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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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