Episode Details

In this episode of Leadership Trademarked, Silvia, Leslie, and Ros dive into one of the most essential — and often misunderstood — aspects of leadership: building a professional network that extends beyond your immediate workplace.

Through candid personal stories, the trio explores how their networks evolved over decades — from joining nonprofit boards and industry associations to co-founding women's networks and forging unexpected mentorships that changed the course of their careers. They don't just share the polished wins; they talk honestly about the rooms that didn't feel right, the attempts that didn't land, and the moments that required courage to try again.

The conversation also gets practical. Ros shares powerful coaching frameworks for identifying what truly blocks you from getting what you want in your career. Leslie offers a deceptively simple but transformative tool: stop, count to ten, and really listen — especially when someone challenges your thinking. And all three agree that the foundation of any meaningful network isn't strategy — it's genuine human connection.

Whether you're just starting out or leading at the senior level, this episode will challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, volunteer for causes you believe in, lead with curiosity, and be willing to be vulnerable. Because as Ros puts it — you can't do anything by yourself.