In this episode, we discuss: Why does community matter for organisations? We are joined by Jaclyn Pascocello, she is the founder of Fabrik.   We chat about the following:  What are the trends in people and the connections they are building and want to build?Where should the L&D budget be spent?Is it part of the company's responsibility to help foster connections that are not within the company?Are we at the top of a community-building hype cycle? What are the optimal conditions for the hybrid worker? References: Jaclyn LinkedIn  Fabrik Biography:  Mom + Founder of Fabrik. A driven leader with a passion for hospitality and customer experience and a proven track record of building and scaling startups. Building an IRL solution to uplift our communities and create more serendipity. Expert in creating unique and memorable consumer experiences in DTC, brick-and-mortar, hospitality, and F&B. Summary: Homophobia and the story of a forgotten fashion photographer. 0:06Brandon and Bethany discuss life stages, London, and the BFI's LGBTQ+ film festival.Bethany and Brandon discuss the documentary "Stonewall" and the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the past.Loneliness in remote work and its impact on employees' well-being. 3:40Brandon: Loneliness crisis affects individuals, organizations, and communities.Bethany: Hybrid work is here to stay, but it may lead to more loneliness.Brandon and Bethany discuss the impact of remote work on employee loneliness and the responsibility of organizations to address it.Software developer quit previous job due to lack of pre-existing relationships, highlighting the importance of social connections in the workplace.Combating loneliness in the workplace through professional connections. 9:20Bethany shares her personal experience of feeling unseen and lonely in her marriage, despite being physically present with her husband.Bethany finds it freeing to make deeper connections outside of work due to reduced risk and potential for misinterpretation.Brandon suggests providing financial support for individuals to join professional organizations, such as the CEO roundtable, to combat loneliness and provide emotional support.Building communities for professionals, both internally and externally. 13:25Bethany and others discuss the importance of community and connection in the workplace.Speaker 3: Internal community building should be supported by L&D budget, but external communities can also be fostered.Bethany: External communities can be monetized to help employees feel less lonely, but internal connection is also important.Workplace community building, employee resource groups, and customer advocacy communities. 17:40Organizations should focus on supporting community within the employee base...