The 3-Minute Stare: How Vulnerability Creates Community That Lasts with Dana Malstaff

The Event Innovator Show with Phil Mershon

What if the secret to building an unshakeable community isn't another marketing funnel or content strategy, but something far more fundamental?

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dana Malstaff, founder of Boss Mom, who reveals the counterintuitive approach that helped her build a thriving community of entrepreneur mothers. You'll discover why she begins her events by having complete strangers stare into each other's eyes for three full minutes—and why this vulnerability exercise creates bonds that last for years.

Dana shares what 10 years of community building has taught her about human connection, including:

• Why most events overwhelm attendees with information when what they really crave is connection
• The power of "calling the elephant into the room" to break down walls instantly
• How facilitating meaningful conversations creates more loyalty than any content ever could
• The exact process she uses to train table facilitators to handle difficult personalities
• Why creating "inside jokes" might be your most powerful community-building tool

As Dana reveals, "People will tell me, 'Eighty percent of the people at my event now, we met at your event ten years ago.'" That's the lasting power of designed vulnerability.

Whether you're planning your first gathering or reimagining your tenth annual conference, this conversation will transform how you think about creating spaces where people feel truly seen, human, and free to have fun.

Contact Dana:

• website: bossmom.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danamalstaff/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danamalstaff