"Create a Workplace filled with relationships you cherish.

It's a remarkable achievement when your stories become the catalyst for someone else's transformation. Lee Broekman does this while delivering a masterclass in the art of human connection, pulling back the curtain on real transformations between colleagues who started worlds apart..

Through vivid case studies, she reveals the precise mechanisms by which discord dissolves into understanding and hostility softens into empathy. Such collaboration skills are needed now more than ever!.

What distinguishes this work is Broekman's transparency and vulnerability—revealing where she and others felt frustrations and disappointment before finding eventual breakthroughs. Broekman possesses a rare gift for distilling sophisticated communication frameworks into tools you can actually use immediately.

She explores concepts that genuinely shift dynamics: the improvisational "Yes, and" that opens doors rather than slamming them shut; the radical reframe of "finding her right" versus the dead-end of "making her wrong"; the clarifying power of cognitive restructuring; the delicate balance of being Diplomatically Direct; the grounding practice of Stop, Think, Proact.

Broekman offers concrete phrases and tangible strategies for showing up differently with the people who matter most, thereby deepening our connection and enriching our lives."

"Relevant and Meaningful Guide to Today's Complex Workforce.

In her highly anticipated (and often asked-for) follow up to "Stop Blocking, Start Connecting," Lee Broekman crafts a engaging and deeply relevant guide to today’s complex workplace environment. "Elevate Conversations" moves beyond identifying communication breakdowns and focuses on building the habits that make real connection possible.



An astute student of the human condition, Broekman emphasizes intentional response over reflex, showing how empathy, curiosity, and psychological safety are not abstract ideals but practical skills that can transform everyday interactions. Grounded in relatable, real-world scenarios, the book illustrates how small shifts in communication can reduce tension, foster collaboration, and strengthen relationships.

I highly recommend Creating Connection for a wide audience—from emerging leaders, to professionals navigating a return-to-work environment, to those entering the workforce for the first time. It’s a thoughtful, accessible guide for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively and connect more meaningfully."

“Elevate Conversations, Deepen Connections by Lee Broekman is one of those rare communication books that doesn’t just ‘sound good,’ it actually changes how you show up in real conversations. The tools are practical, simple to remember, and immediately usable (especially when emotions are high or you’re stuck in a familiar pattern). I found myself constantly highlighting. Not because it was theoretical, but because it was usable. If you want better conversations at work, at home, or in any relationship that matters, this book is a clear, compassionate guide.”

"As I read, I found myself nodding along to countless examples, laughing out loud at moments that felt uncomfortably familiar, and pausing often to reflect. There were several “Do I do that?” moments—followed by the honest realization: Yes, I do. And then the even more meaningful takeaway: Maybe there’s a better way.

"Elevate Conversations, Deepen Connection," serves as an incredible roadmap for communication in social and civil discourse, and its lessons apply across every setting—work, friendships, family, and beyond. At its core, as Lee so aptly puts it, “It’s about bridging differences and creating connections.” That sentiment rings true on every page."

"Thanks to this book, I’m improving how I communicate with everyone in my life.

I’m a mother, coworker, boss, friend, family member & member of society during what many consider a polarizing time… and from social media to close work relationships & personal interactions, I took so much away from your book that is immediately usable and helpful in my everyday life. This is like a communication LIFEBOOK to supercharge the relationships that matter in your life. I loved it!"

"Indispensable guide to connection in our busy world. 

From master communicator Lee Broekman comes Elevate Conversations, Deepen Connection, a much-needed guide to taking our interactions to the next level in our time- and attention-stretched lives. Broekman gently and artfully shows us how our ingrained personal experiences and surrounding cultural influencers unwittingly sabotage our interactions, even when we intend to engage and connect meaningfully. Broekman raises our awareness of the potential landmines in our own communication approaches and gives us fun, easy-to-implement alternatives for true human connection in an increasingly busy world. Her insights are clear and invaluable. Especially powerful chapters for me were how to turn concepts like empathy, curiosity, and listening, into transformative drivers of connection--concepts we often talk about but don't employ effectively. Turning complaints into requests had a similarly illuminating impact. And of course, never underestimate the power of saying nothing at all. This is an essential addition to any professional library. And if you haven't purchased Stop Blocking, Start Connecting, buy them together for an unbeatable communication combination."

"A Practical Guide to Improving Your Communications. 

What I appreciated most about Lee Broekman's first book, Stop Blocking, Start Connecting, were the practical tips that could allow me to put her advice into action right away. The same is true with this sequel, Elevate Conversations, Deepen Connections. Lee provides easy to use tools you can take to immediately put her suggestions into action. While a must read for business professionals looking to improve their communications with colleagues, managers and team members, I also recommend it for anyone wanting to improve their personal social interactions. The title is spot on. This book will help you elevate your conversations and deepen connections by enhancing your communication skills."

"Valuable Communication Techniques.

Broekman's latest book, "Elevate Conversations, Deepen Connections: Key Tools for Even Better Communication" is another homerun!

Filled with practical tips and real world anecdotes, it's a quick read filled with useful strategies on managing communication not only in the workplace, but also in personal situations as well. I appreciate how relatable and straightforward she is in explaining what works, why it might be better, and how to reframe and apply new methods of communicating that could lead to better morale and productivity. Her recommendations are simple but effective, and I look forward to implementing them into my daily routine. Highly recommend!"

"It's a quick reference guide that applies for almost everything!

I have worked in HR and marketing communications, both as an employee, manager, and as a leader...these skills are timeless and applicable across all the workplaces and relationships you could imagine! This book is such a quick, easy distillation of key areas of communication excellence! Keep it in your back pocket at all times; it's a fabulous reference for those moments when you need to convey meaning and avoid unnecessary drama. I particularly gravitate toward the idea of assuming positive intent - it's so easy to vilify the person on the other side without digging further. This idea has saved me many headaches!"

"One of those books that sneaks up on you (in a good way).

This book didn’t make me feel like I needed to “fix” how I communicate. It just helped me notice myself more. And somehow, that alone started changing my conversations. I caught myself pausing instead of reacting, listening instead of filling silence, and caring less about being “right” and more about being present. No scripts. No awkward techniques. Just small, human shifts that actually stick. It’s the kind of book you read and then quietly start using everywhere without trying. Highly recommend if you want better conversations without turning into a communication robot."

"Relatable & actionable takeaways!

I appreciated how easy it was to dive into and engage with this book. The conversational tone and relatable examples, including those with teens, helped illustrate the concepts. The thoughtful context and practical strategies make the ideas easy to consume, understand, and apply in both personal and professional."

"Practical Wisdom.

Lee Broekman offers practical yet profound insights into what enables--and what gets in the way of--powerful communication. In this (delightfully!) short book, she builds on her previous work on communication blockers and shares as much, if not more, wisdom than one could find in a much longer book. I especially loved the examples she shared, from within and outside the workplace, as well as the exercises and practices she includes. This is both a quick read and a resource worth more than one reading."

"A must! Elevate Conversations, Deepen Connection is such a beautiful and powerful book.

Lee has an amazing way of making you reflect on how you communicate—with others and with yourself. The stories and examples are so real and helpful!

I especially loved the “Yes, and” concept and how small shifts in how we listen, respond, and show up can completely change our relationships.

I recommend to anyone who wants to grow, connect, and communicate with more kindness and intention."

"Loved this communication book!

I loved Broekman's first book "Stop Blocking, Start Connecting" and wondered what else she could add to the conversation. Turns out, a ton. This new book goes even deeper, with lots of practical tips to help people connect better. It feels very human compared to more academic books, which makes it relatable (but no less substantive). I also appreciated that I was able to read it in one sitting. So much substance skillfully compacted into a short, enjoyable read."

"Meaningful connections made clear.

As an entrepreneur, there is nothing quite as important as forming authentic connections with partners and clients. This book drills down on the intra-personal and has personally helped me focus on the energy I bring to every conversation. It's the kind of book to refer back to from time-to-time for reminders and frameworks for how to better navigate challenges with more clarity and intention. Great book."

"A must read for meaningful connection at work.

It's more important than ever to foster effective communication in the workplace. In Elevate Conversation, Deepen Connection, author and Communication & Leadership trainer Lee Broekman's use of real-world examples brings her advice to life, offering practical and seemingly simple ways to make conversations more intentional and positive. A must read for anyone hoping to create better and more meaningful connections with their colleagues."

"Don’t sleep on this one!! Lee takes the business of quality conversation and communication skills to another level in her new book! Backed with real world, actionable and practical advice- you can and will want to share this book with your colleagues and loved ones. Entering 2026 with “Platinum Rule” goals!"

"One of our best communication coaches of the 21st century

Broekman does it again! As always, few people capture conversational and relational nuance the way she does. A true master at her craft. Each of the concepts in this book spoke to me from both a personal and professional standpoint, as someone in a leadership position at my job who also needs to navigate the world effectively with friends, family, and partners -- and conscious communication can help all of those relationships and environments thrive, as proven by all that I've taken away from this book and her previous installment "Stop Blocking, Start Connecting."

I found the advice to be so versatile, and her ability to frame the concepts with various thought experiments ingenious. Similar to her last book, she analyzes these ideas in a way that evokes empathy, understanding, and trust.

Something that really stuck with me from this most recent read is the 'Even Better If' practice and the whole “feed-forward” idea. That ability to simultaneously place the reader in both sides of the conversation is exactly what makes her a brilliant communication coach. And I've already found myself approaching my team with my revisions on various projects starting with "Even better if you could have included a, b, and c...!"

I could write a dissertation on what I loved about each chapter, but I won't spoil too much so you can have your own takeaways as a reader. All I can say is, if you're working in a team (at home, at your job, wherever) -- GET THIS BOOK! It will help you unlock new perspectives on the ways that others communicate too, so you can approach every situation patiently, empathetically, and confidently."