After years interviewing leaders, athletes, philanthropists, and celebrities in his role as an on-camera broadcaster, Riaz Meghji discovered that the one thing that binds us together is our desire for human connection. And yet, despite our hyper-connected digital world, people are feeling lonelier and more disconnected than ever. Riaz wants to change that, by helping others genuinely connect and build strong relationships.

We are thrilled to be publishing Every Conversation Counts (Winter 2021), in which Riaz will share his insights and five-part framework for sparking real, authentic conversations to connect on a deeper level with friends, family members, customers, clients, and co-workers.

Read on to learn more about Riaz and his passion for connecting with others.

Which three words best describe you?
Optimist. Believer. Listener.

What is your book about?
Every Conversation Counts tackles a central question of 21st-century life: Why are we so connected, and yet so alone? This book digs deep into how and why millions of people find themselves more isolated than ever, despite the many technologies that are supposed to keep us constantly connected. It also examines how the danger of isolation was brought into sharp relief by the coronavirus pandemic.

The book features personal and candid stories that draw from some of the most impactful conversations of my broadcast career. Readers will find comprehensive behavioral research on what sabotages our daily interactions, and are given best practices for overcoming these barriers and building extraordinary relationships.

Whom do you most admire?
I admire anyone who has the courage to share their truth. Those with the strength to be vulnerable and go first, no matter how difficult their truth might be, will have my respect and admiration.

What is the last book you read?
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle. It’s a personal favourite in our family 😉

Who is your favorite author?
It’s a toss-up! I really like Nick Morgan. Human connection is in his DNA and he’s a leader for all of us on how to communicate in a way that builds authentic relationships. I also admire Brené Brown. The realness she has brought through her words to encourage us all to be vulnerable is a constant inspiration.

Who is your personal hero?
My dad. He always took care of us, and his sudden departure last fall inspired me to put my excuses aside and write the book I have talked about writing for years.

I never leave home without…
Gratitude. For where I am in my life, where I’ve been, and where I get to go.

What is your personal motto?
“Every conversation counts.”

Where do you find inspiration?
I find it in listening to personal stories. There’s a great line from the movie The Willoughbys: “The best stories are always in the windows where nobody looks.”

How do we find those stories? Through igniting authentic curiosity. Maybe it’s become a habit for me from all these years of asking questions for a living. I draw inspiration from the personal stories people share and the lessons they have learned from overcoming adversity.