359: Why Meaningful Relationships Are Your Superpower (And How To Build Them) with David Homan

May 27, 2025

David Homan, founder of Orchestrated Connecting and host of the Orchestrated Relationships podcast, dives into the art of building meaningful relationships. He emphasizes that true success stems from cultivating intentional communities rather than merely expanding networks. Homan highlights the importance of self-awareness, trust, and vulnerability as vital components of impactful connections. He also shares insights from his upcoming book, discussing how personal passions, like playing Dungeons & Dragons, can foster camaraderie, and how leaders can embrace humility to enhance team dynamics.

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INSIGHT

Power of Intentional Communities

Intentional communities are about choosing people who support and shape your life meaningfully.
Your close circle profoundly influences your habits and well-being.

ADVICE

Share Your Passions Bravely

Be unafraid to share your passions openly as it helps attract the right people to your community.
Passionate sharing leads to discovery of common interests, strengthening connections.

ADVICE

Lead with Curiosity and Vulnerability

Lead with curiosity and vulnerability to build trust and grace within your team.
Clarify your authenticity and intentions to create a supportive, effective workplace community.

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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.

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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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