Behind the Mission

90% of people are on autopilot.

I see people on autopilot at work, on the bus, they’re even at my dinner tables and that apathy frustrates the heck out of me.

I understand why so many are on autopilot because I slip into autopilot every day too. It’s the easy thing to do.

Unless you had a parental figure; a coach, a mentor or a friend shake you into the present I understand why the average person fumbles through life with their head down, mumbling short responses and avoiding eye contact.

Luckily for me I grew up with parents who are, by their vocation and their nature, deeply curious people. My dad, a retired Minister and my mum a Teacher, taught me to hold my head up, ask people questions and to be conscious of my impact on others.

We’re living in an epidemic of loneliness, where social skills are declining across all age groups no thanks to the pandemic, the influence of technology and social media. People are chasing “false happiness” through quick dopamine hits from screens instead of engaging in meaningful interactions that require an engaged and curious mind.

I’ve decided to change that.

A dear friend of mine once described me as having a “sickness for meeting people.”

She’s seen me attend every networking event available to me, asking strangers to go for coffee and diving into conversation with people in queues.

Through all of those interactions I’ve discovered something crucial.

Curiosity is the spark that drives connection.

When we allow ourselves to be curious; to ask questions, to engage with others, to truly see and be seen, we uncover our own potential. Once we glimpse that potential, we’re naturally driven to become our best selves.

Connection isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential to becoming who we’re meant to be.

In May 2024, Friends of Friends became a third space where people can practice being present, develop the art of being both interesting and interested, and rediscover the joy of genuine connection.

One of our cornerstone events, Speed Friending, embodies this vision. It’s more than just an activity—it’s an invitation to lean into curiosity. To put down your phone, make eye contact, and ask meaningful questions. It’s a space where people share stories, laugh together, and realize they’re not alone.

Together, we’re building a community where curiosity thrives and meaningful connections flourish; because when we embrace curiosity, we open the door to a world where no one feels invisible, and everyone has a place to belong.