When you’re sharing a meal, you’re connecting on a real, human level.

With the holiday season upon us, I hope you find that hosting people at your home for dinner can be a way to fast-track relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. Eating together creates a special kind of bond, one that transcends the boardroom or meeting room.

Bonus hack: if you’re a parent, have your children help make place cards for each guest. That way they get to practice their penmanship – and learn about who’s coming to your home.

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HACKS: ICYMI

Only listen to books on your commute? Head to Audible to download your copy of #hackstheaudiobook, narrated by Yours Truly. Special thanks to Kevin Theis & Fort Raphael Publishing Company for making it happen.

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In my recent ForbesBooks blog, I write about striving for episodic rather than daily balance. Wondering how to achieve it in your life? Take my assessment and receive personalized hacks based on your results.

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HACKS ON THE ROAD: COMING UP

Santa Monica, CA | Bel Air Bay Club | December 15 @ 3:00 p.m.

Please join hosts Ross (BA ’98, MBA 05’ ) and Elle (BS ’02) Walker at the Bel Air Bay Club for cocktails and conversation with special guests Alyssa Rapp (MBA ’05, Lecturer in Management, Stanford GSB, 2014-present) and Hal Morris (MBA ’05) to socialize and celebrate the launch of Alyssa’s new book, Leadership And Life Hacks.

Austin, TX | The Riveter | December 16 @ 6:00 p.m.

Join Alyssa and the Hacks team for cocktails & conversation at The Riveter Coworking Space in Austin, TX. To RSVP, please email Irina Gavrilova at info@ajrventures.com.

Chicago, IL | University Club of Chicago | January 21 @ 5:30 p.m.

In conversation with advisor and activist Christie Hefner, Alyssa will share insights from her book and provide strategies for everything from managing a household to taking colleagues to rock concerts. To RSVP, please email Irina Gavrilova at info@ajrventures.com.

Baltimore, MD | The Center Club | February 12 @ 5:00 p.m.

Alyssa will be headlining a Viewpoints Event at the Center Club of Maryland. If you want to RSVP now, you can contact Janine Lis at the Center Club at jlis@centerclub.org.