Sprinkle Some Magic in Your Conversations:
5 Proven Keys to Connecting with Others
A few years ago, I had the privilege of speaking at a large pharmaceutical convention in Florida, sharing the stage with NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Known for his legendary basketball career—5 NBA championships, 3 NBA Finals MVPs, 3 NBA league MVPs, and 12 NBA All-Star appearances—Magic has since transformed into a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker, inspiring thousands with his message of possibility and perseverance.
Before his keynote, I had the chance to meet Magic in the green room with VIPs and sponsors. As everyone took their photos and got autographs, I stood off to the side, allowing others to have their moment. When the crowd had thinned, Magic approached me. He recognized that I was scheduled to close the event the next day and immediately took an interest in my talk.
With genuine curiosity, he asked about my background and the topic I’d be presenting. “Steve, I wish I could sit in your session. I know I’d gain a lot from what you share,” he said. That moment felt sincere, personal, and deeply authentic.
We spent a few minutes talking about his family, his marriage, and his two sons. Magic thanked me for showing a genuine interest in his life. Before he went on stage, we stood together, said a quick prayer for each other’s success, and hoped that we’d connect well with the audience. That simple, heartfelt exchange backstage left a lasting impact on me.
It was a perfect example of connection—pure, authentic, and memorable.
The Magic of Connection
That day, Magic Johnson reminded me of the power of authentic connection. His genuine interest and humility left a lasting impression, teaching me that real connection happens when we put others first.
Here’s to fostering relationships with meaningful, magical connections!
— Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.
A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
