Professional success is increasingly dependent on our networks and how we utilize them. This is becoming more and more true in the workplace today, and it becomes even more important at senior levels of all professions. In the early and mid-stages of our careers, our hard work and outputs are valued. But to truly progress in our careers, we must not only have the right connections and networks, but also prove value from our connections and networks. Industry veterans spend decades crafting their networks, and every senior leader I know is successful in a large part due to their networks. This can be difficult to navigate. But if we craft a community focused on giving and helping, we can feel confident in our authentic connections.

Lots of communities already exist, especially for investors and founders. Unfortunately, I find something lacking in them. Mainly, true and authentic connection. Most also have a focus that is either too narrow (investors only) or too wide (global reach). I believe a community with true and authentic connections must be wide enough to build a strong network and narrow enough to create a culture of caring and giving. For example, as a consumer and technology investor, I need to know not only fellow investors but also founders, operators, bankers, consultants, retailers, strategics, journalists, and more within the ecosystem.

Let's flip the power dynamics so that it's not only industry veterans who have access to support and information. Let's do it as givers. With the true intention of furthering one another's goals.