‘I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.’
(Oprah Winfrey)
I continue to express the benefits of building effective partnerships and how networking can enhance this process.
My current Walk into the Future provides multiple opportunities for partnering and networking to continue to make a difference in the world. Current relationships (mentors, tree branches, etc.) can be instrumental for the development of new opportunities.
I was virtually introduced to Isabella Johnston from Intern Pursuit through a mutual friend. We connected via LinkedIn and then followed up with a phone call to learn more about how we could partner (if possible) in the future. Happy to say Isabella’s role with Intern Pursuit and other projects she has in the Central Florida area are making a difference daily. Enjoyed learning about the exciting things she is working on and will roll out later this year.
We discussed the possibility of me coming down to participate as a guest speaker for her Intern Whisperer Podcast. Participating on the podcast seemed like a perfect partnership so I was happy to accept the offer to continue to work with Isabella and her staff.
What a great experience to meet Isabella, her staff and recording the podcast! Very engaging format with questions designed to allow me to provide professional and leadership advice to listeners of the podcast. Had a blast with the entire process and looking forward to continuing this newly formed partnership.
An interesting aspect to my trip down to Orlando was I had lunch with a ‘tree branch’ prior to recording the podcast. I had breakfast the next morning with another ‘tree branch’—tried to get a lot accomplished in minimal time. The interesting part of my connecting with my Orlando tree branches is they both know (know of) Isabella and her work and she is familiar with their work. They are all master networkers, so I’m not surprised these folks all know each other—looks like I was the last one to the party! 😊
- View Podcast (with video) here: https://lnkd.in/eTCgfCa
- Please share the podcast with anyone you believe would benefit from the great work by the Intern Pursuit staff.
Who gave you a chance?
One question that was presented to me during the podcast was ‘Who gave you a chance’?
You can hear my full answer by listening to the podcast. I’ve had a lot of great people mentor me over the years but my answer to this question is Ann Loyd. Ann allowed me to transition from the Air Force into a role within the Macon State College Career Center. Nothing in my professional background directly translated to career services but Ann took the chance my dedication and passion to help others would translate. Happy to say it did—I’m still making a difference because Ann saw something in me and helped me shape my world view on helping students succeed. My Walk into the Future started with the chance she gave me.
‘It is the responsibility of leadership to provide opportunity, and the responsibility of individuals to contribute.’
(William Pollard)
So, I pose the same question to you–Who gave you a chance? Who will you give a chance to? Interested in your thoughts—thanks!
Walk Into the Future 