Pick up an Entenmann's, like Pepi
When I was a kid, I loved being with my Italian-American grandparents. I spent a lot of time with them. Their nicknames were Sam & Pepi. Pepi was the woman of her household, the queen of her castle. Food was her love language. Community was her career. I guess that’s where I get it.
She cooked three meals a day. She also baked (often in groups with her cousins and cousins of cousins). But, she did this thing where she always had an Entenmann’s coffee cake locked and loaded, ready for company, because company came. In fact, company just showed up and that was normal and fun and everyone visited and talked and with genuine interest they exchanged, and in hindsight it was exciting and it “felt right.”
Pepi and Sam were members of the “G.I. Generation.” According to research conducted by Dr. Jill Novak, here are characteristics of the American G.I. Generation:
Born 1901-1926.
Children of the WWI generation & fighters in WWII & young in the Great Depression…all leading to strong models of teamwork to overcome and progress.
Their Depression was The Great One; their war was The Big One; their prosperity was the legendary Happy Days.
They saved the world and then built a nation.
They are the assertive and energetic do’ers.
Excellent team players.
Community-minded. *Ding, ding.
These spontaneous and usual instances where people would gather, were in hindsight, inducing trust, creating economic success, and contributing to their longevity. Essentially, the G.I. Generation were masters of relationship building. The strength of our relationships and connections or bonds is a key indicator of performance. According to Blue Zone research conducted in Sardinia, Italy, by Canadian researcher, Susan Pinker, in-person connectivity is the lead reason for survival.
For instance, when people put the mobile down and replace it with genuine face-to-face connection, we release a cascade of neurotransmitters, according to Pinker, that protect us now and into the future. When we make eye contact, high five, shake hands, we increase our levels of Oxytocin which induces trust and actually lowers our cortisol levels. (That was for you, *Heidi Poscher).
In 2024, the stakes are higher than ever. AMC knows it’s time to mindfully re-adapt profound communicative habits that get us back into profound unity or commUNITY.
Did you know:
The U.S. Surgeon General issued an Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in May, 2023? Ps. It was happening before the COVID-19 Pandemic, as you’ll read.
All people but, “young” people, are experiencing depression and anxiety at a whopping 50% rate?. They are our immediate future workforce.
70% of a company’s mistakes are due to poor communication, according to Gartner?
Society, and in turn businesses, have severe social fitness problems (AMC will explore that research another time, trust me) and it’s time for a professional shift in strategy. It’s time to gain back cognitive control of our Pavlovian tech addictions and make time for more in-person “coffee cake” moments. (In conclusion, pick up an Entenmann's, like Pepi. *wink). I think you know what I mean.
I dedicate this post to my first-ever best friends, Salvatore (Sam) & Anna (Pepi) Serra.
I want to work with leaders and businesses willing to accept these serious challenges and then mindfully innovate through them, to help our workforce thrive.
Learn more about our AMC research and customized masterclass programming. Anna Michele Communications wants to transform you, your colleagues and your business. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and let’s begin, Mindfully Speaking.
Also, are you searching for a keynote speaker for your next event? Reach out today! I’d love the opportunity to speak about our AMC Mindful Communication Model and practices to your cherished audience.
I look forward to our good work together. Sending gratitude to you and your colleagues.
Mindfully Speaking,
-Anna Michele Bulszewicz
Founder, Anna Michele Communications