In a world of endless Zoom calls, being in the same room still matters
In a world of endless Zoom calls, being in the same room still matters
Since COVID, many of us have mastered the art of the back-to-back video call. One ends, another begins - sometimes without even a moment to process what was said.
It’s efficient, sure. But somewhere along the way, something got lost.
Over the past several weeks, traveling across the U.S. visiting partners, clients, and labs - I was reminded of what that “something” is.
It’s the spark that happens when you’re in the same room.
When a conversation drifts beyond the slide deck and continues over a cup of coffee.
When someone grabs a marker, walks up to a flip chart, explains the situation and causes the ‘aha’ moment for you.
When you see the lab setup, the instruments, the real challenges - and the discussion shifts from abstract ideas to practical solutions.
Those moments don’t happen on Zoom. They happen between meetings, over lunch, or while touring the lab. And they often turn into the foundation for genuine collaboration and innovation.
At @ReactWise, we’ve seen it first-hand over the past weeks.
What started as an introductory call months ago turned into meaningful partnerships once we sat down face-to-face. Seeing the problem in someone’s hands or in the lab gives a depth of understanding no video call ever can.
Yes, it takes more effort. It means flights, early trains, and days that don’t fit neatly into a calendar.
But the value of that time - the human connection, the clarity, the shared excitement - is immeasurable.
