Marcene Sonnek
Public Speaker
Finding Connection
In A World Of Differences
Conflict is part of life.
But conflict doesn't have to divide us; it can help us learn from one another
My belief: We don't have to agree to understand. We don't have to be alike to belong. I don't need to share your perspective to respect your humanity.
I am Marcene Sonnek and my passion is to start a Human Connecting Movement to connect people beyond differences.
Will you join me?
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in the corporate world and real-world lessons learned through co-parenting and navigating a blended family, Sonnek helps individuals and organizations reframe conflict, strengthen relationships, and communicate with greater empathy, clarity, and respect through her program based on 4 key pillars.
AWARENESS
Recognize the world around you.
Become aware of how technology, personal biases, assumptions, and habits influence the way we see and interact with others.
Reframe: Just because we see something differently doesn't mean one of us has to be wrong.
CONNECTION
Make understanding the goal.
Learn to listen with curiosity, communicate with intention, and build relationships with people whose experiences and perspectives differ from your own.
Reframe: Listening to understand is different from listening to respond.
EGO MANAGEMENT
Stop making everything about being right.
Recognize defensiveness, the need to win, and the desire to have the last word. Learn to separate your identity from your opinions.
Reframe: I can disagree with your opinion without disrespecting you.
GRACE & GRATITUDE
Make room for differences.
Practice empathy, extend grace, and appreciate the value other people bring, even when their experiences and beliefs differ from yours.
Reframe: I don't need to share your perspective to respect your humanity.
Talk Topics
Keynote: We Don't Have To Agree To Connect
We just have to be open to other perspectives.
I believe differences should create opportunities for conversation, not reasons for division.
Conflict can be constructive when approached with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen.
I believe our relationships become stronger when we learn to manage our egos, extend grace, and appreciate perspectives beyond our own.
And I believe a more connected world starts with each of us.
My keynote engages audiences by challenging them to reframe the way they think about their relationships, themselves and conflict. Attendees will not only walk away with a new perspective on communication and connection, but at-home activities to continue the growth, like my reconnect challenge,
30 Days to Reconnect: Four weeks. Four pillars. One intentional habit at a time.
Contact me today so I can help your organization find connection in a world of differences.
Appreciation Events
In a world with so much division, showing appreciation to employees improves morale and creates a positive work environment. I can help you plan an event for your employees that will re-energize them and help them maintain a positive attitude.
Communication Coaching & Workshops
I work one-on-one or with small groups to examine one or all of the 4 pillars based on your needs. I can collaborate with you to identify what will be most beneficial to you or your organization.
Testimonials
“Having Marcene work with our sales team was the most impactful thing we did this year to improve employee morale. The pandemic really had everyone feeling burned out. Marcene showed us how to use her relationship management insights to improve communication and build trust among the team again.”
Linda Kohls
"Marcene helped me see coworkers that frustrate me in a new light. When I went to work after her talk and a coworker did something that annoyed me I paused and considered WHY they might be saying/doing something the way that they were. I was able to give them grace rather than feel annoyed."
Noah Stetz
"Marcene opened my eyes to not only relationship management skills that are useful for the office, but for every relationship I have. The relatable examples allowed me to picture myself in each of the situations, and I know moving forward I will challenge myself to take a moment to think before responding. The point that stood out the most to me was how much our own egos can hurt us in relationships."
Maddie Dahl