ERIK HANSELL:

Elevating the Workspace with CEREMONIAL cacao

Spark creativity, innovation and connection, and growth

A story of a corporate workspace transformed by heart-opening Ceremonial Cacao—sparking creativity, connection, and growth

Bringing a plant medicine like Ceremonial Cacao into a corporate environment might seem unconventional. Yet, innovation often arises from unexpected places—fresh perspectives, curiosity, and a spark of playfulness. Erik Hansell, a seasoned professional, has discovered how Keith’s Cacao can transform the workspace, fostering connection, creativity, and growth—both personal and professional.

Erik’s Journey: Building Thriving Communities

Erik’s career spans management consulting at Deloitte, product management at Box, and an MBA at Wharton. Along the way, he realized his superpower: creating communities that thrive. His goal became clear—bring this gift into every environment he touched, building connection, collaboration, and spaces where ideas could flourish. Through this lens, Erik saw how cacao rituals could create heart-opening moments that inspire both individual and team growth.

Discovering Cacao: A Heart-Opening Ritual

Erik first noticed Ceremonial Cacao at a colleague’s weekly happy hour. Curious about its reputation as a “heart opener,” he explored Keith’s Cacao and made his first purchase.

When the pandemic shifted work online, Erik and his girlfriend created a simple weekend ritual: sipping rich, meditative Cacao together. This plant medicine brought warmth, playfulness, and connection to otherwise isolated days—and inspired Erik to bring these cacao rituals into his professional life, creating moments of reflection and creative flow.

Cacao in the Workspace: Sparking Creativity and Curiosity

Corporate life often prioritizes routine, analysis, and deadlines. Erik introduced Cacao-fueled “jam sessions” to spark curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Teams explored ideas individually, then came together to blend perspectives—turning brainstorming into playful, heart-opening innovation.

“Every Friday, we had a two-hour jam session. I bought bricks of Keith’s Cacao for my team to prepare at home. Together, we brainstormed, blending ideas into what I called ‘songs’—solutions that transformed our business. All guided by Ceremonial Cacao!”

These cacao-infused sessions strengthened connections, encouraged fresh thinking, and created a culture where ideas could flow freely—proving the power of cacao for creativity and collaborative innovation in the workspace.

Beyond Work: Reflection, Insight, and Community

Cacao's influence extended beyond meetings. During one quiet, meditative session, Erik realized that community was his driving force. Aligning his work with this insight became a guiding principle for both personal and professional decisions.

“Sitting with my cup of Keith’s Cacao, it became clear: I thrive in community. A good team is greater than the sum of its parts. My role is to help people exceed that sum—and Cacao helped me see it.”

Now, as Chief of Staff at a Boston-based company, Erik continues to explore how Ceremonial Cacao can enrich his work—connecting teams, nurturing creativity, and guiding thoughtful decisions through plant medicine rituals that connect and inspire.

The Power of Work and Play: Creativity, Connection, and Heart

Erik’s story shows how a simple cacao ritual can transform a workspace. Keith’s Cacao invites curiosity, heart-opening connection, and playfulness—qualities that unlock innovation and deepen relationships. In a world that often values productivity over presence, Cacao reminds us that work can be inspiring, collaborative, and full of heart.

Perhaps it’s time to raise a cup of Ceremonial Cacao—not to caffeine—but to creativity, connection, and community.

You can connect with Erik on LinkedIn here.

Read more about the Benefits and Uses of Keith's Cacao in workplace productivity, decision-making, and Innovation here.