The ROI of Being in the Room

The Value of In-Person Connection

Last week reminded me of something simple, but easy to forget in a fast-moving, AI-enabled, Slack-notification-filled workday: some of the most meaningful business moments still happen face to face.

The Growth Molecules team had two very different in-person experiences, and both reinforced the same truth.

The first was an onsite customer workshop. Before we arrived, we had already spent four weeks learning the customer’s business through Zoom calls, surveys, emails, and asset reviews. The team was collaborative, professional, and incredibly kind. They were also measured and a bit stoic, which made it hard to read how they were feeling without asking directly. Then we got in the same room. Once we had the privilege of spending time at their office, the work changed.

This matters. In Freeman’s 2025 Gen Z Report, conducted with The Harris Poll, 91% of Gen Z professionals said in-person events are one of the best ways to build interpersonal skills, and 89% said relationships made at in-person events are critical to building professional confidence.

The second reminder came from a very different setting. The Growth Molecules team volunteered at RAD Camp, where R.A.D. stands for Rising Above Disabilities. RAD Camp gives children and adults with developmental disabilities, including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and others, the chance to experience overnight camp with around-the-clock care, friendship, independence, and fun.

Roles on the Radar

• Onboarding Specialist at OhMD
• VP, Customer Delivery at Nue.io
• Head of Customer Success, Enterprise at Harvey
• Director of Client Services at Virtasant

Molecule Maker

Meet Becky Payne, Vice President, GTM Effectiveness at Sage.

Becky's fun fact: I have a very analytical brain and naturally think in systems, frameworks, and equations. At the same time, I genuinely enjoy working with customers and collaborating with colleagues, which ultimately led me to shift my career toward roles that combine both strengths.

Becky's current curiosity: I'm fascinated by how AI agents will fundamentally change the way work gets done.

Systems Becky has in progress: I'm currently leading a broad GTM transformation focused on connecting strategy, process, data, technology, and enablement into a single operating model.