The Power of Connection: How Saying Yes to People Can Change Your Life
Author: Jess Dahl
September 30, 2025
Some people live their lives with a mission so simple, yet so profound, that it ripples far beyond what they could ever imagine. Rob Lawless is one of those people. Since 2015, his mission has been to meet 10,000 new people, one conversation at a time. What began as a personal challenge transformed into a movement about the power of intentional connection and the courage to say yes to strangers who could become lifelong friends.
I had the pleasure of meeting Rob in person as well as speaking with Rob on the Say Yes Anyway Podcast, and our conversation reminded me that true impact often begins with presence, persistence, and a willingness to connect.
The Journey Begins
Rob’s journey began in the corporate world at Deloitte, a career path many would consider secure and predictable. Yet he felt a calling toward something more unconventional, a life dedicated to building meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. This leap into the unknown came with financial uncertainty, judgments from others, and internal battles that would have stopped many in their tracks.
But Rob trusted the process, leaned into discomfort, and said yes to the unknown. That yes led him to a world of experiences, stories, and friendships that transformed not only his life but the lives of thousands he has met along the way.
A Meeting That Sparked a Ripple
Rob’s story is a powerful reminder that connection is not just about networking, it’s about showing up, listening, and being willing to engage with the people around you.
Across the thousands of people Rob has met, he discovered a universal truth: everyone wants to feel seen, valued, and connected. And yet, too often, we miss opportunities to bridge that gap because it requires vulnerability, courage, and the willingness to step outside our comfort zone.
Saying Yes to Connection
Rob’s journey shows us that saying yes isn’t just about opportunity, it’s about presence. Being present for another person, offering your time, energy, and attention, can lead to connections that shape your life in unexpected ways. Purpose doesn’t always come with a paycheck. Often, it’s revealed through our relationships, our willingness to step into the unknown, and our commitment to meaningful human connection.
This episode is a heartfelt invitation to say yes to people, to experiences, and to opportunities that feel uncertain. It’s a reminder that the power of connection is always within reach if we are brave enough to go looking for it.
Connect with Rob
Learn more about Rob Lawless and his journey to 10,000 friends:
Website: roblawless.com
Instagram: @robs10kfriends
Stay connected with me on Instagram: @jessdahl_
To stay inspired and receive updates on new episodes, resources, and opportunities to say yes to life-changing experiences, join my newsletter here: https://jessdahl.myflodesk.com/sayyesanyway
Come hang out with me at jessdahl.com or DM me on Instagram @JessDahl_
Listen to the full episode here, leave a review and tag me if you share =)
Life-changing connections are waiting. Say yes to the people, experiences, and opportunities that light you up.
Jess Dahl
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