and control leadership and reframes friendship as a foundation for trust, engagement, productivity, and belonging. If you want to be the kind of leader people would follow anywhere, not because they have to, but because they want to, this episode sets the stage. Listen in and rethink what great leadership really looks like.   ©Friendship Institute 2026   Friendship Matters™ is intended to help improve our Friendship IQ. While this generally signals an improvement in our overall wellbeing, this podcast is not intended in any way to offer specific counseling or medical advice. Please seek help from a trained professional.

    23 min
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About

Join your hosts the Coach (Donna Brighton), the Doctor (Russell Greenfield, M.D.) and the CEO (Lisa Grimes) where we explore the science, skills, and stories behind thriving relationships at work and beyond. Brought to you by The Friendship Institute. Our mission is to help people improve / enrich existing friendships and create / build rich new ones.

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Brighton, Russell Greenfield, MD, and Lisa Grimes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025