#63: If you’ve ever had to introduce yourself at a networking event and suddenly forgot everything you’ve ever done in your life, same. Networking is weird, small talk is painful, and yet… building real connections is kind of essential.

But this episode isn’t just about networking—it’s about owning your story, taking big risks, and embracing the wild twists that got you here. Like, for example, the time I worked at a strip club, got raided by SWAT, and then had to casually drop that into conversation at a networking event. Yeah.

In this episode, I’m talking about:
→ The real key to making connections that don’t feel forced
→ How I went from bartending at a strip club to running my own business (plot twist: those skills transferred)
→ The one question I ask at networking events that actually sparks a conversation
→ My SWAT raid story (because obviously)
→ Why it’s so important to acknowledge your progress instead of always chasing the next thing

Success isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about recognizing how far you’ve come. So if you need a reminder that your past (no matter how wild) is shaping your future in ways you don’t even realize yet, hit play on this one.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

The standing desk I was raving about.

Want to come network with me? Learn about Texas Young Professionals. 

FIND WHAT YOU NEED FROM THE EPISODE:

00:00 – My new high-tech desk setup (because apparently, I needed to upgrade)
05:04 – This podcast is evolving—leaning into passion, purpose, and what’s next
07:20 – Finding the message for your podcast (aka, what are we really doing here?)
12:39 – Networking without making it weird (or just about “what do you do?”)
14:03 – Why networking is a two-way street (and how to do it right)
19:55 – The secret to standing out? Make them the hero
22:51 – Running a solid Instagram without needing a massive following
24:38 – Why personalized engagement on social media is the real flex
28:45 – That time I went from church girl to bartender real quick
31:42 – An unexpected SWAT raid at my old job
36:04 – The slow but necessary process of becoming that version of yourself
40:16 – The real rewards of networking (spoiler: it’s not just business)
41:23 – A little motivation to keep going—because you are making progress