Priya Parker

We’re more connected than ever. But it doesn’t really feel that way. We talk on the phone less than we used to, but we spend more time in front of screens, or plugged into earbuds. We’re constantly interacting, but not always communicating on a meaningful level. We’re busy, but we’re not often getting a lot done. Priya Parker aims to change that. In her new book The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, Parker sets out to make our lives more productive, and our interactions more meaningful. With lifes distractions, Parker reminds us that human contact is what really matters. Trained as a conflict resolution mediator, Priya has worked all over the world with NGOs, companies, and universities. She is the founder of Thrive Labs, where she helps organizations embrace and cultivate their sense of purpose.

Debbie talks to Priya about meetings and gatherings and why so many of them don’t work. “In so many group contexts we tend to follow scripts, whether or not we want to.”

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