Sero Boost

Dr. Natascha F. Saunders, Ed.D., CPCC: Joyful Networking for Lasting Career Happiness | Sero Boost #67

Networking often feels like a chore, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Dr. Natascha F. Saunders will help you change your perspective on building your professional network. You’ll discover how mindset shifts, daily gratitude practices, and intentional connections can make networking a meaningful part of your personal and career growth.

Meet Dr. Natascha F. Saunders, Ed.D., CPCC

Dr. Natascha F. Saunders is a passionate and forward-thinking career coach who has guided countless individuals from the classroom to the boardroom. As the Founder of The Youth Career Coach Inc. and Associate Director at Harvard Kennedy School, she blends academic insight with real-world application, making career growth accessible and empowering for students, young professionals, and transitioning leaders. With an Ed.D. in Leadership and Communications, an MBA, and professional certification from the PARWCC, Dr. Natascha brings depth and clarity to the world of personal and professional development.

Her innovative approach to career coaching has been recognized globally, with features in the New York Times, NPR, iHeart, and more. Dr. Natascha is the creator of the M.I.C.R.O.© Personal Branding Assessment — a tool designed to help individuals harness their unique strengths and communicate their value with confidence. Her clients have gone on to work with prestigious organizations like Google, the White House, McKinsey, the Gates Foundation, and the United Nations.

About the episode

Dr. Natascha shares how networking can feel enjoyable instead of exhausting. She explains that both your actions and your mindset matter. Outwardly, simple things like smiling, nodding, and making space for others can help. Inwardly, it’s about recognizing your own worth and being genuinely curious about others. When you combine these pieces, you create a more welcoming and authentic experience. People will respond better, and you will feel more like yourself in the process.

If networking events usually leave you nervous, Dr. Natascha has a solution. She encourages being intentional and preparing before you show up:

  • Set goals: Who do you want to meet? What do you want to learn?
  • Find common ground: Notice shared interests or experiences.
  • Start simple: Offer a compliment or ask a thoughtful question.

By doing this, you won’t just drift through conversations — you’ll create real connections with lasting impact on your professional network.

Dr. Natascha emphasizes that following up after a networking event is as important as the event itself. She recommends noting key details about the people you meet and sending a thoughtful, personalized message on LinkedIn to maintain the connection. Even if you forget some details, being honest and kind in your follow-up can significantly enhance your professional network.

She also flips the script to show where networking can happen. It’s not limited to conferences or meetings. Dr. Natascha suggests staying open and observant in everyday places like coffee shops and grocery stores.

A major point in this episode is understanding your purpose. Dr. Natascha encourages you to stay clear on your “why.” Whether you’re growing your career, supporting your family, or entering a new field, knowing your reason helps guide your efforts.

When you stay connected to your reason, pushing past fear and being more open during conversations becomes easier. Purpose turns small talk into something that feels worthwhile.

In conclusion

In the end, building your professional network doesn’t have to feel forced or exhausting. You can create connections that truly matter with clarity, kindness, and a little preparation. Dr. Natascha shows that networking can be both joyful and deeply personal, rooted in your values and your story. When you approach it with purpose and presence, your network becomes more than a list of contacts — it becomes a reflection of who you are and where you’re going.

Be the first to see our next episode. Follow us on social media to stay updated:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn

TikTok

Pinterest

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon

iHeart Radio

Podbean

PlayerFM

Podchaser

Google Podcasts

Nia Septiani

Recent Posts

Ready to Let Go of Work? Here’s How to Prepare for a Secure Retirement

Is retirement reaching you faster than you imagined? Many people are in the same boat,…

3 days ago

How to Create Your Personalized Garden Routine

Joy should be the essence of gardening, not frustration. What begins as a calming pastime…

4 days ago

Debunking Food Waste Myths: Is Ugly Food Bad for Us?

Have you ever passed by a bumpy potato or a crooked carrot at the grocery…

6 days ago

How Busy Parents Can Carve Out Mindful Time for Their Toddlers

In today's world, many parents find themselves caught in a constant juggle between work, home,…

6 days ago

How to Create Gender Equality in Relationships

Welcome to the 21st century, where love is all-embracing and relationships aim to be equal…

2 weeks ago

How a Mindful Skincare Routine Improves Both Skin Health and Self-Image

For many people, skincare is just another box to check off on an already packed…

2 weeks ago