In a world drowning in distractions, it’s not about how many apps we have. Using the right ones to stay connected is what really matters.

This month, we’re doubling down on community because no matter how digital we get, nothing beats real human connection.

Give us 5 minutes, and we’ll show you why building community is our secret weapon for cutting through the noise and unlocking lasting value.

Audience Insights & Future Trends

Traditional ads are losing their edge. Communities? That’s where the magic happens.

Here’s what your audience is telling us:

• 76% of consumers prefer brands that foster real connections. (Forbes)

• Brands without community-building see 40% less engagement. (Hubspot)

• 68% of community members are more likely to share feedback when they feel heard. (Salesforce)

The Takeaway: Stop selling and start connecting. Build spaces where your people feel seen, and they’ll stick around and advocate for you.

Final Thought: Community isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s your secret weapon for staying human and growing sustainably.

Case Study: The Slow AF Run Club—Redefining Fitness, One Step at a Time

• Why I Chose This:  Martinus Evans didn’t just create a running club; he built a global movement. With over 100,000 members, the Slow AF Run Club proves that community-first fitness models can disrupt an industry rooted in performance metrics.

• The Big Insight: Fitness communities thrive when prioritising emotional connection, personal progress, and inclusivity. Slow AF isn’t about finishing first; it’s about showing up and celebrating every runner’s journey.

• How It’s Positioned:

  • A safe, judgment-free space for runners of all levels.

  • A mission to challenge traditional fitness norms, centring body positivity and self-acceptance.

The Impact in Numbers:

• Membership: 100,000+ members worldwide.

• Engagement: 50% of members participate in monthly challenges and discussions.

• Book Sales: 25,000+ copies of Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run.

• Member Feedback: 80% report increased confidence and a positive shift in self-perception.

Lessons Learned:

• Authenticity is Everything: Staying true to its mission of inclusivity has been vital in sustaining growth.

• Progress Over Perfection: Members feel valued for their effort, not their speed, fostering deeper loyalty.

• Community = Business Growth: From merchandise to book sales, the Slow AF Run Club shows that an engaged community drives revenue without feeling transactional.
  

The Takeaway: The Slow AF Run Club isn’t just about running; it’s about transforming how people view fitness, themselves, and their potential. For professionals and brands, this is a masterclass in building a community that scales authentically. Whether in fitness or finance, fostering connection and shared purpose is the ultimate growth strategy.

Final Thought: In a world obsessed with speed, Slow AF teaches us that success is about staying the course—and enjoying every step.

Behind-the-Scenes - How I Found 5 Extra Hours This Week

Let’s get real for a second. Building a business around human connection, collaboration, growth, and data-driven insights sounds great on paper, but living it? That’s where things get interesting.

This week, I’ve been thinking about something that keeps coming up—in my own life and with everyone I work with - our endless to-do lists. But here’s the kicker: we’re all overlooking point zero.

On average, we spend 2 hours and 24 minutes a day on our phones. I checked my own breakdown:

• LinkedIn: 1h 19m

• Instagram: 1h 16m

• WhatsApp: 52m

• Gmail: 37m

• ChatGPT: 28m

• Mighty Networks: 26m

Here’s what hit me: I could easily cut my Instagram time by two-thirds and save myself 45 minutes daily. That’s almost five extra hours a week!

The Takeaway: Start your to-do list with a quick audit of your screen time. You might just find the time you thought you didn’t have.

(P.S. Working from home makes this even more of a desktop game, but that’s a whole other story.)

A little more depth, if you want it.

Here’s what caught my attention this week:

Article of the Week: We Need Raw Awe by Kirk Schneider. It explores the concept of "Tex Vexed" and the need for more real-life wonder. It’s a long read, but well worth it.

Track of the Week: So Clear by Kraak & Smaak - One of my wife’s go-to tracks for Pilates cool-downs ended up being the perfect track to slow me down enough to read the above article, so give it a go.

Final Reflections

"In a world flooded with constant interruptions, we must seek tools that help us slow down, foster genuine connections, and add real value to our lives. If an app merely creates more noise or distraction, then honestly, why the hell do we need it?"

Lessons Learned: As professionals, does our work add value in any way? Does it improve our lives, and does it make working worthwhile? More and more media is just noise, let’s start making a real impact.

Final Thought: Yes, we do need more apps, as long as we switch others off and these apps add value to our hectic lives.