As part of their recruiting process, LinkedIn used to give you a map of your network (maybe they still do? Any LinkedIn folks here want to confirm or deny??). I always thought that was not only a brilliant talent acquisition strategy, but also deeply personal.
Honestly, I kinda wish I had a map like that for my life right now.
2 years into living in San Diego, I’m starting to see how this place has wrapped its arms around me, one connection at a time.
There’s no true starting point, but if I just consider the past 48 hours, the web is so rich it’s hard to capture.
Let’s rewind to an IAW event a few months ago, where I went to hear my friend Shasta speak. There, I met Kellie, who invited me to speak at her wellness event, where I met Sara. Sara has since become a dear friend and is one of the most thoughtful, sharp, and generous leaders I know.
A few weeks ago, Sara and I went to a networking evening hosted by Hussein. We laughed hard, met incredible folks like Niraj and Sean, and learned about Hussein’s brilliant startup, Eventship. The concept reminded me so much of the early StubHub days that I called Joseph, and we both got so excited that we jumped in to help the company grow. (If you’re hosting an event, check it out. It’s got a super-smart matching tool that actually works.)
Then there’s Judy, who’s helping me rebrand my business. She invited me to a book launch on Monday evening, even though she couldn’t attend herself.
So, I brought SUNA, a new friend I met at a gathering hosted by the amazing Lisa. That night, I met the authors of Courage Over Fear, Kristen and Mike who are published by Amplify Publishing Group and the fabulous Naren.
Last night, I found myself at yet another event, this one hosted by Sara and the incredible team at Marsh McLennan Agency, alongside their partners at Constangy.
I didn’t expect to meet a potential relative, but there she was: Brooke Robie. Not only do we share a last name (and a likely ancestor), but we’ve both worked in HR, made the leap to consulting, and have a shared annoyance with people mispronouncing our name. Brooke even named her company Row Bee Consulting to set the record straight. I was so delighted and flabbergasted that I handed her my driver’s license instead of a business card.
And in the same room, I had a brief but beautiful conversation with Leticia Germain, the kind of exchange that feels like it’s been unfolding for years. We closed the night swapping mantras like old friends.
None of this was part of a grand strategy. I wasn’t “working the room” or optimizing my network.
I was just saying hello and saying yes - to people, to presence, to possibility.
What’s unfolded is a patchwork of friendships, meaningful conversations, unexpected opportunities, and a deep sense of belonging in this city I now call home.
If you’re feeling stuck, isolated, or unsure where to begin… here's what I suggest: just start with one conversation.You never know what you might spark. 🩷
