Networking for Personal and Professional Growth
By Jim Rudman, CEO, Ashton Tweed
Networking is the name of the game in the search industry. As chief executive of Ashton Tweed, I have nurtured a vast network in the life sciences industry in order to help connect the right people with the right opportunities. Networking can be helpful for both personal and professional growth, which I cannot stress enough to my clients and candidates. Here, I’d like to feature a real life example in Kathleen P. DeLawrence, Chief Operating Officer of Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc.
In an interview with Ashton Tweed, Kathleen was asked the following questions regarding networking and her life sciences career:
Why is networking so important to you?
“Networking is my story. I like helping people—it’s at the core of my being. I think keeping your network healthy and cross-fertilizing within your network is really important. In my career, I have never used a headhunter and never had to apply for a job. Everything came to me through relationships.
You have to give to get. That is the single most important part of networking. If somebody reaches out to you to ask for help, you need to give them that help, that phone call, that deliverable, whatever it is. The more you give the faster and easier it will be for you to get in your time of need.
People do not forget a single, simple gesture…”
How have you personally benefited from the Life Sciences Collaborative?
“I’ve grown my personal network with some of the coolest people I’ve met in my career. And I learn something new about business every single month just by sitting back and listening. The beauty of watching that kind of garden flourish makes my eyes sparkle.”
What career development advice can you offer?
“I think people need to learn how to listen thoughtfully. They need to always put themselves in the other person’s shoes before they respond and be thoughtful of their audience. They should really treat people the way they want to be treated. I know that sounds so simple but success doesn’t happen if you’re always looking out for yourself. For me, it’s about being what’s best for the people I’m working with, working my hardest to deliver and being very genuine.”
Kathleen’s sentiments about networking, participating in local organizations, and listening thoughtfully to others sum up how important networking has been for her successful career and for her personal fulfillment. Her reflection that everything came to her through relationships is proof of the fact that the number one way professionals secure new jobs is via personal connections. Getting involved and becoming engaged in your industry beyond just your day job can be beneficial on so many levels.
Looking for networking opportunities? Check out our networking calendar here. Or network right now with just one click by connecting with us on LinkedIn!
Share your insights! Contact jamesrudman@ashtontweed.com to contribute your life sciences article as a guest writer.
