⭕️ You have been doing "networking" wrong

Hey friend,

Was reflecting on my performance I did this Saturday in Toronto for my Leaders of Today tour and had a thought I wanted to share with you:

When you hear "networking," what comes to mind?

Probably reaching out to mentors, leaders, or someone “above” you, right? Everyone tells you to network upwards—but here's the truth no one talks about:

The real magic is often found sideways and downwards.

Let me explain...

read time: 3 mins

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The Story of the Old Man and the Young Tree

There was an elderly man in a small village who spent each morning tending to a tiny sapling he'd recently planted. People often questioned him, “Why bother? You’ll never enjoy its shade.”

But the old man just smiled and replied, “I don’t plant trees for myself. Others planted trees for me, and now I do the same for those who come after.”

Years later, the young tree grew tall and strong, offering shade to the village. The man, now elderly and frail, struggled beneath the harsh sun. One afternoon, a young man from the village approached, gently guiding him into the shade of the tree. “You cared for this tree years ago,” the young man said, “and you cared for me. Now it’s my turn to care for you.”

With a smile, the old man whispered, “Life repays us—not from where we expect, but from where we have given.”

Two Ways This Changed My Life Recently

Horizontal Networking:

Just a couple of weeks ago, I reconnected with someone I went to high school with. We hadn’t spoken in years. He was now the president of the student government at his university. One call later, he hired me to speak at his school. Why was it so easy? Because we'd built trust when we were peers. Now, he was opening a significant opportunity for me to speak and make an impact—something I never saw coming.

Downward Networking:

A young student I had a 15 min chat with last year in our Leaders of Today community reached out recently. One year after our conversation, he invited me to come speak at a TEDx event he organized at his school. A young person I supported was now in a position to support me back.

That's how relationships work. They’re not just about immediate gain—they’re about planting seeds that bloom later.

How to Start Networking Sideways and Downwards Today

1. Peers: Reach out to one person at your level—someone doing interesting things, who you respect but might have overlooked.

2. Mentorship: Identify one younger person you can genuinely support—someone just starting out or needing guidance. Offer your experience and resources.

Where to find these people?

• School/ University/ Work: self explanatory

• LinkedIn/ Instagram/ Tiktok?: Peers and younger people sharing your values.

• Alumni groups from your school/university.

• Local community meet-ups or networking events.

• Online communities or Discord channels.

Friend, everyone keep saying relationships are everything—and honestly it’s true. Now more than ever I am starting to see the power of the ones I have built over the years. And it’s not just the upward ones. The people beside you, the ones coming up behind you—that’s where the real growth and unexpected opportunities come from. I’ve lived it. And now it’s your turn.

Reply and let me know: Who’s one person you’ll reach out to this week?

Always grateful for you ahh,

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