When life throws you a curveball, your network can become your lifeline.
Just before the Labour Day weekend, I sat down for what I thought would be a standard one-on-one with my manager. By the end of the meeting, I learned it would be my last day. No warning, no performance issue, just a business decision.
That moment knocked the wind out of me. But what happened next reminded me why your network is one of the most powerful forces in your career.
“This episode isn’t about me—it’s about you. It’s about your network.”
Turning a Moment of Loss into Momentum
Instead of sitting in the shock, I got to work. My partner and I had plans to see Dave Matthews Band at The Gorge Amphitheatre—a breathtaking place if you’ve never been—but even surrounded by incredible music and good friends, my mind was spinning.
When we got home, I unpacked, took a deep breath, and started planning my next move.
That night, I reached out to my core list of 30 incredible people. The next morning, I posted my story on LinkedIn. Within hours, it had reached over 10,000 people, and what happened next stopped me in my tracks.
My colleagues, friends, and mentors didn’t just comment. They reposted. They wrote new posts of their own. They went out of their way to lift me up.
“I realized I must have left some kind of mark on these individuals—something that inspired them to go out of their way. That speaks volumes on its own.”
That’s when I truly understood the power of your network!
What Networking Really Means
Networking isn’t about business cards or numbers. It’s about people—the ones you can call when life takes an unexpected turn.
Think back to when you were a kid at a campground. You’d see another kid on a bike, walk up, and say “Hey, want to hang out?” That’s the purest form of networking, no fear, no agenda, just connection.
Today, we overcomplicate it. We think networking means events, hashtags, or hustle. But it’s still the same simple idea: build relationships that matter.
If you haven’t been to an AIA meeting, a CSI conference, or an A4LE event lately, go.
If you’re a student, get involved now. These are the relationships that will carry you through your career.
Investing in Real Relationships
Two years ago, my network in Vancouver was solid. But when I shifted into SaaS sales, I didn’t know anyone in the U.S. So I started showing up—on LinkedIn, in conferences, in real conversations.
At AIA Aspire 2024, I met a friend named Dylan. The next morning, I found myself on a 10K run with his colleague Andrew. We talked about work, life, family, and the things that make us human. That one connection turned into a friendship that continues to this day.
A year later, we met again at AIA Aspire 2025, rooftop drinks, laughter, and new memories.
“This isn’t just about business. This is your network. These are your friends. These are the lifetime memories that really come from it.”
Networking is not just professional—it’s personal. It’s about being there for each other, celebrating the wins, and lifting each other during the setbacks.
Integrity and Legacy Matter
Your network reflects who you are. Every email you send, every conversation on a job site, every decision you make, it all builds your legacy.
One of the most powerful leadership lessons I’ve ever seen came from a Delta Air Lines video. It tells the story of a mentor and a young worker whose small acts of kindness ripple farther than either could see. It’s a reminder that someone is always watching, learning from how we act, not just what we say.
“Your integrity is the foundation of your network. People may forget your words, but they will never forget the example you set.”
Be kind in your emails. Be composed in your meetings. Lead with generosity. Your network will follow your example, and your reputation will become your greatest asset.
So, Where Are You with Your Network?
If you take one thing from this story, let it be this:
Your network is not defined by numbers—it’s defined by trust, friendship, and integrity.
So reach out. Comment on someone’s post. Attend that next event. Volunteer for that local chapter. And when you capture those moments, snap the photo, tag your new friend, and share the story. You never know who you’ll inspire.
“Make the impact here. Lead a life of integrity. Build connections along the way. And maybe—just maybe—some friends will join you for life on your journey."
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