Madi van Schalkwyk is the founder of A StrangerKind (ASK) and director of A Kind Agency. She shared how the idea for A StrangerKind emerged from recognizing how little people truly know about one another — and how difficult it can be to approach a stranger and start a meaningful conversation.
The Concept Behind A StrangerKind
At A StrangerKind events, Madi and her team provide curated lists of topics that participants can choose from to help spark conversation. The intention is to create a structured yet open space where strangers can connect more easily and authentically.
Through these interactions, Madi discovered that engaging deeply with strangers strengthened her ability to ask more thoughtful questions of the people closest to her — including friends and family. She highlights how familiarity often leads to assumptions, rather than curiosity. By asking about a parent's childhood, their first pet, or the experiences that shaped their views, conversations can become more meaningful and layered. Showing up fully in dialogue with strangers, she explains, has transformed how she approaches conversations in her own life.
Impact in Educational Spaces
A StrangerKind has also been brought to universities, where the impact on students has been significant. Students gain new perspectives on their professors, seeing them as multidimensional individuals rather than solely authority figures. This shift often changes the overall educational experience.
Madi emphasizes that people are inherently willing to share their stories and lived experiences when given the opportunity, and that these exchanges foster genuine human connection.
Addressing Skepticism
For those skeptical about the impact of structured conversations with strangers, Madi encourages attending an event firsthand. She recounts moments where individuals who appeared to have little in common discovered unexpected shared ground — perhaps a favorite childhood meal or a beloved song — and soon found themselves connecting with ease. A 45-minute conversation, she notes, can influence someone's perspective, interests, communication style, or even how they manage stress. The ripple effects can be profound.
Across hundreds of events, one question has stood out as particularly powerful: "What question do you wish someone would ask you?" This simple inquiry often unlocks deeply personal reflections and provides rare insight into another person's inner world.
Broad Reach
Madi's work spans grassroots organizations and global institutions such as Google and the International Monetary Fund. Whether in community spaces or corporate boardrooms, she observes that the need for meaningful human connection remains the same.
In a time marked by polarization and isolation, her work continues to create spaces for empathy, understanding, and authentic dialogue.
To learn more about A StrangerKind, contact Madi at +27 82 926 1012 or visit
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