Building community isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about creating connection that actually lasts.

In this episode of Social Situation, hosts Trevor Loke and Erin Mogel sit down with Taylor Harrington, Head of Community at Dreamers & Doers, to break down how to make friends faster (without being weird about it) and how to design real community in a world full of surface-level networking.

Taylor shares the practical mechanics behind belonging: how to start conversations that go somewhere, how to turn “nice meeting you” into genuine relationships, and how to build communities people want to show up for — again and again.

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between audience, network, and community (and why it matters)

• How to create “fast trust” and meaningful momentum with new people

• Simple ways to be the connector everyone remembers (without burning out)

• What makes events, group chats, and community spaces actually stick

• Follow-up habits that turn one interaction into a real friendship

If you’ve ever thought, “I know a lot of people… but I want my people,” this one’s for you.

What happens when we stop optimizing for I and start building for we?

In this episode of Social Situation, hosts Trevor Loke and Erin Mogel sit down with Lis Best, founder of Girls Club Collective, to talk about what it really takes to build brave, generous communities in a world obsessed with personal brands and individual success.

Lis shares the story of launching her business in 2020, how her background in sustainability, communications, and government affairs shaped her approach to leadership, and why she believes community is a powerful antidote to burnout and isolation—especially for founders and solo-preneurs. Together, we unpack the difference between networking and true community, how collective leadership works in practice, and what it looks like to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and invited to lead.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your work, hungry for “your people,” or curious how to grow a community around your values—not just your ventures—this conversation is for you.

Founder & CEO of Rising Kitchens Lauren A. Silverstein, Ph.D. joins Trevor and Erin to talk about building high-impact organizations, measuring what matters, and creating real opportunity in food entrepreneurship. Practical frameworks, no fluff.

Booking note: Lauren also speaks and facilitates on impact strategy & measurement—connect with her on LinkedIn to inquire.
Presented by Elevate Social Impact & Orgmatch • Hosts: Trevor Loke & Erin Mogel