The 3 C's We Need to Discuss for Healthy Work Relationships

Do you know what they are? Plus MUST ATTEND Events.Creating space for bold stories, authentic connections, and transformative conversations

Author

Laura Paisley Beck
August 15, 2025

Hey Beautiful Humans!

This week I'm diving into three essential C's that can transform how we show up - both at work and in life. In my opinion after helping so many for so many years, they're the foundation of building relationships that actually matter and workplaces where everyone can thrive.

🔍 Curiosity: The Willingness to Grow

True curiosity is about having the humility to accept that we're not perfect and summon the courage to keep learning anyway.

It's the willingness to grow as a person, to question our assumptions, and to approach life with genuine intention to become better humans.

Where can you find curiosity in action? Events like The Forward Festival happening all next week in Madison. When we surround ourselves with forward-thinking creatives and innovators, we're choosing growth over comfort. We're saying yes to being challenged, inspired, and maybe even a little uncomfortable in the best possible way.

That's exactly the energy I'm bringing to my "Big Story in a Big Way" writing workshop - because sharing our authentic stories requires the curiosity to explore who we really are beneath all the supposed "shoulds" and expectations.

What you'll get:

  • A beautiful journal with custom writing prompts

  • Techniques to break through creative blocks

  • Permission to tell YOUR story, YOUR way

  • A supportive community of fellow storytellers

  • FREE Lunch

Let’s agree that the world needs your big beautiful story.

🤝 Community: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Belongs

Real community looks like intentionally creating and joining spaces where authentic connection can happen - where people can safely bring their whole selves and be celebrated for it.

This is exactly what I see happening with the OPEN Madison Career Summit on October 3rd. Their mission "Be Part of the Progress" isn't just a tagline - it's an invitation to help build workplaces where LGBTQIA+ professionals don't just survive, they absolutely thrive.

From morning workshops to evening cocktails, this full-day celebration focuses on empowerment, community, and real change-making. Whether you're job-seeking, hiring, connecting, or celebrating - this is a space designed for queer joy, bold careers, and inclusive futures.

💛 Ckindness: When Kindness Requires Education

HA! OK, so that "C" is really a "K" - because sometimes real kindness means going deeper than surface-level niceness.

❝

"People say it's so easy to be kind. It's not always that easy. Sometimes kindness requires education."

Amelia J. Michael, Author of Gender Inclusion at Work

This wisdom comes from Amelia, a brilliant gender inclusion expert I recently interviewed, and it completely reframes what we think we know about kindness.

Here's the truth: Being kind to someone who looks and lives exactly like you? That's easy. Being genuinely kind to someone with a completely different lived experience? That takes learning, growth, and yes - education.

Your inclusive communication superpower for this week: Practice the pause.

When someone says something that triggers your immediate reaction - whether it's confusion, frustration, or judgment - try this:

  1. Pause (even for 3 seconds)

  2. Breathe (seriously, oxygen helps)

  3. Ask yourself: "What might I not understand about their experience?"

  4. Respond with curiosity instead of defense

Including people means meeting them where they are, not where we think they should be. It means choosing constructive conversation over instant correction. It means leading with empathy even when - especially when - we don't immediately understand.

Your Weekly Challenge:

This week, I challenge you to practice all three C's:

  • Get curious about someone whose experience is different from yours

  • Connect with your local creative community (hello, Forward Festival!)

  • Choose Ckindness by pausing before reacting

Because here's what I know for sure: The world gets more beautiful when we show up with curiosity, build authentic community, and choose kindness that's informed by understanding.

What's your big story? Hit reply and tell me - I read every single response and they absolutely make my day.

Sending you lots of love,

Laura Paisley Beck

aka Wa’am✨

P.S. - If you know someone who could use more curiosity, community, or Ckindness in their life (hint: we ALL could), feel free to forward this newsletter. The more the merrier!

Want to stay connected? Check the LinkTree for places to get regular doses of inspiration, behind-the-scenes creative process, and the occasional perfectly imperfect moment that reminds us we're all just figuring it out together.