Creatives Connect: A Net-learning experience

Version 1.0 – May 2025

Not for public distribution without consent.

Experiment 1: “Cobayas” – May 11, 2025 | Madrid

Context

This is part of a broader research and creative inquiry into how we can foster deeper  connections in professional environments. Especially in an age of digital distraction and simplification, transactional habits and outdated norms. 

We particularly focused on industries where creativity and collaboration are core values, but meaningful dialogue (known to support connection, critical thinking and creativity) is often missing.

Beta Research Summary

A multi-disciplinary prototype testing a human connection pedagogical framework rooted in the humanities.

Research Origin & Framework

Creatives Connect is a field experiment designed to test a framework grounded in pedagogy, philosophy, sociology, and insights from co-active coaching and design thinking. The experiment is built on the principles explained in the book Networking When You Don’t Like to Network ©.

With over a decade of experience in the media and entertainment industry, I’ve had the opportunity to network at some of the most prominent events, ranging from academic settings to global industry conferences. My time working with leading companies in the creative sector provided me with a unique perspective on how traditional networking models often fall short in fostering meaningful connections.

This research integrates academic theories and real-world insights to explore how we can spark authentic human connections—even among strangers. The methodology translates humanities into guided conversation and interactive activities, designed to foster organic, meaningful connections and critical thinking without relying on forced networking scripts, pitches, hidden transactional motives, superficial icebreakers, or team building activities.

Research Objective

To explore whether structured self-reflection, guided conversation, and questions that AI can’t answer—rooted in humanistic disciplines—can help participants:

• Form genuine, organic connections

• Practice asking impactful questions, questions that matter

• Reflect deeply on topics that invite real dialogue

• Think more critically about ourselves, each other and societal messages that influence people’s careers

  
  

All within a temporary social setting, without necessarily relying on prior familiarity.

Hypothesis

If participants are guided through well-crafted conversation and reflection activities inspired by philosophy, sociology, pedagogy, and coaching, then they will experience deeper human connection and exercise critical thinking more actively than in unstructured or conventional networking spaces.

This experiment also tests whether the Net-learning framework (from Networking When You Don’t Like to Network ©) is viable as a paradigm for real-life group design where learning, connection, and curiosity are at the center, not performance or hidden transactional goals.

Note: The specific group design structure and facilitation techniques used in this prototype are proprietary and have been withheld from this public report to preserve the integrity of ongoing research and intellectual property.

Representation

Professionals from education, film, animation, and government sectors (media and entertainment) participated.

First research insights

1. Openness accelerates with structure

Even among strangers, participants reached surprising levels of depth—fast. A thoughtfully designed format provided safety and stimulation to go beyond small talk.

2. Reflection thrives in public, not just in private

Several people were surprised by how much introspection happened in a group setting. This supports the idea that public spaces can also nurture self-awareness when well guided, sometimes even more so than in private reflection.

3. Connection doesn’t require context

People formed connections without knowing each other’s names, jobs, or backgrounds—proving that vulnerability, not credentials, is of relevance.

4. There was a desire to connect with all participants

Many felt they didn’t have enough time to talk to everyone—not out of politeness, but from genuine curiosity and the depth of the conversations.

5. Creativity is uncovered

Participants were surprised to discover creativity in people they didn’t initially consider  themselves “creative” on paper. This exposed a bias gap and highlighted the format’s power to democratize expression, challenge beliefs, and unlock hidden insights.

These early qualitative insights offer a glimpse into what happens when structure, curiosity, and human-centered design collide.

Conclusions

Choice opens up to generosity 

When people feel free to offer rather than being asked, their contributions come from genuine interest—not obligation. One participant chose to help another—not because she was pitched, but because the space allowed her to feel resonance and act on it.

Conversational design can drive metacognition 

Participants not only shared—they noticed how they think, developing insight into their own ideas and values.

Connection accelerates cognition 

When people feel seen and heard, they're more likely to think critically, express ideas, and challenge assumptions.

Understanding how people learn and interact unlocks creative thinking 

Structure enhances (not limits) spontaneity when it’s designed with intention and under a pedagogical frame.

This was a prototype for the future of human connection in a digital era. It tested a new way of gathering—one that puts presence, real narratives and stories before pitches.

This work aims to reimagine how we gather, think, and relate, collaborate, getting ahead of the algorithms and digital noise so we can lead technology instead of letting technology lead us.

Call to Action

If you are interested in contributing to or participating in the development of this experiment, please reach out via LinkedIn or creativecareerthinking.com.

Post-Event Observations

Currently in development.