Empowering Connections: Networking Strategies for Success

The Executive Connect Podcast

Welcome to the Executive Connect Podcast with your host, Melissa Aarskaug. Today, with guest Wendy Howell, we discussed the dynamic world of networking and connections, exploring how these vital components can drive meaningful impact in both professional and personal spheres.

Join us as we uncover practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights into fostering meaningful relationships and community engagement.

00:00 – Introductions and overview

01:25 - Investing in Meaningful Connections - Prioritize building genuine connections in networking endeavors. Authentic relationships can lead to valuable opportunities and collaborations.

08:18 - Strategic Networking Practices - Implement memory techniques and personal connection strategies to enhance networking effectiveness. Small gestures and genuine interest in others can go a long way in fostering meaningful connections.

15:30 - Balancing Networking Commitments - Strike a balance between networking activities and personal boundaries. Prioritize engagements that align with your goals and values to maximize impact.

20:18 - Networking for Community Engagement - Engage with community-driven initiatives to expand your network and contribute to meaningful causes. Participating in such initiatives not only fosters connections but also allows for collective impact and social change. []

27:16 – Use Multiple Networking Platforms - Leverage networking platforms like LinkedIn to expand your professional network and stay connected with like-minded individuals. Actively engage in online communities and groups to foster connections and exchange valuable insights and opportunities.

Whether you're navigating mentorship, refining your networking skills, or balancing professional commitments, this episode offers valuable guidance to empower your journey toward impactful connections. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to exploring more impactful topics in future episodes.

Guest Bio:

Wendy Howell is the CEO of Executive Council Network. Previous roles include Chief of Staff at Cisco and executive roles in M&A and Strategy at Symantec and VERITAS.

Wendy is a people alchemist, a true connector, and a community builder “for good”. She is a staunch advocate for giving back. She is deeply involved in non-profit as a Managing Director of Girls In Tech, Co-Chair of 50/50 Women On Boards, a passionate supporter of Code To College, board member of The Kindness Campaign and Wonders & Worries, former chair of Girl Scouts of Central Texas Women Of Distinction, and a judge for TiE Young Entrepreneurs. She is particularly passionate about supporting females, the underserved, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. She considers herself a “rebel with a cause” and is known for her dogged tenacity and creativity to support her passion for giving back! Nothing excites her more than creating a positive social impact and helping to catalyze the next generation of empowered leaders.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/howellwendy/

About Melissa Aarskaug:

I’m an energetic executive with 15+ years of experience steering companies to new heights of growth and scale. An engineer at heart (I started my career as an engineering manager on one of the world’s largest concrete bridges), I’ve become a trusted leader and business builder in the technology and cybersecurity space.

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/

Podcast LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/

Website - https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com/