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How to be more Connection Intelligent, with Jenny Ainsworth

Apr 6, 2026

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In a world where our teams are spread across different locations and generations, feeling truly connected can be a challenge. We have more tools than ever to communicate, yet loneliness and misunderstanding are on the rise. This has a real impact on everything from team morale to efficiency. In this episode, I speak with Jenny Ainsworth about her new book and framework, "Connection Intelligence," which offers a new way to bridge these divides.

We explore why the old ways of engaging with our teams are no longer enough and how a deeper understanding of different perspectives is essential for any leader.

Here are three key things we discussed:

✳️ The evolution of intelligence in the workplace, moving beyond IQ and EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to include DQ (Digital Quotient) and, most importantly, CQ (Connection Intelligence).

✳️ Why so many employees feel disconnected and lonely, even when they are part of a remote or hybrid team, and how this impacts the business.

✳️ The "Acknowledge, Appreciate, and Align" framework - a practical method for understanding your own lens, respecting the views of others, and co-creating a better path forward.

Based on our conversation, here are three actions you can take this week:

✳️ Adopt the mantra "Show up, be seen, live brave." It’s a reminder to maintain momentum, especially when you’re navigating difficult circumstances.

✳️ Pick up a copy of "The Art of Explanation" by Ros Atkins to learn how to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.

✳️ Listen to an episode of "Desert Island Discs" featuring someone you’ve never heard of. It’s a powerful way to gain new perspectives from people outside your usual circle.

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Jennyainsworth.com ( assessment )