Conquer Incivility and Craft Authentic Team Connection Through the Art of Sourdough Baking
Yes! I'm Interested!
Want to Try a Proven Way to Build True Team Connection - Before You Bring in the Whole Team?
Join us for
The Breaking Bread Experience
Experience Connection - Baked-in at this LIVE, Hands-on, Virtual, 1-day Event for Business Leaders Who Want More Harmonious, Connected Teams
November 16, 2024
10am EST - 7pm EST
Breaking Bread® is a virtual, live, immersive, team development event where leaders and their teams come together to break down barriers, build trust, and connect through the engaging metaphor of baking and breaking sourdough bread.
It's connection… baked in.
"Kitchen-to-kitchen, live, real-time connection? This is perfect for remote teams!" Arlette Barlow
Why Breaking Bread?
Because Your Team—and Your Success—Depend on It.
High stress, incivility, and miscommunication are costing US businesses $2 Billion every day because stress is rising, and traditional ways of connecting aren’t cutting it anymore.
As a team leader, you may already know first hand that traditional team training isn't cutting it anymore, either. But you still need to create a connected, welcoming environment where everyone can thrive...
That’s why the Breaking Bread Experience combines the art of sourdough baking with proven strategies for creating strong, authentic connections—no matter how high the stakes, no matter how different or dispersed your team may be.
In Just One Day You'll Discover Ways to:
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🥖 Reduce Incivility: Create a respectful, supportive environment where issues don’t escalate.
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🥖 Foster Trust and Harmony: Learn to build a culture where team members feel valued and secure.
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🥖 Boost Creativity and Retention: A connected team is an innovative, loyal team.
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🥖 Navigate Difficult Conversations: Approach challenges calmly and confidently.
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🥖 Create a Welcoming Culture: Use sourdough as a neutral, shared experience.
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🥖 Make a delicious sourdough bread!
This isn’t just a bread-making class—it’s a transformative approach to leadership. Join us to build the civil, connected workplace your team deserves. Limited spots available!
“Nancy Hand has a terrific presentation style…engaging, humorous, animated, and focused on better connection." Drew Jardine - Vice President, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Here's Why Sourdough Bread is the Perfect Way to Learn Enhanced Connection:
A Universal Language: Bread is something almost everyone agrees on. Starting here gives us common ground, perfect for building deeper understanding.
Culturally Rooted: Every culture has its own beloved bread, making it a heartfelt, authentic way to connect.
Authentic and Real: Like true connection, sourdough is the real deal—no shortcuts, no faking it.
Generational Bridge: Sourdough is cool and relatable for everyone, from Gen Z to Boomers—a rare chance to connect without work talk.
Sustainable and Personal: It’s virtual, so it’s carbon-friendly and cost-effective, yet feels personal with small, hands-on groups.
Retention: Active learning enhances memory and application of new skills
Stress Relief: working with dough is calming and unlocks creativity
This unique approach levels the playing field and invites everyone in, creating a space to build lasting bonds authentically.
"Nancy has a fantastic ability to teach essential skills (not 'soft skills), sprinkled in with a very practical life skill of making bread! I'm excited to blow-away my friends with a tasty loaf of sourdough AND new ways of connecting." Robbie MacCue
"I loved that we all shared our loaves at the end! The course as a corporate team building exercise is amazing!"
Heera Marway - Engineer, Ontario, Canada
This is for you if...
The people side of business is harder than it used to be
It feels like you're herding cats, struggling to get everyone moving in the same direction
Necessary conversations are beginning to exhaust you
Little incivilities are creeping in your world – drama, snark...or worse
Multitasking and double dipping are your jam, AND... You're a FOODIE! Duh!
"Shoutout to Nancy Hand and her Breaking Bread Experience! This was an awesome experience not only making and baking sourdough for the first time ever but also meeting, engaging and connecting with the other fabulous men and women who also signed up for this event"
AnnaMarie Kaminski
Here's what to expect:
A comprehensive baking kit. Everything you need to create delicious sourdough, without the hassle.
Live, real-time guidance while crafting your sourdough bread - including the science behind why it is so healthy
Breakout connection opportunities
Tailored communication strategies - practical techniques to connect better, even under pressure.
Access to a private online community for ongoing support, connection, and idea-sharing.
Customized workbook with space for personal insights.
"Within the first hour we were all chatting like old friends. I LOVED the way Nancy wove together the sourdough with connection skills. I left with wonderful new friends and a gorgeous loaf of bread."
Karen Molan - Therapist, Tipperary, Ireland
"But I don't have time for this kind of thing!"
We hear you. Your time is precious.
That's why the Breaking Bread Experience is time-efficient and engaging - delivering powerful skills and techniques for you and your team - in just one day.
A day invested now will save you countless hours of future conflict and miscommunication - giving you more time to focus on what you do best.
"A great experience! Nancy coached us through the entire process. Who knew creating sourdough could be so inspirational. A positive and motivating day! A must try event. Thank you, Nancy!!" Dawn Harkins - Harkins, LLC Wealth Management
Now this is especially important...
Because you'll be getting my favorite secret ingredients in your exclusive starter kit,
You must enroll by November 9, 2024!
Please share with your friends right away!
"Okay, Lady! I had so much fun Breaking Bread with you this weekend. And I learned so much from both you AND the other attendees. Thanks for getting me to be social, connect, & have some tasty sourdough."
Melissa Humble - Humblebee Bakes
We make sure you "rise" to success on bake day!
We have your back before, during, and after the event.
"The Bread Box"
Before the big day, you’ll get a special box in the mail with the tools you need to succeed - like dough blade, lame, my favorite salt, proofing bags, parchment, and a few wonderful surprises for you. You'll have everything you need to rise to the adventure.
Kickoff Party
And of course, we'll meet in "Kitchen Studio" a night or two before the event for a cocktail/mocktail meet and greet. You'll be able to check that your sourdough starter is ready to go, and you are ready to "dough"!
After Party!
You may have some questions pop up after the event, so we'll meet again for a cocktail/mocktail-Q&A-happy hour on Friday, November 22, 2024.
You can ask questions, and get ready to connect with your friends and family for the holidays AND dazzle them with your bodacious sourdough. 🥖
Full Workbook
Everything you need to know to effectively create your doughy delights AND how to use them as a tool to connect more effectively.
Strategy Call with Nancy!
A 30-minute one-on-one consultation with Nancy Hand to discuss your most pressing communication/connection issue in the workplace
I'm ready to Break Bread! 🥖00
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Some data:
a.k.a why connection and communication are SO important for you as you grow your business!
$8.8 trillion dollars - worldwide cost of lost productivity due to unengaged or actively disengaged employees in 2022
$2 Billion dollars - amount US businesses are currently losing PER DAY to incivility (rudeness)
57% of Americans who quit their jobs in 2021 did so because they felt disrespected at work.
71% of Americans were willing to accept a pay cut for the right cultural fit.
76% of over 2000 survey respondents in 25 different industries reported experiencing incivility once a month or more
When employees have been on the receiving end of incivility/rudeness/disrespect:
- 48% intentionally decreased their work effort.
- 38% intentionally decreased the quality of their work.
- 80% lost work time worrying about the incident
- 78% said that their commitment to the organization declined
- 63% lost work time avoiding the offender
- 25% admitted to taking their frustration out on customers
And there are many, many more reasons to connect in life outside of work - including increased longevity, better physical and mental health, greater resilience...
"Thanks Nancy! It was so much fun! I really enjoyed meeting everyone, and look forward to seeing them again. We are thrilled with our sourdough and connection confidence!" Melanie Aycock - LPC, Louisiana
Meet Nancy Hand
My communication expertise is based on over 35 years of real-world experience and formal training in contract law, mediation, dispute resolution, negotiation, and coaching as well as a passion for communication, learning, and behavior.
But it’s also rooted in my own culinary heritage as a south Louisiana daughter of a food scientist, a foodie (know thyself!), and sourdough baker.
Bread connects. Every culture in the world has a unique bread heritage they celebrate. Breaking Bread brings people together.
No matter where you are in the world, sharing a meal is an act of community and peace. It's where people communicate, connect, relax, create, and celebrate.
That's what my Breaking Bread events are all about! All of that - and a drool worthy loaf?
That's a good day! 🥖
"Because nobody needs another awkward meeting, boring webinar, or dimly lit ballroom communication training..." Literally Everyone
Got questions? We've got answers!
Q: Do I need any baking experience to participate?
A: Not at all! Our expert facilitators will guide you through every step of the process. This experience is designed for bakers of all levels, from complete novices to sourdough enthusiasts.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
A: While we teach traditional sourdough, we have had many gluten free participants who enjoy and benefit from the experience. They bake their loaves to share.
Q: What kind of follow-up support is provided after the event?
A: You'll receive access to our online community and follow-up resources so you can ask questions and connect with Nancy and your fellow participants.
Q: How long does the virtual event last?
A: The Breaking Bread Experience is a one-day event, typically running from 10 AM to 7 PM, with lots of breaks built in for lunch and rest periods.
Q: Is this just another training gimmick?
A: Absolutely not! The Breaking Bread Experience is grounded in solid communication theory and practical workplace applications. And the sourdough itself isn't just a cutesy boondoggle. The baking process is a form of active meditation. It frees up your overstretched working memory so you can destress, connect and learn more easily. You'll walk away with concrete skills and strategies that you can implement immediately to improve your team's dynamics and productivity.
Q: How does this actually improve my communication or work life?
A: The bread-making process serves as a powerful metaphor for connection and communication. As you work through the stages of mixing, kneading, and baking, you'll be learning and practicing communication techniques that directly apply to your day-to-day. The shared experience also builds camaraderie between you and your peers - all in a convivial, non-combative environment.
Q: What equipment do I need to participate?
A: You'll need a computer or tablet with a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. For baking, we'll send you a kit including a sourdough starter and tools. You'll just need access to an oven, a worktop, and a baking vessel of some sort.
Q: How will this fit into my busy schedule?
A: We understand that time is precious for business leaders. The Breaking Bread Experience is designed to be a concentrated, high-impact event that delivers maximum value in a single day. The skills and insights you gain will save you countless hours of conflict resolution and miscommunication in the long run.
Q: Can I bring my entire team?
A: While the experience is limited to 35 participants to ensure an intimate and effective learning environment, we can discuss options for larger teams or multiple sessions if needed. Contact us for more information on custom solutions for your organization.