Time for Grandpa’s Wisdom Wednesday!

“Hey Little One, you can wave on a screen or talk on the phone—but friends have the most fun side by side, sharing real high fives!” —Grandpa

When Grandpa reminded Macie how important it is to be with friends—not just talk to them—it brought back a lesson I’ve carried with me for a long time…

I’ve spent much of my life helping people connect—with brands, causes, communities, and each other.

And long before Zoom calls and virtual meetings were part of our daily rhythm, I was boarding planes, catching trains, and crossing time zones… sometimes for just a 30-minute meeting.

Why?

Because nothing replaces sitting down face to face, sharing a story, reading the room, and building trust over coffee (or green tea!)—or better yet, over a meal.

Even now, with all the convenience of video calls (and I am grateful for them!), the real magic still happens in person.

Just this week, I met with someone I’ve been on countless video calls with.

And guess what?

One lunch together deepened our connection in a way no screen ever could.

There’s something about the energy of being in the same room—present, unmuted, and fully human—that just can’t be duplicated.

Whether you’re a consultant, a community builder, or a grandparent planting the seeds of a story with your little one—presence matters.

Sometimes, the best business move—or life move—is just showing up IRL.

(Do people still say IRL? I try to keep up… but hey, I can almost hear Grandpa chuckle, “I miss when a hashtag was just called the pound sign!”) 😄

Peter Contardo