In this Messy Middle Moment, leadership coach Amy Wilkins delves into the power and importance of building a supportive network, especially in challenging professional environments. Through personal anecdotes and evidence from research, Amy underscores networking as vital not just for career advancement but also for emotional and strategic support.

The episode highlights the often-overlooked aspect of networking: the role of creating a personal board of directors or forming connection circles. Amy shares inspiring stories, including one about a woman who transformed her career by relying on her network for support and empowerment. By emphasizing that forming these deep connections doesn't need to feel forced or awkward, Amy encourages listeners to reach out, initiate conversations, and intentionally build their tribe. She reinforces that having a mix of relationships with peers and high-status contacts can significantly enhance career opportunities, proving to be more than just emotional support but strategic oxygen for professionals, especially women in leadership roles.

• Building a network is crucial for career advancement; it acts as both emotional support and a strategic advantage.
• The concept of a "personal board of directors" is essential for navigating the messy middle; it should be a mix of peers and truth-tellers.
• Authentic networking begins with one conversation; it does not need to be awkward or forced.
• Women in leadership should proactively create supportive networks before the urgency of need arises.
• Forming meaningful connections, both within and outside one's workspace, is transformative and empowering.

If you don't have a tribe already, build your own table, because when you find your tribe, everything changes.Your connections aren't just emotional fuel. I want you to think of it as strategic oxygen.This isn't about formality. It's about choosing your people on purpose.You are worth the effort it takes to build a table. You are worth being seen, heard, and witnessed.Networking isn't just about meeting people; it's about building relationships. It's about having a support system.Deep tribe building doesn't have to feel forced. It starts with one conversation.Building your tribe might be one of the most transformative acts of leadership you can do.

Mentioned in this EpisodeKelly Wenzel featured on Episode 5 Thriving in the Messy Middle podcast, IN HER VOICE: STORIES OF LEADERSHIP How to Embrace Change, Build Networks, and Lead with Heart

Source of Amy's Statistics: 80% of Women Leaders Use Networking to Drive Career Success Business Wire article (Jul 19, 2023) Research, published by Chief, partnered with Morning Consult, called "The Network Effect," using data from a survey of 751 US women at and above the management level to understand their networking sentiment.

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