“Your network is your net worth!”
Debbie Landa told me that years ago when we were advising startups. Debbie, one of Silicon Valley’s best-connected individuals, shared this wisdom, but I didn’t fully grasp it at the time. How do relationships translate to monetary value? Even writing that seems gross.
I should have known better. Before working with Debbie, I had sourced intriguing projects solely through my network—strategy and process improvements for top Fortune 100 retail executives. As an ex-Kurt Salmon consultant, executives realized they could obtain high-quality consulting at a fraction of the price by engaging recent firm alumni. All my projects came through people I knew, yet I considered it a one-time network miracle. ✨
A Career Journey = A People Journey
My career journey led me to IDEO, Gap Inc., and Narvar. Along the way, I met a diverse group of brilliant people I genuinely wanted to stay connected with, even after our paths diverged. I cherished hearing their stories and valued how we supported each other through life’s twists—from new job offers to baby births . We acted as references for one another, exchanged Christmas cards , and always made introductions to new cool people. Whether someone was a past colleague or client, I deemed them a friend, not merely a “cash-converting network extension.” Yet… as my network grew, so did my career opportunities. 🚀
Liminal Spaces Powered by My Network
Post Narvar, as I jumped into the liminal space of unknowing, network magic did indeed lead to revenue, but more importantly—it led me to meaningful work. Friends of friends read my posts. Colleagues of past colleagues wanted to connect. Speaking gigs emerged Co-collaboration projects started. And before you knew it, I was on a jet ✈️ heading to LA to lead a branding session for a very cool retail tech company.
None of this would have happened had I not stayed in touch and nurtured relationships with so many people. Or if I hadn’t written so publicly. Or just been open to new conversations, not knowing what might lead where.
Nurture that Network
There’s value in genuine curiosity and care for others. As I grow my consulting practice, I’ll have all the usual tools—ideation frameworks and positioning outlines—but also something far more valuable: a vast group of people I adore that are ready to offer advice, feedback, or even collaborate on projects. ❤️
The world can feel immense, but it’s also very small, stitched together through a patchwork of people. And THAT is the real value. 🌍🤝
Now I understand what Debbie really meant—your value and appreciation for life has little to do with your bank account. It has far more to do with the people you connect with. They inspire you, challenge you, encourage you, and sometimes even help you land your next gig. The more meaningful one.
Does this ring true for you? 🤔👇
Originally posted on LinkedIn.
