What a week.
Monday started with two incredible conversations with amazing people who will be leading the charge for Missing Link Network in Virginia. Then a powerful coaching call with a client where we strategically mapped out how to lead their team to higher performance through authentic leadership. And then… I got on a plane to Dallas.
Two and a half years ago, I connected with Damian Andrews on a podcast. He’s the co-author of “Charting Your True North” (https://amzn.to/4jzYoJv), and that single podcast conversation has expanded into something I never could have predicted—a genuine partnership, a published book together, and a leadership training program that’s helping organizations transform how they lead.
Here’s what made this week extraordinary: we had never met in person. Damian lives in Australia. But when he told me he was coming to the United States, you know I was getting on a plane. We spent focused time filming content for our social media channels and mapping out the next phase of our training program. The energy of finally being in the same room after years of weekly video calls was electric.
This is the key lesson I want you to really hear: you never know when a connection will turn into a transformative partnership, a referral relationship, or something even greater. But you have to be open to possibility. Too many people approach networking with a closed mindset, constantly calculating “what’s in it for me.” Leaders think differently. We look for ways to elevate others first.
When Damian and I had that initial podcast conversation, neither of us was thinking about writing a book together. We simply talked about how we could support each other in our respective businesses. That conversation planted a seed. But here’s what actually made it grow—our weekly commitment. Every single week, we connect. We talk about what we’re working on, we set goals, we hold each other accountable. Without that consistent cadence, we would never have been able to write a book together across two continents and multiple time zones.
The Dallas trip expanded in ways I didn’t anticipate. I met other exceptional professionals, learned about an innovative AI company, and yes, took some time for genuine fun with new professional friends. Because relationships aren’t just about business transactions—they’re about showing up as whole humans who enjoy spending time together.
So I’m asking you: what are you doing this week to meet new people and step into something different? Are you staying in your comfort zone, or are you saying yes to conversations that might seem random but could change everything?
Speaking of expanding your thinking, if you haven’t listened to last week’s Unstoppable Success podcast with Mickey Anderson, now is the time. We dove deep into how AI is transforming organizations, but more importantly, why people still matter most. Mickey brilliantly articulates why technology and processes don’t solve problems—clarity of intent and strong cultural standards do. She shares how leaders can create measurable alignment and build environments where teams actually thrive, not just exist. Listen here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/56d27b6a-5e0d-48da-8706-7ac705ae82f4/
This week’s episode with Aaron Trahan is one you absolutely need to hear. Aaron is a performance coach who completely transformed his own leadership trajectory, and his honesty about his rocky start as a leader is refreshing and relatable. Here’s what struck me most about our conversation: Aaron doesn’t sugarcoat the truth that great leadership isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a skill you develop through dedication, intentionality, and the willingness to do the hard work of learning.
Aaron shares his powerful “three out” formula that changed everything for him—out-prepare, out-work, and out-learn everyone around you. It’s about showing up more ready than anyone expects, being the hardest worker in the room, and constantly seeking knowledge. But what really resonated was his concept of leadership blind spots. He compares blind spots to cigarettes—they’re slowly killing your leadership effectiveness, and often you don’t even know they exist until someone cares enough to point them out.
This is where his FOCA method comes in: receiving feedback, taking ownership, and taking action to improve. The conversation reinforced something I talk about constantly—you cannot grow without feedback, and the best leaders actively seek the tough feedback that makes them uncomfortable. Aaron’s journey from struggling leader to sought-after coach proves that when you commit to continuous learning and humility, transformation is possible. Listen here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/91b0f4a8-9c4f-4b4a-8871-be32246d8b16/
Connect with Aaron: https://performancemindsetcoaching.co and https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarontrahancoaching/
Your network truly is your net worth—but only when it’s built on authentic connection, consistent commitment, and genuine care for elevating others. That’s the difference between collecting contacts and building partnerships that change your trajectory.
Be intentional this week about who you’re connecting with and how you’re showing up.
Jaclyn
P.S. If you want to dive deeper into the leadership framework Damian and I developed, grab your copy of “Charting Your True North” here: https://amzn.to/4jzYoJv