Victoria's Company, The Stax

In this soulful episode of Project Connection, Coco sits down with the luminous Victoria Lampley to explore what it truly means to connect — with ourselves, with others, and with the legacies we carry. Together, they reflect on the power of chosen family, the imprint of upbringing on how we relate, and the courage it takes to show up authentically.

Victoria also shares her deep knowledge of mourning jewelry — a beautiful, symbolic tradition that honors loved ones who have passed — and how grief can be a portal to deeper connection. The two explore the delicate balance between work and personal life, the importance of inclusivity in community building, and what it means to leave behind a meaningful legacy.

This conversation is both intimate and expansive — a reminder that connection is not only about where we come from, but also about the people and values we choose along the way.

🫂 Chosen family matters — Connection can be consciously created, not just inherited.
🌱 Upbringing shapes our wiring — But awareness allows us to grow beyond it.
💬 Authenticity invites connection — Vulnerability is the bridge to deeper relationships.
💍 Mourning jewelry as memory — Objects can carry emotional legacy and help us grieve.
⚖️ Work-life balance is ongoing — Creating space for both ambition and presence is key.
🌈 Inclusivity strengthens community — True belonging welcomes difference.
💀 Talking about death is connecting — Legacy and remembrance can deepen our humanity.

In this engaging conversation, Coco sits down with Chesley Andrews Sjulsen, a digital design director and strategist with nearly 20 years of experience helping mission-driven companies and nonprofits bring their ideas to life. After a long stint at Etsy, Chesley now works at Betterment and pours her creativity and passion for sustainability into her local Bedford community, where she co-hosts seasonal “Sip and Swaps.”

Together, Chesley and Courtney explore the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and community through the lens of fashion and clothing swaps. They discuss the joy of gathering people together, the importance of sustainability in fashion, and how personal style evolves over time. The conversation highlights the emotional connections we form with clothing and the transformative power of sharing and repurposing garments. At its core, this dialogue emphasizes the need for community and connection in a world often dominated by fast fashion and consumerism.

Takeaways ✨
👗 Clothing carries stories, energy, and emotional meaning.
♻️ Swapping is a fun, sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
🤝 Community gatherings like sip & swaps spark belonging and joy.
🎨 Personal style is creative, evolving, and deeply personal.
🌍 Small acts of sharing can ripple into collective change.

Dr. Michael Brabant Website

In this episode, Dr. Michael Brabant explores the transformative power of presence in both leadership and personal growth. He emphasizes the essential role of connection—within ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. Through stories from his own journey, Michael shares how self-discovery and healing are foundational to authentic living. The conversation delves into the intersection of spirituality and technology, highlighting how both can shape—and sometimes disrupt—our experience of presence. With grounded wisdom, Michael offers practical daily practices to cultivate inner awareness, encouraging listeners to attune to the subtle feedback life constantly offers and to deepen their understanding of their own path.

Presence transforms how we lead ourselves and others.
Connection is a fundamental human need that everyone longs for.
It's essential to give people permission to connect at their own pace.
Healing often requires navigating personal journeys and understanding one's past.
Spirituality plays a crucial role in modern life and personal growth.
Technology can both enhance and hinder our ability to connect with ourselves and others.
Daily practices, such as meditation, can help foster inner connection.
Listening to the feedback life gives us is vital for personal growth.
The most successful individuals may struggle with inner peace and connection.
Measuring health should be based on internal feelings rather than societal metrics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Presence and Connection
02:43 The Importance of Repair Before Connection
07:11 Understanding Connection Through Empathy
11:34 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
17:49 The Intersection of Spirituality and Psychology
25:07 The Importance of Spiritual Connection
28:42 Navigating Ambition and Spirituality
31:27 The Dangers of AI and Technology
37:23 Feedback from Life and Personal Growth
42:07 Daily Rituals for Inner Connection