Episode 11: When Talking To Strangers Went Right

In this solo episode of Thoughts Between Shots, I share the story of a chance encounter with a retired elementary school teacher in a tiny Lisbon restaurant that completely transformed how I understand confidence and belonging.What started as a conversation between two solo travelers became a profound moment when he shared his first-day-of-school ritual with students. His words: "There's nothing in the world that makes you feel more confident than knowing you belong" became the foundation of my entire philosophy and the driving force behind my work with immigrant professionals.In this episode, you'll learn:Why belonging is the secret foundation of true confidenceHow one powerful question can create instant connectionThe storytelling techniques that make chance encounters memorableWhy immigrant professionals struggle with confidence (and how to fix it)Perfect for: Immigrant professionals, emerging leaders, anyone who's ever felt like they don't belong, and communicators who want to build deeper connections through storytelling.