Community is a verb

With Veerle Donders, Zoku

We offer experiences that make it OK and normal to talk to strangers. It helps our guests easily connect to others and feel that they’re part of a community.

Veerle Donders

Today we’re learning from Veerle Donders, Concept & Brand Director at Zoku.

The big idea: Building true community requires empathy, strategic thinking, intentional design - and lots of work.

Today's 6-minute episode covers:

  • Veerle’s weekly ritual to stay connected to the community and learn what they need (0:15)

  • What Zoku offers to encourage people to meet each other (0:42)

  • What hospitality providers can learn from attending a party (1:00)

  • How to invite people into your space well (1:48)

  • Normalizing behaviors within a community (2:46)

  • The unique opportunity hotels have to foster community (3:18)

  • Why hotels can offer better community and networking than TED and the world’s best conferences (3:53)

  • Designing for interaction (4:34)

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the website.

Credit: Zoku / Ewout Huibers & Concrete

Credit: Zoku / Ewout Huibers & Concrete

Credit: Zoku / Ewout Huibers & Concrete

Question for you: What are you doing to create community around your brand?