Strengthening the YMCA Experience Through Stories of Connection

On May 15, I had the privilege of speaking at the Triangle2 Member Innovation Summit in Tulsa, Oklahoma, alongside YMCA leaders from across the country. My Big Idea Talk focused on something simple yet essential: relationships.

We know relationships are core to the YMCA mission — shaping how people grow, connect, and belong.

But why do they matter so much? And how, exactly, do those relationships actually impact the customer (member) experience?

And how do we make them stronger?

To explore these questions, we partnered with Triangle2 and a small group of participating leaders from YMCAs across the country on a pilot project using the SEEQ Platform — our tool to help leaders listen better so they can uncover the emotional drivers of employee and customer experiences, and make them better.

Here’s what we learned:

Trust and belonging aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential. When employees experience trust, members are more likely to experience joy and achievement.

Relationships are a bridge between Employee Experience (EX) and Customer Experience (CX). We saw a clear, quantifiable link: when staff feel supported and connected, it shows up in the way members feel, too.

The Y is both a platform and a relationship. Stories revealed that what makes the YMCA special isn’t just its programs — it’s the people, and the ways they show up for one another.

The stories these leaders shared were powerful, and reflected five core themes:

1. Relationships form through shared purpose.
2. Belonging lasts through time and transition.
3. The Y creates space for authentic connection.
4. The Y strengthens the relationships that matter most.
5. The Y helps people move from isolation to vitality.

This work is just getting started. As we look toward Summer 2025, we’re inviting more YMCAs to join this collaborative journey — to listen more deeply, learn together, and lead on belonging and social connectedness.

Download my presentation from the conference:
➡️ YMCA Relationships & Social Connectedness Triangle2

Download the topline insights report on relationships at the Y:
📄SEEQ Triangle2 YMCA Relationships Pilot Final Topline Report

Learn more about our new YMCA Relationships Initiative with Triangle2:
📄Triangle2 + SMS SEEQ YMCA Relationships Initiative Overview v3 5.30.25

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While in Tulsa, I had the chance to visit Black Wall Street and the Greenwood District. To walk the streets where the Tulsa Race Massacre happened, and where the community continues to rebuild, strive, and thrive. I had the opportunity to listen to the stories of several community members who are deeply engaged in their neighrbood’s historical preservation and present-day place-making. 

Listening to those stories reminded me why Share More Stories exists — to help companies, organizations and communities listen better, so they can do better.

It also reminded me of why I am passionate about the work I do with this team, our customers, partners and participants: we do this work: because stories aren’t just reflections of the past. They are bridges to empathy, understanding, and action.

My heart and mind are full. Grateful to the Triangle2 team, to the YMCA of Greater Tulsa for hosting, and to every leader who showed up with courage and curiosity.

Now it’s your turn.

You want to lead better.
You want to improve your employee experience and customer experience.
You want to and grow your culture and your brand, so you can deliver greater impact.
SEEQ Platform can show you the way.

Let’s chat about what you want to achieve and how we can help.