Since 2016, Cutler has invested in and advised dozens of companies from start-ups to later stages. She is particularly interested in new ideas rooted in community, health, and emotional intelligence. For the past four years, Cutler and Rice have been creating Peoplehood, a place to meaningfully connect in real-time with yourself and others both in person and online.
The loneliness crisis is real, and it's more pervasive than many realize. At least one in two U.S. adults is experiencing loneliness, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. There's a lot of talk about this issue, but not enough action. At Peoplehood, we're rolling up our sleeves to be part of the solution.
It might sound cliché to talk about the power of human connection, but spend an hour in a Peoplehood Gather with a group of strangers or friends, and you'll experience something magical. You'll know them differently, and hopefully even yourself.
We're creating a space where people can practice what we call "Higher Listening" – listening without interrupting, offering advice, or thinking about your response. It's harder than it sounds! But when you truly listen and feel heard, it creates a profound sense of connection that combats loneliness at its core. We're not just talking about solving the loneliness crisis; we're actively providing the tools, space, and community to make it happen.
My business partner Julie Rice and I loved the buzz of connection that happened in and outside SoulCycle studios. We saw people meeting, getting married, and starting businesses together – all because of the community they found in those candlelit rooms. We wanted to recreate that energy, but this time focusing on conversation and connection as the main event, not just a happy side effect.
What we're doing now is essentially creating a practice for meaningful group conversations. We're providing the space, support, and skills for people to build deeper, more authentic relationships. It's like strength training for your social skills, but way more fun and engaging.
In the future, I see this kind of intentional connection becoming as integral to people's lives as their fitness routines. I envision people using this format to have those hard conversations we've been avoiding as a society, especially around charged topics like the 2024 presidential election. We seem to have lost the ability to have a conversation with someone we disagree with, and that's a problem.
My dream is to see people using these tools to really listen to each other, to try to understand where others are coming from, even when – especially when – they disagree. It's okay to not agree with other people, but we need to be able to have respectful, productive dialogues.
Imagine a world where people practice deep listening at their dinner tables, with their children, and especially with those who have different viewpoints. Where we can discuss complex issues without resorting to personal attacks or shutting down. That's the kind of future we're working towards – one where human connection and understanding are valued and cultivated in all aspects of life, even in the face of disagreement.
SoulCycle gave us the building blocks for Peoplehood. We learned that most magic in life happens through connection. It's like we got a PhD in community-building, and now we're applying that knowledge to relationships of all kinds.
One of the biggest lessons we're bringing forward is the importance of consistency and practice. Just like you wouldn't expect to get fit from one SoulCycle class, you can't transform your relationships overnight. Peoplehood is a practice, and coming weekly helps create long-term relational change.
We're also leveraging our experience in creating a strong brand and a devoted community. We saw how powerful it could be when people felt like they belonged to something bigger than themselves. We're aiming to recreate that sense of belonging with Peoplehood, but centered around relational fitness rather than physical fitness.
Let's be honest, starting a new business in your 50s is a different ball game than in your 30s. But it also comes with the wisdom of experience and a deeper understanding of what really matters in life – connection, community, and meaningful relationships.
The power of partnership. My business partnership with Julie has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my personal and professional life. How many people do you know that would start not one but two businesses together?
We've been working with a life coach for 15 years, and it's taught us so much about communication and truly understanding each other's perspectives. Maintaining a successful partnership isn't always easy. It's like tending a garden – it requires constant care and sometimes getting your hands dirty. But the rewards are incredible. We've learned to listen deeply, take a pause before reacting, and really try to understand each other's world.
So my secret? Invest in your relationships. The strength of your connections will carry you through the tough times and make the good times even better. Success isn't just about individual achievement – it's about the collective strength of the relationships you build along the way.
I am the most obsessed with Michelle Obama of anyone on planet Earth. If she ever wants to lead a Peoplehood Gather, I'll be first in line.
What I admire about Michelle is her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She has this incredible talent for making everyone feel seen and heard. Her memoir, "Becoming," is a masterclass in vulnerability and authenticity – two qualities that are essential for building meaningful relationships. She understands that real change happens when we invest in our communities and in each other. Plus, her "when they go low, we go high" philosophy is one of my personal mottos.
One thing I wish I COULD live without is cilantro being littered in every single cuisine no matter where I go. It's like the glitter of the food world – it gets everywhere and overstays its welcome.
Oh, where do I start? My team always jokes that I'm their guinea pig for all things new and definitively wacky. If there's a weird wellness trend or a far-out idea, I'm probably already knee-deep in it.
I'm really excited about the possibilities of AI translating animal language. Imagine doing a Peoplehood Gather with your dog! Though I suspect most of the conversation would revolve around treats and walks. Julie thinks I've finally lost it with this one, but mark my words – interspecies communication is the future!
On a slightly more down-to-earth note, I'm thrilled about the trend of people building their own intentional communities. It's like we're all becoming social architects, designing the support structures we need.
I'm also looking forward to a real conversation about our relationship with technology. Maybe we'll finally admit that scrolling isn't a substitute for real human connection. And yes, I see the irony in using AI to help us connect better with humans. What can I say? I contain multitudes.
Ultimately, I'm most excited about the growing focus on mental health and wellbeing. As more people recognize the importance of relational fitness, I believe we'll see a shift towards more authentic, meaningful connections in all areas of life.
And who knows? Maybe by the end of 2024, I'll have convinced Julie to join me in a meditation session with AI-assisted plant communication. A girl can dream, right?
