Beyond the Job Title: Why Your Passions Are the Key to Real Connection

How often are you asked, "So, what do you do?" It’s the standard opener at any gathering, the box we’re quickly asked to fit into. But what if that question missed the point entirely? What if the most interesting, vital parts of who you are—your 'life skills' and passions—are the real key to building not just a career, but a truly connected life?

We've been building a new network based on this very idea, and we’re incredibly happy with the progress and energy it's generated since it all began. It’s a network designed for people like you, who are seeking a more holistic approach to life and work.

An Anchor for Good Energy

As we’ve given shape to this community, we've been trying to define its heart, its epicentre. More and more, that centre of gravity has become New Zealand, Aotearoa—a place of incredible natural beauty, known to many as Middle-earth.

But this isn't just about geography; it's about an ethos. We see this as an anchor point. It's a place to ground our community, and from which we can connect with gifted minds and talent from all areas of work, all ages, and all corners of the globe. This includes Kiwis, people living in New Zealand, and anyone out in the world who feels an interest in, or connection to, this place and its energy.

Connecting Your 'Hashtags'

This network is fundamentally about connection. But it’s a different kind of connection to one you might find on a professional networking site.

We are not just interested in what people do for a living. We believe that true well-being and growth come from what we call your 'hashtags'—your unique life skills, your passions, and your dreams.

Think about it: what truly makes you?

  • Is it your talent for gardening?

  • Your eye for sustainable design?

  • Your love for hiking in nature?

  • Your ability to bring a community together?

These are the skills and passions that define us far more than a job title.

Where Professional Meets Personal

The real magic happens when you start to overlay your professional focus onto these personal passions. When you mix those life skills with your work, you begin to see "unusual connections" form between people.

A software developer who is also a musician sees problems differently. An accountant with a passion for community welfare builds entirely new models for social impact.

These intersections are where "really, really interesting connections" are made. It’s about building a collective that brings us closer, no matter where we are or what we’re doing.

A Collective Designed for Growth

The purpose of all this is to create a "better energy for everyone to grow".

We don't believe this is the only collective that can do this; there are many wonderful groups and communities out there. Our goal isn't to replace them, but to serve as another space for connection—one that can, in turn, connect with other collectives. It’s an ecosystem, not a silo.

Ultimately, building a life of well-being is about more than just the content we consume; it's about the ethos we live by. It’s about seeing ourselves and others as whole people. When we start with our passions and build connections from there, we don’t just build a network; we build a community with better energy, designed for growth.

What 'hashtag' or passion defines you outside of your work? Share your thoughts with our growing community.

Matt Chapman

Matt is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and HR futurist who has successfully transitioned from building a global HR search firm to focusing on well-being. He co-founded ChapmanCG, one of the world's most reputable HR search companies, which was acquired in 2022. Now, he is the creator of MC² Search, a well-being search company focused on developing a global talent pool of Chief Wellbeing Officers (CWOs), a role he believes will be part of the C-suite in future organizations. Matt’s passion for well-being extends beyond business; he was one of the creators of Bawah Reserve, an acclaimed wellness resort, and has completed six 250km ultra-marathons. He believes in using modern technology to empower talent and new-age business possibilities through remote working, a philosophy he has practiced since 2008.

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The 'Telepathy' of Connection: Building Your Purpose-Driven Network for Well-being