If you’ve been on one of our member peer group calls recently, you’ve probably noticed a fun mindfulness exercise we at Women Leading Travel & Hospitality have been incorporating regularly into our workdays. Not only does this make a great conversation starter in meetings, networking opportunities, coffee dates, etc., but I’ve found it leads to pretty immediate connections and it warms my heart to see our members link up so enthusiastically.

We call it “the ask and the give.” Here’s how it works: Each person comes to the meeting with one “ask” and one “give.” Examples of an ask could include: “I’m looking for a new marketing team member” or “I want a great career coach.” Examples of a give could include: “I would like to start mentoring someone” or “I have free passes to an industry event/conference to give away.”

You would be surprised at just how many eager responses you’ll get when you put an ask out into the universe. We hear a lot from our members that it’s lonely at the top — and with all the turmoil plaguing the travel and hospitality industry over the past few years, you’re bound to find someone who has a similar ask. It just takes a little dose of courage to ask for help, and a little dose of confidence to offer up something others may find value in receiving.

I hope you’ll take the time to think carefully about both your needs and what you have to offer. You can even post your ask and your give on LinkedIn (don’t forget to tag Women Leading Travel & Hospitality!). Get creative and utilize this time to network and connect with travel and hospitality leaders who get it!