Present & Connected: Human Connection in Uncertain Times with Connie Hadley | 2026 Cosmic Conference

In times of prolonged uncertainty, leadership is often framed as a question of strategy, decision-making, and execution.But what if one of the most critical levers is something less visible—human connection?In this episode, Marie Nakhle, Psychological Safety Lead at Cosmic Centaurs, sits down with Dr. Connie Noonan Hadley, organizational psychologist and Research Associate Professor at Boston University, to explore how uncertainty, loneliness, and AI are reshaping the way we experience work—and what leaders can do about it. Drawing on her research on workplace loneliness and psychological safety, Connie shares why connection is not just a wellbeing concern, but a core driver of performance, trust, and even successful AI adoption.We discuss: What it means to be “present and connected” at work today  Why psychological safety matters more in times of pressure and change  The growing reality of loneliness at work—and its impact on performance  How AI is influencing connection, trust, and collaboration  The concept of social confidence—and why it’s becoming essential  What leaders can do to design more connected, resilient teams  Why connection should be treated as infrastructure—not a perk This conversation is part of the Cosmic Conference 2026: Grounded & Limitless, exploring how leaders can help organizations endure, adapt, and ultimately thrive through uncertainty.If you’re leading a team, navigating change, or thinking about the future of work, this episode offers a powerful reframe on what truly drives performance.Follow Cosmic Centaurs for more conversations on leadership and organizational growth. Share this episode with someone who might need it.