Together, we are stronger.

It’s a saying we’ve all heard before—maybe too often. But that doesn’t make it any less true.

Community is everything.

It’s the moral support we lean on when times are hard, the fresh perspectives that challenge our thinking, and the reassurance that we’re not alone in how we feel.

This week, I spent time with a group of powerhouse Brazilian women.

We shared stories about business, careers, and life. There wasn’t a set agenda, and that was the beauty of it—real conversations, real connections. We found common ground, and in the process, unlocked new opportunities.

To get everyone talking and to spark conversation, I used a fantastic activity called Rose, Bud, Thorn.

It was incredible!

Each woman shared her Rose (successes), Bud (opportunities), and Thorn (challenges). What started as an icebreaker quickly became a space for deeper connection and shared humanity.

This isn’t just great for afternoon lunch parties. It’s a tool that can transform team dynamics in the workplace.

In my book Return on Humanity, I talk about how companies like Airbnb use similar methods (think: Elephant, Dead Fish, Vomit!) to create psychological safety—where people can share openly without fear of judgment. It’s a critical step in building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation.

Imagine your team reflecting together:

Rose: What went well?
Thorn: What could we improve?
Bud: Where’s the potential? What can we explore?

Simple yet profound.

These moments of reflection not only bring clarity but can ignite ideas that move teams forward. It’s also a beautiful reminder that every success (the Rose) comes with challenges (Thorns) and opportunities (Buds) to grow.

The power of community is not in the size of the network, but in the depth of the relationships. When we invest in human relationships, we don’t just solve today’s challenges—we create future possibilities.

This is what community looks like—coming together, sharing openly, fostering those relationships and leaving stronger than when we arrived.

So, how are you getting your team talking?

Better leaders. Better companies. Better world.

xPhilippa