AKILA RAMAN GOLDMAN SACHS PROFESSIONAL
AKILA RAMAN GOLDMAN SACHS SERIES

In Raman’s session she shared that, “Oftentimes, especially when you’re a junior person or just starting in your career, it’s very easy to get intimidated very quickly, and I think you sell yourself short. Think about who you need and what you need and who you can trust to help you. Somebody is willing to help you and even if you are the most introverted, quiet person, there is somebody around you that you can and they can be a loud voice for you… It doesn’t matter your style. It means that you have an impact in the moments that you want to make them. It does not mean that you are a better or worse leader. “Silence does not mean that you are ineffective. ‘The power of silence’ as described by Reinholz can be a very effective tool. But what if you’re not that person? There are several ways to step out of your comfort zone and to create real connections. Everyone knows someone social and likable, willing to extend a hand and introduce themselves at the top of any moment. Networking might seem enjoyable for the extroverted super-connector but extremely uncomfortable for the introverted. When it does, it perhaps can be attributed to what you think you lack and what you think you need to thrive in the environment. ‘What should I say? What if they don't like me? How will I keep their attention?’ The pressure to perform when it comes to business relationships can bring about severe cases of social paralysis. We know there is a lot about networking that is intimidating.

AKILA RAMAN GOLDMAN SACHS PROFESSIONAL

What you should be looking for is authenticity when it comes to building professional relationships and the notion that it is a two-way street.Īs we reflected on a few of this month’s past sessions, we’re providing a few bits of advice to start growing the kind of network that you can not only turn to, but also help. If you are at the point where you realize that there is no way that you can truly progress solely on your own, then you are already on the right path. And how impactful their networks have been in navigating their careers.

AKILA RAMAN GOLDMAN SACHS SERIES

In a separate Speaker Series this month with Ita Ekpoudom, Partner at GingerBread Capital, and Akila Raman, Chief Operating Officer of the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs, the three leaders further modeled and shared stories and examples of organic networking. They're going to remember how you treated them and how they impacted your life.” - Kristi Reinholz, Chief Human Resources Officers at Unilever North America They're never going to remember, did you go to a meeting, did you show up at this event. “The only thing people will ever remember about you is how you treated them. Luminary’s Founder, Cate Luzio recently hosted Kristi Reinholz (Chief Human Resources Officers at Unilever North America) in our Monthly Speaker Series and within the first few minutes, the conversation turned to the power of your network and the requisite skills for business and navigating the workplace was building the foundation of relationships - not exchanging favors. Note: I didn't say, ‘professional relationship-building opportunity.’ I just said, 'relationship-building opportunity,” said Chapman-Hughes. “I would encourage you to just approach it as a relationship-building opportunity, and not a professional one. In our last Mentor Moment, Susan Chapman-Hughes (C Suite Leader and Independent Board Director) shared some insight into networking that cannot be over-emphasized. If this resonates with you, then you will need to reimagine networking and change the narrative.įorget everything that you thought you knew about networking, at least for now.

Exchanging favors and striving for a come-up.

Making and hearing empty promises as a formal courtesy to someone within your industry.Navigating intimidating conversations with people who have the power to promote you.Exchanging authenticity for an opportunity.If you struggle with building professional relationships, then it is likely that networking as you know it, is characterized by: It is no small feat to find individuals who share common professional interests and are willing to give legitimate support in your goal-getting.

In other words, networking is critical.įor some, networking can seem intimidating, difficult and uncomfortable. The short answer: there is no fast fix to building your career path it takes hard work and leveraging relationships. That illusion leaves the greater public with one question: How? How do I create the same level of success for myself? In the era of social media, it can be effortless to sell the image of becoming a self-made business leader.

Akila raman goldman sachs