Evenings by the river: The importance of stepping out from the screen into the real world

In today's reality, where everything and everyone is pushed toward remote work and virtual meetings, I wonder: is it still possible to build these kinds of friendships and deep connections?

My professional life has always been about networking, built on a foundation of strong trust between colleagues, clients, and partners. And these relationships were much more solid and productive when there was empathy and mutual understanding. I still hold to that same way of being, but now I have to be more creative. I sometimes encounter resistance from people who don’t feel the need to socialize, those who prefer to stay behind the safety of their screens.

I’d say I’ve made fewer new friends lately, but the ones I have made are of the highest quality and give me energy, just like this river and the light of Lisbon so wonderfully do.

The office is empty - it doesn’t have the same liveliness that came with the arrival of colleagues who always shared the perfect joke or the adventure of the day. Those moments might have distracted some, but they brought more smiles. And the coffees, lunches, elevator rides, or even just walking to the garage - those were relaxed moments. There was even someone who could recognize my perfume in the elevator! 😄

I enjoy my days, my freedom in remote work, but every time I have a meeting, lunch, or coffee with colleagues, friends, partners, and of course, clients, I feel much more energized and inspired to roll up my sleeves and press on, with joy and passion.

Summer evenings are always perfect for these reflections. We get a little melancholic, but at the same time, I know that when I invite others to these moments, we all leave feeling lighter, uplifted, and with plans to see each other again and continue supporting one another.

A big thank you to the hundreds of friends I have around me - to all the lunches and coffees that keep happening.

by Rita Herédia Cordovil, Managing Partner at Luza