In November of 2012, I had the opportunity to deliver a TEDxFiDi talk, “Ubuntu: The Rhythm of Connection.” In the 17-minute presentation, I was able to utilize the power of group drumming to illustrate the concept of Ubuntu and help attendees develop a deeper understanding of their connection to the world around them. Ubuntu means, “I am who I am because of those around me.” Nothing illustrates that point more clearly than group drumming. We have connections to other people each moment of the day, whether that connection is positive or negative is another story. What we aim to do using drumming is to help individuals find the Rhythm of Connection with others in a positive way.

Since the TEDx talk, I’ve had many opportunities to deliver my keynote program for corporations around the US from San Francisco to Chicago. With each organization, the program has a slightly different goal. Whether we’re introducing new hires to the corporate culture, launching a diversity and inclusion program or inspiring senior leadership, Drum Cafe North America has been really busy bringing the concept of Ubuntu to the corporate arena’s across every industry vertical.

In more recent months, my TEDx talk has continued to inspire my development of new workshops on the rhythm of connection, innovation, trust, and communication, and just what all this means for shifting corporate culture. I’ve been overwhelmed by the tremendous response to my latest programs, including my two-day Leadership Summit, partnering with BLUE FIRE LEADERSHIP, in which teams of leaders and individual contributors, gain a stronger understanding of their dynamics, of how they can be a more cohesive and high performing force. Celebrating thought leadership at the TEDx conference has not only helped me to further establish myself as a leader in the corporate team-building world but also to dive deeper into what I already offer and take it to the next level.

Drum Cafe North America and Blue Fire Leadership collaborated in the design and delivery of a two-day Global Summit for Universal Music Group’s HR Function. We used rhythmic and non-rhythmic modules, as well as specifically designed content and customized simulations to address UMG’s major pain points.

With a greater sense of collaboration and inter-dependency within the HR team, existing gaps were bridged to strengthen interpersonal connections and improve overall productivity. A deeper understanding of their own self-awareness, what it takes to build trust, as well as a new found respect for their individual differences, allowed for a positive and intentional transformation to occur.

Participants walked away from this two-day immersion busting the silos of cynicism and opening up new pathways for discovery and expansion as a team.  Increased awareness led to greater team achievements, deeper respect for one another, and stronger bonds of trust.