Building Connection: Dan J. Berger on Community, Belonging, and Leadership

Dan’s Journey to Idaho Retreats

In this episode, Michael welcomes Dan to discuss his incredible journey from Israel to the United States, where he built a career in programming and later wrote a book to help people discover their sense of belonging. Now, Dan is focused on building retreat venues nationwide, creating spaces for people to reconnect with themselves and others.

Michael shares a personal story about his cousin, who turned a passion into a thriving business, reinforcing that pursuing what truly fulfills you can lead to success. Dan explains why he chose Idaho as a base for his retreats, highlighting the state’s balance of recreation and work-life harmony. Michael reminisces about his experiences in Idaho, including an unforgettable snowball fight in 95-degree weather.

Overcoming Personal Challenges to Find Belonging

Michael and Dan dive into the deeply personal journey of overcoming challenges, from addiction to finding true purpose. Dan reflects on his own path of self-discovery, which led to writing his book on belonging. He shares a powerful insight: before we can feel a sense of belonging in our careers or teams, we first need to cultivate it within ourselves.

They explore how self-awareness and understanding are crucial in fostering a work environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Michael reinforces that personal growth isn’t just about success—it’s about aligning with what truly matters.

Building Strong Teams Through Connection

Michael shares his experience working for an insurance automation company in the late ’90s, where he and a team of 12 traveled across the country to install automation systems at independent insurance agencies. Recognizing the need for team cohesion, leadership made it a priority to bring everyone together at least once or twice a year. This simple investment in team bonding paid off, leading to a tight-knit group that could execute high-stakes projects—like a complex, week-long installation in New Orleans—with confidence and success.

The key takeaway? A strong sense of belonging isn’t just about the workplace—it’s about trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.

The Power of Belonging in Leadership & Business

Dan and Michael close the conversation by emphasizing the importance of fostering belonging in organizations. Dan shares his simple yet powerful framework for building psychological safety and engagement at work. He introduces his new company, Assemble Hospitality, and discusses his book, which lays out strategies for leaders to create cultures of belonging.

Michael reflects on his own experiences working at companies that truly prioritized a sense of connection—and the stark contrast of workplaces that failed to do so. They also touch on the challenges men face in today’s society when it comes to identity and belonging, reinforcing the need for self-discovery and purpose-driven leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create meaningful connections, whether in business or in life.

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Dan J. Berger (www.danjberger.com) is an Israeli-American entrepreneur, author, and community builder dedicated to fostering connection and belonging. His book, The Quest: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging (Forbes Books), cements his place as a thought leader on this essential human need. As the founder of Social Tables, an award-winning event design software company acquired by Blackstone-owned Cvent for $100 million, Dan revolutionized the events industry, helping people connect at scale. A recipient of multiple awards, including the Pacesetter Award from the Events Industry Council, he now leads Assemble Hospitality Group, reimagining corporate retreats to cultivate belonging and transform team dynamics.

An avid community builder, Dan founded the Idaho Israel Alliance, a nonprofit combating antisemitism after the October 7 attacks in Israel. He also spearheaded a prominent Idaho men’s group and actively participated in YPO and Tiger 21. Dan holds an MBA from Georgetown University and lives with his wife and daughter in Boise, Idaho.