In a world of fast-paced messaging and digital filters, authentic communication has become a rare yet powerful force. Hicham Jadaoun unpacks how genuine, empathetic dialogue can build trust, deepen relationships, and foster stronger collaboration—whether in professional settings or personal life. This session invites attendees to rediscover the value of human connection in shaping impactful careers and communities. A certified trainer and facilitator, an experienced researcher and a Design, Monitoring and Evaluation expert with extended professional experience. Hicham is an accredited trainer on Leadership, Design Thinking, Mental Toughness and Social and Behavioral Change. Holding an advanced degree in public health, I have worked with governments, NGOs and the ICRC and have an extensive experience working across sectors including leadership, education, gender, community development, public health, livelihoods, social entrepreneurship, social cohesion, child protection, juvenile justice, play-based approaches, peace building, active citizenship, good governance, and women’s empowerment. I have a strong track record in qualitative and quantitative participatory research design and methodologies and stakeholders’ engagement for strategy development. I have led on the design, capacity building, facilitation, implementation, analysis and reporting of research projects, assessments, trainings and evaluations in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, KSA, UAE, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Mauritania, Niger, Syria, Turkey, DRC, Uganda and Zimbabwe. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx