How Diverse Experiences Help You Build Meaningful Connections

Today, our team leader, who recently took up running, came over while I was finishing a customer call and logging it. He told me he’s been dealing with runner’s knee lately.

Later, on my way to the station with a colleague after work, I told him about the conversation. He seemed a bit jealous that I was getting closer to our team leader, so I said that having different experiences just gives you more “conversation drawers."

That simple exchange made me reflect on how our experiences shape the way we connect with others.

A Shared Passion That Opened a Door

Our team leader had just completed his very first full marathon—the Osaka Marathon. He crossed the finish line with a huge sense of accomplishment, proud that he managed to complete the race. But along with that achievement came a familiar problem: runner’s knee.

When he told me about the pain, I reassured him that runner’s knee is one of the most common injuries beginners face when they start increasing their mileage. Although he is my senior at work, in the world of running, I’m the one with more experience. That role reversal created a natural, comfortable space for conversation. He asked questions, I shared advice, and our connection deepened.

The Power of Having Many “Conversation Drawers”

This experience reminded me that the ability to connect with people often comes from having many “conversation drawers” to open. Every hobby, challenge, or new experience becomes a drawer filled with stories, insights, and shared emotions.

These drawers allow you to:

• Find common ground with different types of people
• Offer empathy based on lived experience
• Share stories that make conversations richer and more memorable
• Build trust through authenticity

The more drawers you have, the more bridges you can build.

When Experience Creates Understanding

Because I’ve been running for years, I understood exactly what our leader was going through—both the pride of finishing a marathon and the frustration of dealing with an injury. That understanding made our conversation natural and meaningful.

People connect easily with someone who “gets it.”
And you can “get it” more often when you’ve lived through a wide range of experiences.

Stepping Into New Worlds Expands Your Connections

Trying new things—whether it’s running, traveling, learning a skill, or joining a community—naturally increases the number of people you meet. Each new environment brings new conversations, new perspectives, and new relationships.

Connection isn’t just about personality.
It’s also about exposure, curiosity, and the willingness to experience more of life.

In the End

When my colleague said he envied my ability to connect with others, I realized it wasn’t about being outgoing or lucky. It was simply the result of having many experiences to draw from. Each experience becomes a story, a lesson, or a moment of empathy that helps you meet people where they are.

The more you experience, the more people you can truly connect with.