episodes 22-24: extraordinary networking, connecting, community with jheel
In these 3 episodes, I sit down with Jheel, a friend of over a decade, to explore the transformative power of genuine human connection. For 10 years, I've watched her master the art of networking.
We dive into fears around networking, why rejection isn’t personal, and how small, authentic gestures can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
From corporate mentorship to unexpected friendships, Jheel shares stories showing networking as a skill of curiosity, courage, and community—not just career advancement.
Jheel shares the creative tools she’s used, the stories behind them, and why your quirks are often your greatest networking strength.
You’ll also hear her mentor me through a real-life situation, offering a fresh, practical tip that redefines how to approach opportunities.
Mindset Shifts
Networking definition: genuine connections
They’re human too. I’m not here to prove my worth; I’m here to meet another human being.
Networking isn’t just for career growth — it’s also about serendipitous joy, shared interests, and unexpected friendship.
A “flat” interaction doesn’t mean you’re unworthy; it just means the connection wasn’t aligned. Awkward interactions aren’t failures — they’re just neutral moments. There are things happening in someone else’s life that you don’t know about. Sometimes you’re not the center of the universe. :)
Rejection isn’t personal — it’s about alignment, not your worth.
Regret doesn’t look sexy on you, so go connect!
The world is already networked (connected). It’s up to you whether you want to plug into it.
Not about impressing, just connecting. Networking anxiety comes from thinking you have to “win” someone over.
Forget about expecting a specific outcome. You never know what might happen or where things may lead. Going in with expectations will leave you drained, instead of inspired
You don’t need a huge network to succeed — depth matters more than breadth.
To get out of your comfort zone, think of how your networking can benefit your favorite people
What if networking was about complimenting people? Instead of being a networking machine, be a complimenting fairy
Practical Tips
You don’t need grand networking moves; small, sincere actions matter most
Think of your friends (or people you love) and how you expanding your network would benefit them
Enter conversations with the intention to understand, not to impress.
When a conversation feels awkward or ends quickly, don’t overinterpret — thank the person and move on lightly. To quote Ariana Grande - “thank you, next!”. Manage your energy. If someone doesn’t reciprocate, redirect your precious energy toward those who do.
Focus on cultivating a few meaningful relationships instead of collecting contacts.
Define your own definition of small talk - in the form of authentic openers. You don’t have to do small talk the way it’s currently done. You can ask genuine questions about someone’s life, interests, or current excitement
Follow up with a thoughtful message, share a resource, or introduce someone to another contact.
Eat and rest well before you talk to people. Take care of yourself. Feeling good about yourself translates into genuine connections.
Give people a sincere compliment - I really like how you ____(something they did, said, built, etc)_____ because it ___(benefit/inspiration/fun to me)_____
until next time,
may each connection you make be the doorway to where dignity meets dignity,
where both of you are honored
& both of you can shine just a little bit brighter
Dilshad
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