Last week, many people tuned in to hear former President Barack Obama speak during an hour-long fireside chat filled with thoughtful insights and meaningful advice. What many don’t know is that this powerful conversation took place at my alma mater — Hamilton College.
Alumni had the opportunity to attend live or via video link. I opted for the latter (because I couldn’t get tickets) and took pages of notes — on what it means to be a strong communicator, how future leaders can engage with artificial intelligence, and how we all can make a difference. One theme that stood out was Obama’s advice for bridging gaps — something that feels especially vital in today’s fractured world.
While I’ll be sharing more posts on some of his broader points, today I want to focus on two simple, but powerful suggestions he made for bridging divides:
- Be curious & listen.
- Talk to each other and work on things in the real world.
Let’s break those down.
Be curious and listen.
An extension of his thoughts on communication, President Obama emphasized the importance of listening for the stories behind people’s perspectives — seeking context before jumping to conclusions.
In the legal industry, that’s especially relevant. Whether you’re leading a firm, managing a team, or simply navigating client demands, being a better listener can dramatically improve relationships and outcomes. It’s about more than hearing — it’s about understanding.
Talk to each other — in the real world.
This advice was aimed at college students raised in a digital-first world, but honestly? It’s for all of us.
I’ll admit it — I’m more likely to send a quick email or text than pick up the phone. But Obama’s reminder was a good one: real conversation matters. Zoom and Teams help, but even those platforms lack the full nuance and connection of a voice-to-voice or face-to-face conversation.
Technology has streamlined our lives to the point where we can avoid almost all casual interaction — ordering groceries, food, or even medicine without speaking to anyone. But in doing so, we miss out on the human moments that build trust, empathy, and understanding. Human moments we need today more than ever.
Bridging the gaps takes effort.
If we want to build stronger communities — professionally and personally — we have to be intentional about how we communicate. Listen deeply. Seek stories. Make the call. Meet for coffee. These small acts help us bridge the gaps that divide us, whether here at home or globally.
And in a world as complex as this one, that’s no small thing.
