One Hello by Cass Thompson

Hosted by Cassandra Thompson

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113

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to One Hello by Cass Thompson! The place where we help smart, ambitious professionals build authentic relationships for success in all areas of their lives. Why? Because people make work and life better.

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60 recent

August 3, 20268 min

Stop Looking for the Right People and Start Building Real Relationships

I speak to organizations about workplace connection, authentic networking, and the small relationship-building habits that help people communicate better, collaborate more easily, and feel less alone at work.If your team or audience needs a more honest, practical conversation about connection, learn more or inquire here:https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker Or email me at Cass@cassthompson.comAfter returning from a conference, Cass Thompson argues that career- or life-changing connections often come from people others overlook while chasing “the right” contacts. She explains that while it’s wise to choose rooms aligned with your goals, ranking or dismissing people based on titles is shortsighted because you don’t know who someone knows—or how they might help. Cass shares her experience being taken seriously when she worked in TV but ignored as a career coach at an industry mixer, and recounts how a lunch meeting led her to introduce a recent grad to a recruiter, resulting in a long-term job at Riot Games. She emphasizes authentic relationship-building: talk to everyone, follow up with people you genuinely like, and avoid status-driven networking.00:00 Hidden Networking Wins00:31 Right Rooms Myth01:25 Stop Ranking People01:59 Dismissed By Title02:49 Lunch That Changed Careers05:15 Why You Cant Predict05:48 Authentic Follow Ups06:25 Dont Chase Status06:41 Conference Speaker Chaser07:30 Final Networking ChallengeWant to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!

July 27, 202621 min

Most People Wing Conferences. I Don't. Here's My Full Prep System

SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speaker Confidently Connect Workshop: https://www.cassthompson.com/connectworkshop Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection00:00 Conference Planner Types00:58 Networking Strategy Overview01:45 Set Event Goals03:35 Connect Before You Go05:18 Build Your Schedule With AI06:33 Target People To Meet08:53 Craft Your Intro And Ask12:05 Work The Event Spaces13:25 Breaks Cards And Notes15:32 Survival Kits And Side Events19:02 Block Follow Up Time20:49 Wrap Up And ResourcesSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

July 20, 202610 min

Why I Still Carry Paper Business Cards (And You Should Too)

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speaker00:00 biz cards00:45 The Digital Card Problem03:07 The Follow-Up Problem04:01 Why Physical Cards Win04:38 The Tactile Revolution05:50 Modern Cards Can Do It All07:00 Workarounds If You're Stuck08:50 My RecommendationSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

July 13, 202617 min

Your Bad Day Doesn't Need a Bubble Bath... Let's talk self-care

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerCass Thompson reflects on how “self-care” has come to mean coping alone and questions whether that shift has contributed to isolation, loneliness, and a “friendship recession.” She argues that while solo activities can help, many struggles like stress, burnout, grief, and overwhelm are often better addressed through connection, friendship, and community rather than only private coping or professional therapy. Drawing on a counseling-center example, she notes that many people may need friends more than experts, and warns that excessive “processing” alone can become rumination, which research links to worsened mood and impaired problem-solving. She also discusses behavioral activation and healthy distraction as beneficial alternatives, critiques how “trauma dumping” and “protect your peace” language can discourage appropriate sharing, and encourages making time to reach out—and to be reachable—for others.SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

July 6, 202619 min

6 Conversation Habits That Make People Want to Be Your Friend

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionNever Run Out Of Questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP_zq4dHCA0How to Remember People's Names: https://youtu.be/irdsbhg7H5QCass Thompson discusses why great conversations feel rare and shares six expert-backed habits to become a better conversationalist, drawing on Dale Carnegie, Alison Wood Brooks, Vanessa Van Edwards, and Charles Duhigg. She concludes these habits help people feel seen, heard, and valued.00:00 6 Conversation Habits00:59 Habit 104:44 Habit 206:25 Habit 308:33 Habit 411:12 Habit 512:49 Habit 6SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers

June 29, 202615 min

How to Maintain Friendships as a BUSY Adult

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionEpisode on Standing Lunch Date: https://youtu.be/XyPVJSY9w0kCass Thompson discusses how increasing busyness in adulthood makes it harder to maintain friendships and argues that busyness is the enemy of connection, urging viewers to examine what fills their calendars and to treat friendship as a priority rather than optional. She shares practical strategies instead of a rigid “system.”SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

June 22, 202615 min

How to Survive the Awkward First 10 Minutes of Any Networking

Get the FULL Confidently Connect Workshop at https://www.cassthompson.com/connectworkshop Cass Thompson reframes networking as building authentic professional relationships that create mutual opportunities, not collecting business cards or forcing transactional conversations at mixers. She argues most networking is follow-up with people you’ve already met, and the awkwardness mainly comes from first interactions, so she recommends embracing that discomfort and even reframing nerves as excitement. For one-on-one coffees or lunches, she suggests preparing a few simple small-talk questions to ease the transitional moments and build trust. For events, she advises remembering others are also new, using a brief burst of bravery to join a group, and entering with a straightforward, slightly vulnerable line asking to join the conversation. She warns against “rushing the ask,” encourages patient follow-up, and highlights “dormant ties” as a powerful networking resource.00:00 Why Networking Feels Awkward00:15 What Networking Really Is02:33 Embrace the Awkward Mindset04:22 One-on-One Small Talk Prep07:46 Mixers and Event Openers10:29 Stop Rushing the Ask12:47 Use Dormant Ties Instead13:49 Recap and Next StepsSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

June 15, 202624 min

Have You Heard of "Loneliness Influencers"?

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionYou've seen them. The camera already set up when she walks in the door. The candle. The wine glass. The caption: "Friday night, no plans, no friends, and I'm happy about it."And honestly? I get why they're going viral.But I also live alone. I work for myself. And I know what this actually looks like — including the Tuesday I ended up at the Whole Foods coffee bar just to be around other humans.In this episode, I'm not here to shame the creators making this content or the people watching it. I get it. But I do think we're missing something important in this conversation — because loneliness isn't just a vibe. It's a health issue. And romanticizing it isn't the same as solving it.We talk about:Why the loneliness epidemic is real, even if someone told you it isn'tThe difference between making the best of a lonely season vs. justifying itSocial health — the third pillar of health nobody is trackingWhy connection is harder now than it was in your 20s (and it's not your fault)What you can actually do, starting today, even if your calendar is empty📖 The Cut article referenced in this episode: https://www.thecut.com/article/loneliness-influencers-on-tiktok-make-introversion-videos.html00:00 Whole Foods Loneliness01:22 Loneliness Influencers Trend03:58 Social Health Matters07:28 Why Loneliness Happens09:03 Work and Remote Isolation10:46 Friends Pairing Off12:13 Costly Socializing15:45 Comfort vs Connection19:03 Practical Steps to Connect23:05 Final EncouragementSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

June 8, 20269 min

Have We Overcorrected on Doing Things Alone?

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionCass Thompson argues that while it’s good the stigma around doing activities solo has faded, culture has shifted toward defaulting to alone even for experiences designed for community00:00 Have We Overcorrected00:16 Solo Disney Trend01:42 Why Together Matters02:22 Convenience And Comfort03:38 Solo Economy Rising05:14 Better With People06:18 Loneliness Costs07:46 When Solo Works08:26 Reclaim Together09:33 Final ChallengeSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.

June 1, 202616 min

How To Make Friends as An Adult (Without Feeling Awkward)

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connectionHost Cass Thompson gives thoughts on why awkwardness isn't something to avoid, and the two routes you can go to make friends as an adult. 00:00 Embrace Awkwardness01:38 Two Reactions to Awkward02:33 Two Starting Points03:27 Stop Waiting Invite First05:04 Follow Up and Schedule05:59 Reach Out Anytime07:03 Create Standing Hangouts08:41 Starting From Scratch Basics10:24 Regular Activities and Initiate12:14 Be Open to Different Fits14:24 Initiate Follow Through15:38 Final Challenge and WrapSHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendationSHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradviceSPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️Contact: Cass@cassthompson.comhttps://www.cassthompson.com/speakerINFO 🌟Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsultingABOUTThis isn’t your grandpa’s networking.What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships?What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you?At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships.When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!DISCLOSURE 🌟Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers.