Create & Connect with Join The Dots in Leeds

When networking feels less like networking

We recently delivered a private Create & Connect session for Angela Bray and her network of women working across construction and development.

Angela is all about building relationships. It’s what sits at the heart of Join The Dots. She wanted to bring her network together in a way that felt different. Less forced conversation. More genuine connection.

The session was hosted at the Leeds offices of Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) at Platform. Thanks to Heidi Haigh and the RLB team for hosting us.

The challenge

Angela’s aim was simple. Create an environment where people could get to know each other properly, without the pressure that often comes with traditional networking events.

Most of the group didn’t know each other at the start of the session. The challenge was helping people feel comfortable quickly, without awkward icebreakers or small talk dominating the room.

Our approach

We ran a Create & Connect session designed to remove the pressure to “network” altogether.

Participants were guided through simple creative activities, working alongside each other rather than sitting opposite one another. The focus wasn’t on artistic ability. It was about having a go, relaxing into the process, and allowing conversation to happen naturally.

The group reflected Angela’s energy perfectly – open, curious and willing to get involved. There was plenty of laughter along the way too.

Working with Nicci helps these sessions flow effortlessly. Having two facilitators keeps the energy high and gives people different ways to engage, which makes a real difference when bringing a new group together.

The result

By the end of the session, the atmosphere in the room had shifted.

Conversations were flowing easily. People were relaxed and engaged. There was a genuine sense of connection, with attendees already talking about how they could support one another beyond the event.

Creativity has a way of breaking down barriers quickly. Once people are making something together, the usual awkwardness tends to disappear on its own.

What Angela said

“I wanted to bring my network together in a way that felt natural and inclusive, and this completely delivered. You created an environment where people felt comfortable straight away. It didn’t feel like networking at all – it felt human.”

What Nicci said

“None of the group knew each other at the start of the session, yet by the end there was a genuine sense of connection and willingness to support one another. Watching that shift happen through creativity never gets old.”

What Mike said

“People don’t need forcing to connect – they just need the right environment. Take the pressure off, give people permission to slow down and be creative, and the conversation takes care of itself.”

About Create & Connect

Create & Connect is an art-led networking experience designed to help people connect in a more natural, human way. It works particularly well for businesses and networks that want to build relationships without the formality of traditional networking.

Sessions can be delivered privately for organisations, teams and networks, or as part of our open Create & Connect events.

Want to run a Create & Connect session?

If you’d like to explore running a Create & Connect session for your business or network, get in touch with Mike or Nicci to chat through what might work best for your group.