Reflection: Lessons from a Smile and a Story
I reflect on one of the most heart-expanding conversations I’ve had recently — my interview with Carlyn Shaw, founder of Strangers to Friends.
Our chat stayed with me long after the microphones were turned off.
Because it wasn’t just about her story — it was about our stories. The ways we connect. The fears we carry. The choices we make to be seen — or not. And how a simple smile can become the beginning of something much bigger than we expect.
As someone who has spent a lifetime facilitating meaningful conversations, building networks, and helping people connect with themselves and others, Carlyn’s message deeply aligned with what I know to be true:
There is no one right way to live your life. But staying open — and curious — is a powerful place to start.
In this episode, I share 5 key reflections that blend her insights with my own life experience, as written in my book and lived through my personal and professional journey.
🌟 Here are the 5 key takeaways I explore in this episode:
Connection starts with intention.
It’s not luck or circumstance. It’s a choice — to smile, to say hello, to see someone. These small moments of presence can completely shift your energy or someone else’s.Your story is your superpower.
The parts of your life that feel messy or vulnerable may be the very things that help someone else feel less alone. When we stop hiding, we start healing — and connecting.Confidence comes from self-acceptance, not perfection.
True confidence isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about owning who you are, even in the face of uncertainty. Carlyn smiled without teeth. I’ve navigated challenges far outside my comfort zone — in hospitals overseas, in boardrooms, in life.Not everyone will smile back — but the right people will.
Reaching out doesn’t always mean a guaranteed response, but it is an invitation. And when the right people respond, magic happens.We assume rejection before we’ve even tried.
How many opportunities do we miss because we’re afraid of being too much, or not enough? Choosing curiosity over assumption opens the door to discovery — about others, and ourselves.
This reflection is a reminder of how powerful it is to embrace the unknown, to see our stories as bridges, and to honour the many ways people choose to live their lives.
Because when we truly listen — and lead with curiosity — we grow.
🧭 Whether you’re building a business, navigating a life shift, or simply looking to connect more deeply with the world around you, this episode will inspire you to take that next small, intentional step.
💬 Have a reflection of your own? I’d love to hear from you.
Connect with Carlyn Shaw:
🔗 Website: www.connectwithcarlyn.com
🌍 Strangers to Friends Movement: www.strangerstofriends.com
📷 Instagram: @connectwithcarlyn
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/StrangersToFriends
💌 Book a Connection Call: connectwithcarlyn.as.me
👕 Shop Smile Shirts & Styles: www.smilesfirstwins.com
💡 Want to reach out directly?
Email Carlyn at: carlyn@strangerstofriends.com
Connect with Kerryn Powell – Your Host, The Network Catalyst
If this conversation sparked something in you — a smile, a shift, or a sense of possibility — I’d love to hear about it.
