Years ago, I printed out a random online PDF — The Power of Progressive Partnerships by a man in Singapore I’d never met.
At the time, I didn’t realize that simple act would reshape how I think about influence, opportunity, and connection. I just knew it hit something deep. It wasn’t about networking. It was about building bridges before you need them.
Fast forward. I’m now getting newsletters from this same author. (Still not sure how I got on his list — but I stayed because his ideas are that good.)
One email later, I did something I had stopped doing in recent years.
I hit reply.
No agenda. No pitch. Just a real note from one person who respected his work.
To my surprise, he responded.
A month later, we were having coffee during his trip to Austin — two people with aligned missions, swapping insights, exploring the space between “what is” and “what could be.”
No asks. No expectations. Just value and vision on both sides.
One powerful takeaway from him:
→ Don’t wait to be invited to the table — build the table.
His company helps people land executive board roles not by applying for them… but by creating them. They build “advisory boards” for startups, giving professionals real-world board experience. No pretending. Just doing the work.
And that’s the leap.
We’re taught to ask for a chance.
But what if instead, you created the thing that gives others a reason to come to you?
Whether it’s a board seat, a stage, or a conversation — stop waiting for permission. Build it, speak it, host it, initiate it.
Influence isn’t something you chase. It’s something you become.
↓ WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE ↓
I’d love to know — what’s one connection in your life that changed everything?
Even if, no especially if, there was no ROI at the time? Let’s talk about that kind of influence.
Here’s to the bridges we build,
P.S. Share your story in the comments — or forward this to someone who needs the reminder.
