Life’s journey – Who Has Shaped Your Career, and Why?

Did you ever think to yourself, “If I hadn´t gone to this place, if I hadn´t met this person, my life would have turned out differently?”

When I reflect on my international career and my life, I can draw some “life lines” that shape my story.

Recently, I was invited to give a keynote about my career and while I was preparing it, I realized that networking has brought me profound happiness. Why happiness? Because there are many moments I can recall when I met wonderful people. The encounters were filled with inspiration, empathy and mutual respect and eventually resulted in a joint project, collaboration or even friendship.

For me, the thought of networking goes beyond exchanging business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s an opportunity to build strong relationships, to combine strengths and lead progress for you, your organization and beyond.

The power of cross-disciplinary networks and ecosystems

For me, fascinating examples come from (cross)regional collaborations and ecosystems that bring together education, business and political agendas to drive progress. I´ve witnessed this development over the years to today in Venlo, the Netherlands, where my career started, and I´m seeing this development now in my current happy place Málaga, Spain, where communities and tech start-up incubators fuel innovation across fields like AI, agricultural-tech or smart mobility.

Key lessons in building strong connections

Through my experiences, I’ve learned a few powerful lessons in networking. Looking back, I remember how nervous I was entering rooms full of unknown people. It was always easier for me to have a clear objective or assignment in mind and, even today, I prefer networking events with a subject rather than “open terrace cocktail hours” as we find so often in Málaga.

You must find the places you feel comfortable, for instance related to subject, but also not too comfortable, because you don´t want to stay in your own bubble. Get that inspiration and connect to people who add and not just match.

Evenement coordinatie

Five tips

Here are my top five tips for you, having built connections across the globe. From Shanghai, the city where my cultural fascination started in 2006, to Vietnam, the US, Canada and countries in Europe.

1. Dare to show up

Visibility is crucial, both online and offline. This doesn’t mean being present all the time, but it does mean being proactive and showing genuine interest in sustaining relationships. Show up authentically, even if it’s just by supporting others from afar. Yes, it still demands courage from me but I know that the feeling of reward is stronger afterwards.

2. Challenge your limiting beliefs

Don’t let your inner voice tell you, “You have nothing to offer.” Even when you’re walking into a room full of strangers, remember that others may feel the same. Prepare a few questions to help start conversations and put yourself out there. Have your engaging introduction ready! And even if you don´t speak much, you can give people undivided attention and listen to learn! It works miracles. Shut down those voices. Just do it!

3. Keep our Network “In your backpack”

I always say, “When I trust people personally and professionally, I put them in my backpack and connect them to each other when I see an opportunity.” My DNA is seeing and chasing opportunities, and I love how projects start, initiatives connect and organizations develop by connecting people. To me, everyone should always have their backpack ready. It´s a skill to learn.

4. Invest more than you expect in return

A mentor once taught me to invest in relationships first without expecting immediate returns. Relationships take time and careful nurturing to grow, and the long-term value far outweighs any quick win.

5. Expand beyond your field

Today’s challenges demand diverse knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration. Effective leadership looks beyond your field to engage with people in different disciplines who can broaden your perspective.

Whose career have you shaped or are you going to shape? Taking the next step

  • If you’re comfortable networking: share your insights with others. What three tips would you give to someone who’s just starting?
  • For those looking to improve: consider joining a professional group, refining your LinkedIn profile or working with a coach to help you clarify your unique value and make impactful connections.
  • For those new to networking: reflect on your career goals and who might help you reach them. Identify your strengths and how you can add value to others.

Your network has shaped you

Think back on your “life lines”. Who could you reach out to and thank for the role they played in your journey? How can you, as a leader, pass on the knowledge and connections you’ve gained to future generations, helping them build sustainable networks?

Embrace that role as a leader. It is important for your career! Beyond that, you are able to make an impact on your company and on the planet.

If you´d like to learn more, join our free webinar “Relationships Rule: Saving your career, your company and the planet” on 26 November from 12:30-13:30 hours to learn from experienced networkers on how to build, maintain and leverage the power of relationships. Moderated by Becky Baker, Personal Branding Trainer at Noblahblah.