Smiley Poswolsky | Building Belonging

The difference between companies that retain top talent and those with revolving doors often comes down to one thing: a culture of belonging. In this illuminating conversation with workplace belonging expert Adam "Smiley" Pozwalski, we uncover why human connection has become the competitive advantage modern organizations can't afford to ignore.

Smiley shares his journey from being the slowest but most enthusiastic runner on his high school cross-country team to becoming a globally recognized keynote speaker who's delivered 700 presentations across 25 countries. His path wasn't linear - after experiencing his own quarter-life crisis in a stable but unfulfilling government job, he took a risk by self-publishing a book that eventually sold 10,000 copies and launched his speaking career.

The statistics he shares are compelling: 70% of Americans are disengaged at work, costing businesses $150 billion annually. Meanwhile, organizations that foster strong connections see dramatic improvements - 56% better job performance, 50% lower turnover risk, and 18 times more promotions. These numbers tell a clear story: belonging isn't just a nice-to-have, it's essential for business success.

Particularly illuminating is Smiley's advice for creating cultures that resonate with younger generations. As the first smartphone generation, Gen Z brings different expectations around speed, mental health awareness, and personal growth opportunities. Yet their fundamental needs mirror what we all seek: to be seen, heard, and valued for who we are.

Whether you're leading a global enterprise or building a startup, Smiley's practical guidance on treating "culture like a product" - something that constantly evolves and improves based on feedback - offers a roadmap for creating workplaces where people genuinely want to stay. Want to learn more? Join us at the Warsaw Growth Summit on November 6th, where Smiley will be delivering a keynote presentation on building cultures of belonging in our increasingly digital world.

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