034 | Building Your Network with Pat Hedley
Pat Hedley is an advisor, investor, TedX speaker, and author. After a three-decade career in global private equity with General Atlantic, Pat now acts as an independent advisor and investor on innovation and growth for businesses. She selectively takes on advisory and board assignments to help CEOs turn strategy into results. Through her book, Meet 100 People: A How-to Guide to the Career and Life Edge Everyone's Missing, Pat provides inspiration and practical advice on building a network now.
Today, Pat shares the most important lessons she learned in her career and why building a network is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself. She highlights why having a diverse mix of people in your network is essential and provides practical tips for anyone that struggles to find the time to network. Pat reveals her three ‘Cs’ of networking and recalls the incredible experience she had building her first network. Pat also shares the importance of asking for what you want and the two things you need to consider when making career decisions.
“One of the most important parts of networking is being very thoughtful about making it diverse.”
- Pat Hedley
This week on The Unwritten Rules Podcast:
The entrepreneurship inspiration in Pat’s early life
The most important thing that Pat learned early in her career
Why the word ‘no’ doesn’t always have to be the end of the conversation
The lessons Pat learned about the value of building a network
Why Pat chose to write her book, Meet 100 people
Why it’s essential to have a diverse mix of people in your network
How you can make time for networking
Consistency versus intensity
The three Cs of networking
Pat’s wonderful experience when she began networking
Why it’s essential to ask for what you want
An unwritten rule that Pat learned in her career
The two aspects to think about when making career decisions
Resources Mentioned:
Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
Our Favorite Quotes:
“If you ask the right questions and if you are a good listener, there are ways to really benefit from those conversations.” - Pat Hedley
“In a business setting, when someone says that scary little word ‘no,’ it doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation” - Pat Hedley
“You should diversify your network as much as possible.” - Pat Hedley
Connect with Pat Hedley:
Writing the Rules of Women’s Leadership
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