Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And" Getting to Yes, And… | Dr. Adam Dorsay – ‘The Vital Role of Connection’
Aug 26, 2025
Dr. Adam Dorsey, a Silicon Valley psychologist, executive coach, and author focused on connection and well-being. He recounts how improv reshaped his life, why connection became his central work, the paradox of feeling lonelier despite more technology, the role of presence through joy and pain, and how quests, pets, and varied friendships build lasting bonds.
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Connection As Core Human Need
- Connection is the most frequent word in Adam Dorsey's practice and the precursor to a high-quality life.
- He drilled into what people actually seek when they ask for more connection.
Learning Japanese As Proof
- Adam describes growing up hungry for connection while being labeled and treated as 'stupid' because of undiagnosed learning differences.
- He later realized studying Japanese partly served as proof to himself and family that he was intelligent.
Being Seen Requires Tolerating Truth
- Being seen means wanting to be known while tolerating discomfort when parts of ourselves are reflected back.
- True intimacy is vulnerability met well and requires accepting both praise and criticism.
