The Science of Belonging (And Why It Can Grow Your Business) with Jon Levy

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Jul 24, 2025

Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist and TED speaker, shares insights on transforming networking through his unique Influencers Dinner concept, where anonymity fosters genuine connections. He highlights the IKEA Effect, emphasizing that effort strengthens emotional ties. Levy discusses the crucial need for belonging—arguably more vital than food or water—and how friendships influence habits. Listeners learn how to build authentic relationships without a large platform by hosting simple events and asking for small favors to cultivate trust.

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ANECDOTE

The Influencer Dinner Experience

Jon Levy hosts Influencer Dinners where guests cook together but can't share their last names or professions.
This unique format fosters authentic connection beyond superficial networking.

INSIGHT

The IKEA Effect in Relationships

The IKEA effect shows we value things more when we invest effort into them.
Jon Levy applies this to relationships: effort in building connections deepens emotional bonds.

INSIGHT

Belonging Trumps Basic Needs

Belonging may be more essential to humans than food or water.
Connection, trust, and belonging influence behavior, success, and relationships.

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What happens when you’re invited to a dinner where you can’t say your last name… or what you do? I thought it was a scam—until I met Jon Levy: NYT bestselling author, behavioral scientist, and mastermind behind a wildly powerful community experience.

In this episode, Jon and I chat about why traditional networking is broken, the science of trust and connection, how to build authentic relationships (even without money or a big platform), and what people really remember about you.

If you've ever felt awkward networking or wondered how to build influence without being fake, this one’s for you. 💥

Click >>PLAY<< to hear all of this and:

[04:47] What is The Influencer Dinner — and how it redefines networking

[10:44] The IKEA Effect: Why effort = emotional connection

[14:38] Is belonging actually more important than food or water?

[20:34] Your friendships shape your habits — the science behind it

[25:28] Why your superpower might not scale (and what does)

[31:43] Don’t have a big platform? Host something simple and novel

[47:57] Build trust by asking for small favors — and grow from there

[56:03] Jon’s final message: The world needs your invitation

Listen to Related Episodes:

Connect With Jon Levy:

Jon Levy is a behavioral scientist, TED speaker, and author of You're Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence. He’s best known for curating The Influencers Dinner, where attendees cook together but can’t reveal their last names or professions. His work explores how connection, belonging, and trust drive behavior, relationships, and success.

Website: www.jonlevy.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonlevy

Book: You’re Invited

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