What if the most valuable thing you can build in your career isn’t a product, a strategy, or even a list of accolades—but a community?

We all know relationships matter. Yet most of us haven’t been taught how to build them with real intention.

Today’s guest is here to help you and your team rethink what’s possible when we shift from collecting contacts to cultivating purposeful connections.

Meet David Homan. David is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts a podcast called Orchestrated Relationships focused on developing relationship value.

David has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting.

In this episode, David unpacks what it means to build emotionally intelligent communities, drawn from his upcoming book Orchestrating Connection.

We explore how self-awareness, trust, and shared values are the true foundations of lasting, impactful relationships. We also discuss the difference between simply expanding your network and nurturing it, and why vulnerability and reciprocity are essential skills for today’s leaders.

Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we take a deeper look at how to ask for help from your network in a way that feels respectful and genuine—without making others feel used or taken for granted.

Join the conversation now!

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Conversation Topics

(00:00) Introduction
(02:00) What it really means to build an intentional community
(08:15) Why you should be unafraid to share your passions
(13:12) Translating personal connection strategies into the workplace
(18:22) How to strengthen your relationship with your team members
(24:07) Setting boundaries and fostering accountability in community
(29:05) A great manager David has worked for
(31:25) Keep up with David
(32:15) [Extended Episode Only] How to ask people in your network for help

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

- Check out the book Leadership Pipeline here

Keep up with David Homan

- Pre-order your copy of David’s book, Orchestrating Connection here

- Join the Orchestrated Connecting network here

Participate in a Modern Manager Exclusive Orchestrated Connecting Virtual Event

Join me and other members of the Modern Manager community to experience first hand the power of an intentional community. David will facilitate a virtual session that will strengthen the connections amongst members and foster new relationships that can benefit us all.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

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