Yesterday I met up with Selena Soo, author of the Top 10 USA Today bestselling book Rich Relationships.
She was passing through Atlanta, I said a virtual hello, and next thing I know we’re at brunch before her evening flight to Dubai.
It was only a matter of time. We share nearly 100 mutual connections on Instagram alone.
But sitting there together over coffee and eggs, it hit me…
Every major career move I’ve ever made came from a relationship:
- A fellow alum introduced me to my first New York City internship, which had me working on the Heineken Premium Light launch and seeing my first published ad.
- Another alum referred me to an agency gig that became my first full-time job with benefits, working with brands like Coca-Cola and UBS.
- In Hollywood, I met Ashley Conrad while working at a smoothie shop next to the Arclight Theatre. She was training Brad Cooper and Kate Hudson at the time, and she got me into a private celebrity gym. That led to training clients like Kaley Cuoco, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Gerard Butler, and Ali Sweeney. (Bonus: we’re still friends!)
- Yet another alum connection landed me in a leadership role at Skechers, overseeing global graphics at just 26.
- And in 2010, an elevator ride at the Fitness America Pageant in Vegas introduced me to Lori Harder… who, 15 years later, is now a panelist for the Founders Roundtable.
Fifteen years later, I have watched Lori evolve from her brown-haired fitness days to blonde powerhouse, from competitor to personal development leader, bestselling author of A Tribe Called Bliss, and founder of multiple seven-figure companies. She has built her dream life and marriage with Chris Harder, all while creating spaces for other women to rise.
For nearly two decades, we have cheered each other on from afar. And now, for the first time, we’ve collaborated on something together. We are announcing something very special LIVE at the Founders Roundtable today at 3pm EST!
The Founders Roundtable is a private, behind-the-scenes conversation for 7+ figure women ready to talk about leadership, money, and the future of female-founded companies.
Lori will be joined by panelists Veena Jetti, real estate investor with $1B+ in transactions, and Kaitlin Carlson, founder of Theory Planning Partners and wealth advisor to ultra-high-net-worth women. Together, these three women bring decades of leadership experience, different industries, and a shared belief in the power of relationships that transform careers and companies.
Here are 5 ways I’ve been able to cultivate powerful relationships:
1. Play the long game. Relationships that create the biggest opportunities rarely happen overnight. Keep showing up over time, even if the payoff is not immediate, and let trust compound. Which brings me to item number two…
2. Give generously without expecting anything in return. Share resources, connections, or encouragement simply because you can. The people who remember you most are the ones you have helped without keeping score.
3. Do not take a lack of responsiveness personally. High-value people are often balancing more than you can see. Respect their time, keep the door open, and follow up when it makes sense instead of pushing for constant access.
4. Stay in touch when you do not “need” anything. A quick check-in or a thoughtful message goes a long way. The best time to nurture a connection is when you are not asking for a favor. I love sending gifts that are specific to our conversations, or voicenotes asking how a certain event, project or personal challenge is going.
5. Find out what matters to them and invest time and energy into it. Learn their priorities, values, and goals, then support them in meaningful ways. Whether it is attending their event, sharing their work, buying their book or introducing them to the right person, your effort shows you are invested in more than just what you gain.
We go live today at 3pm EST. Join us (and bring a friend!) for this one-hour, closed-door conversation. Join us here.
Mom of 2 who hates minivans, loves luxurious travel experiences, and believes life is too short for mediocre champagne.