‘Sonder’ Is The emPOWER Breakfast’s New Favourite Word

Recently, Melissa Robertson, one of the 2025 emPOWER speakers, shared how her daughter introduced her to the concept of 'sonder' - a word coined by John Koenig in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. It describes that profound moment when you realise that every random passerby has an inner life as vivid and complex as your own. She was sharing it in reference to her experience of speaking at the emPOWER session at FOCUS meet the makers.

At emPOWER, this concept resonates deeply. Each person who walks through the doors carries their own Universe of experiences. The quiet participant taking notes might be processing years of unspoken challenges. The animated speaker sharing their story might have spent countless nights building the courage to share, powered by the hope that their experience could help others feel less alone.

The concept of sonder has been comforting. In each of our challenges it reminds us that countless others are navigating similar waters. Our stories might look different on the surface, but they pulse with the same depth of love, determination, sometimes overwhelm and always hope.

This is why community spaces like emPOWER matter so deeply. They're intersections where hidden stories emerge and connect. That person you just shared coffee with has their own mountains they're climbing, their own victories they're celebrating, their own challenges they're facing. When we truly grasp this, there is an opening, and empathy flows naturally.

Understanding sonder changes how we move through the world. It reminds us that behind every brief interaction, every passing smile, every question asked during a session, and new perspective shared, lies a complete life story as rich and complex as our own. Each with a wealth of wisdom to share.

At emPOWER, we're not just sharing knowledge - we're creating space for these countless life stories to come into the light and interweave. In recognizing the depth of each other's experiences, we build something powerful: a community where no one needs to feel alone on their journey.

The beauty of sonder lies in its reminder that while our paths may differ, our humanity connects us. That despite, and because of, our challenges… we are able to show up in Business as more complete humans, with a depth and compassion that enhances our ability to connect, and what does our industry aim to do if not connect with our audience… be that team, client or community at large, in a meaningful way. Every person you meet is the main character in their own story - and at emPOWER, we get to be part of the extraordinary moment when these stories come together.

We are getting close to the invite drop for the first event of 2025. So keep your eyes peeled!