I
have been incredibly fortunate in my life to have had many amazing, generous
mentors who have taught me so many lessons. I thought it was time to capture
some of those lessons and to thank the gorgeous people who have been so
generous with their time and life lessons.
So
every week, I will post a “Gratitude Card” – a lesson taught to me by an
amazing person; a lesson I have happily incorporated into my life and hopefully
paid forward.
Gratitude Card for
CJ Hwu
Lesson: Networking
is not a dirty word
When
I met CJ in 2007, networking was something I had to do. It was an important
part of my job but I really didn’t enjoy it. It always felt like I was selling
myself, like it was a commercial, sales focused, mechanical process, with the
goal of handing out as many business cards as possible.
But
CJ has a gift. She listens deeply and sees opportunities for like-minded people
to flourish together. When she puts people in contact, it creates magic. She
taught me that networking is more of an organic creation, a coming together of
people with things to learn and teach each other. A great network has a life of
its own, an energy which inspires all who are fortunate enough to be a part of it.
A great network makes your shoulders go back and your heart soar, not drain you
and make you feel exhausted.
Once
I worked out how inspiring a sound network can be, I began to enjoy it, to be
invigorated by the fascinating conversations I was having, the interesting lessons
being shared with me.
Mitrataa, the Foundation I run in Nepal, has been built on networks too. The power of them in Nepal is significant. If we are to achieve our vision of doing ourselves out of a job, we must great vibrant networks of people inspiring each other, believing in each other, supporting each other. When I sit in on our monthly Dream Catchers scholarship meetings and witness the sharing and teaching, understanding and listening to each other's stories and challenges amongst the girls, I feel so privileged to be a part of it.
We help to put people in touch and get them started and then we step back and let the magic of the network do its part.
Thank you, CJ, for teaching me that networking is not a dirty word or a chore, but rather a gift of magic connections. And in this increasingly isolating world, these deep connections are even more important. I hope I have now paid forward this nugget of wisdom to the people of Nepal.
