Magic in the Room #192: Return on Relationship
July 1, 2025
In this episode of "Magic in the Room," hosts Luke and Chris are joined by Sara Hardwick of Giftology to explore the concept of Return on Relationship. They discuss how investing in authentic, intentional relationships, both internally within teams and externally with clients and partners, can drive loyalty and long-term business outcomes. Sara shares her journey into the world of strategic gifting and highlights the philosophy behind Giftology, including the power of delight, personalized systems of care, and the importance of playing the long game in leadership and marketing. The conversation also introduces the Rich Relationship Society, a community built to help leaders implement these practices in meaningful ways.
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Credits:
- Follow Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahardwick/
- Learn more about Giftology: https://giftologygroup.com/
- Giftology Book: https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332
- This episode of Magic in the Room was recorded onsite in Bixby, Oklahoma
- Music by Evan Grim. Find his music on Apple Music
In this episode of Magic in the Room, Luke, Hannah, and Chris explore the lessons, transitions, and leadership insights they’re carrying forward into 2026, emphasizing the importance of narrowing focus, letting go of resistance, and aligning with natural rhythms to create meaningful momentum. They discuss how personal and professional growth often emerges through periods of chaos and transition, highlighting themes such as intentionality, subtraction as a multiplier, and the courage required to release control, certainty, and outdated habits. Drawing on their work with purpose-driven organizations, they explain how leadership transformation begins internally, noting that organizational change is inseparable from personal development and mindset shifts. They also explore how embracing disturbance, addressing root causes instead of symptoms, and cultivating hope rather than cynicism can unlock resilience, stronger culture, and long-term performance.
In this episode of Magic in the Room, Luke, Hannah, and Chris delve into the timely topic of hope versus cynicism in leadership, particularly in a world rife with uncertainty and negativity. The discussion focuses on whether hope alone is sufficient for transformational leadership or if, in environments steeped in cynicism, leaders must amplify their energy and intentionality, sometimes matching the intensity of cynics to move organizations forward. They examine the "hope recipe," which involves envisioning a better future, creating a pathway, and having agency. They also discuss the difficulty of maintaining agency when systems, culture, or fatigue threaten to sap it. They differentiate between strategically "letting go" and simply "giving up," emphasizing the importance of support, accountability, and self-awareness as antidotes to cynicism.