One Question That Opened the Door to Deeper Connection

(Hint: It’s not “What do you do?”)

There’s this question I love asking people lately:

“How have you been spending your time these days?”

It’s simple. But every time I ask it, I get the real stuff.

Not the polished answers.
Not the rehearsed job titles.
Just a little window into someone’s world, and honestly, it’s so refreshing.

I started using this question more often after realizing how tired I was of surface-level conversations. I’m not knocking small talk (I actually used to love it… pop in, pop out, little dopamine hit and done). But at some point, it started to feel like cotton candy. All sugar, no substance.

Now, when I walk into a networking event, dinner party, or even a casual coffee meetup, I want to connect. To feel like we didn’t just exchange facts, we exchanged energy.

And this question?

It opens that door.

So, why this question?

It’s not invasive.
It doesn’t assume anything.
And it’s open-ended enough to give people room to share whatever feels good to them.

You’ll find out if they’ve been working on something creative, taking care of themselves, learning something new, deep-diving into their business, or just binge-watching a great show (which is also valid, by the way).

What I love most is that it gently invites someone to show you what matters to them right now, and that kind of presence is what we’re all craving more of.

This Is the Kind of Energy We Bring to the Round Table

Every week, I host Round Table conversations with women who are done with surface-level friendships.
Women who are building things, healing things, juggling big emotions, and asking deeper questions about their purpose and path.

It’s not therapy.

It’s not a panel.

It’s not a pitch-fest.
It’s just real women in real-time, sharing what they’re walking through, with zero judgment and a whole lot of support.

The best part? We see each other.
No one’s pretending to have it all figured out.
Everyone is doing the work and holding space for others who are, too.

I Want People to Feel Lighter After We Talk

I always say this: I want people to feel refreshed after we talk.

Maybe a little lighter.

Maybe like something clicked.
Maybe like they’re walking away with a new idea, a moment of clarity, or a new friend they didn’t know they needed.

That’s what I aim for in every conversation, and that’s exactly what the Round Table is all about.

If you’ve been craving a deeper connection in your work life or friendships, this space is for you.

Xo,

Danielle Victoriah