In short
How to stay present and build connection during virtual interactions, using questioning, pausing, and creating space for reflection.
Guests
No guests are mentioned; the episode features a single speaker reflecting on their experience at Coca-Cola.
Guest background
The speaker joined Coca-Cola over a decade ago, worked in Dallas while corporate HQ is in Atlanta, and learned to adapt to different communication styles across associates.
Key claims
Virtual presence requires more active engagement than in-person—ask many questions, seek understanding, and use uncomfortable pauses so both people can think and respond.
Notable examples
One associate prefers formal, dedicated one-on-one calendar time; another prefers informal, frequent check-ins several times per week.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VONavigating Virtual Interactions
0:04 to 0:27
Understand the importance of presence in virtual communications.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Navigating Virtual Interactions
0:59 to 2:22
Understand the importance of presence in virtual communications.
“And so it was one of those opportunities where I had to be very agile and learn myself.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:01This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+. Good sleep is everything. that's why OLLI's science back support is made with a blend of melatonin and L-theanine for both kiddos and grown-ups so when your mind won't switch off you've got something that can help your racing thoughts and restless nights won't stand a chance find OLLI's sleep solutions for the whole family at OLLI.com that's O-L-L-Y dot com
0:58Mark Kaestner:When I joined Coca-Cola a little over a decade ago, I was located in Dallas and our corporate headquarters is in Atlanta. And so it was one of those opportunities where I had to be very agile and learn myself. And it was interesting because everybody has a different style and a different adaptation. And so I have one associate that really likes formal, one-on-one calendar time where it's set aside and it's dedicated for us to have the opportunity to connect. I have another associate that likes it very informal and very frequent, and I check in with them several times during the week. Also, I think one of the things that I learned right away was that when you're physically together, you're able to see the body language, you're able to read facial expressions, and you can connect in a different way.
1:55Mark Kaestner:One of the things that I learned was to be able to be very present when you're connecting virtually. And what I mean by being present is asking a lot of questions, seeking to understand, doing the pause, which sometimes can be very uncomfortable. But it allows the space for each of you to think, but then also to react to each other. So one of the things that I definitely do is to have that opportunity where I create the space where we can reflect and connect.
From the publisher
How to Be Present When Connecting Virtually
19 Mar 2020
---
Being present with co-workers virtually is difficult and requires different strategies for each person.
(Originally published July 14, 2017) Mark Kaestner, former global director of executive development for The Coca Cola Company, says you need to ask lots of questions. And embrace the uncomfortable pauses: they create the space for colleagues to reflect and connect.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
At Harvard Business Review, we believe in management. If the world’s organizations and institutions were run more effectively, if our leaders made better decisions, if people worked more productively, we believe that all of us — employees, bosses, customers, our families, and the people our businesses affect — would be better off. So we try to arm our readers with ideas that help them become smarter, more creative, and more courageous in their work. We enlist the foremost experts in a wide range of topics, including career planning, strategy, leadership, work-life balance, negotiations, innovation, and managing teams. Harvard Business Review empowers professionals around the world to lead themselves and their organizations more effectively and to make a positive impact.
Sign up for Newsletters: https://hbr.org/email-newsletters
Follow us:
https://hbr.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-business-review/
https://www.facebook.com/HBR/
https://twitter.com/HarvardBiz
https://www.instagram.com/harvard_business_review
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
