The Courage to Connect: From Stranger to Friend
In this heart-opening episode, Kerryn is joined by Carlyn Shaw, transformation coach and founder of Strangers to Friends, to explore the quiet courage behind a smile and the powerful ripple of choosing connection. Carlyn shares her personal journey — from being diagnosed with MS at 19 to losing her front teeth in a bike accident — and how those moments became turning points, not stopping points.
Together, they explore:
Why smiling is more than an expression — it’s a superpower
What keeps us from connecting and how to move through it
The power of showing up even when life feels messy
How to embrace your story and meet others with empathy
Real tools to expand your world, one hello at a time
Whether you're an introvert longing for deeper connection, or simply someone ready to smile more bravely, this episode will inspire you to lean into the magic of meeting someone new — including yourself.
🌱 Top 5 Learnings from the Episode
Connection starts with intention.
Even a smile or a compliment can shift the energy in a room — or your own mood.Your story is your superpower.
Carlyn reminds us that what makes us vulnerable also makes us magnetic — if we let it.Confidence comes from self-acceptance, not perfection.
Smiling without teeth taught Carlyn how to love herself in new ways — and others felt that energy.Not everyone will smile back — but the right people will.
Creating connection is about offering an invitation, not demanding a result.We assume rejection before we’ve even tried.
Fear of judgment or being “too much” often stops us from conversations that could change our lives.
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.
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrynpowellyourtimematters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerryn_powell/
Transform YOUR conversations and unlock opportunities with Kerryn Powell. Start with the FREE 5-day "Make your conversations count " challenge HERE
