Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections

Michael A Forman

This is the Podcast for Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections, Define what you want to achieve through networking. Are you looking for new clients, partnerships, or career opportunities? Having clear goals will guide your efforts and make your networking more purposeful. Networking is about building genuine relationships. Be yourself and show genuine interest in others. Effective communication is not just about talking but also about listening. Pay attention to what others are saying, ask questions, and show empathy. After meeting someone, follow up with a personalized message. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of who you are. Networking is not a one-time activity. Hosted by Georgia keynote speaker Michael A. Forman, Networking Unleashed helps professionals turn conversations into clients through powerful communication and relationship strategy.

  1. Oct 23

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Jane Rolen and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

    Jane Rolen jane@janerolen.com 828-507-2563 Please share a brief Bio.* Mary Jane B. Rolen COMMUNITY LEADER/ PUBLIC SERVANT/CULTURAL ADVOCATE PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKER/ CONSULTANT CEO, JBR CONSULTING, LLC/ CEO, LAZY BEAR CABINS, LLC Jane Rolen (Mary Jane Basilio-Rolen) is a recently retired Management and Program Analyst for Social Security Administration (SSA). She began her SSA career as a Claims Representative in 1998, under the Outstanding Scholar Program, and has held a number of responsible positions including Operations Supervisor, Labor Relations Specialist, Executive Assistant to the Regional Commissioner, and Team Leader for Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity Office, prior to her selection as Management and Program Analyst. Jane was the President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of GA in 2021-2023, where she led the Chamber to membership drive, and retention, impactful monthly webinars, monthly newsletters and the PACCGA on Wheels Program. During her tenure, she emphasized tangible impact to small business owner members. As Advisor to Board of Directors for the now dissolved Galing Foundation Inc. (2007-2023), she made huge impact to the beneficiary schools in far flung areas of the Philippines. Specifically, she coordinated the completion of the water system in PAWAK Elementary School, sponsored by Makabayan Inc., GA. Galing Foundation was a non-profit organization promoting English literacy in the Philippines. Jane is the first Filipino podcaster in GA, and the southeast. As a service to the Filipino community, she hosts “Usapang Pinoy,” produced by Georgia Asian Times, which is designed for Filipino diaspora community in Metro Atlanta, GA and the Southeast. She also represents the HCG at the Cobb County Consular Breakfast and Cobb County International Festival. In addition, Jane assists the HCG in many Attention to Nationals (ATN) cases in Georgia. Jane is the Chair of the Filipino American History Month GA (FAHMGA) celebrations in GA, which she started in 2019. Jane is the recipient of numerous awards in her career at Social Security Administration, including but not limited to the following: • 2023, 2024 Regional Commissioner’s Citation Award • 2019 Regional Commissioner’s Citation Award • 2014 Regional Commissioner’s Citation Team Award • 2011 Commissioner’s Citation, SSA’s highest honor award In her community work, Jane was born and raised in the Philippines. She graduated with honors from St. Joseph’s College in Quezon City, Philippines, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, major in Economics. Jane was married for 27 years to the late William (Bill) T. Rolen, Jr. What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?* 1. My keynote - "Forged in the Fire" - From Grit to Gold -- turning Adversity into Advantage 2. Service to my community - creating lasting impact in people's work and lives 3. My dream project What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?* Get booked and paid To help more people to meet people for lasting friendships Any website you wish to share with the audience? www.janerolen.com Any social media links you wish to share with the audience? https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ https://www.facebook.com/ryja.rolen.2025

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Jane Rolen and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker
  2. Oct 20

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Evan Siegel and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

    Evan Siegel esiegel@egain.com Please share a brief Bio. Evan Siegel is VP of AI Business Solutions at eGain, where he helps Global 2000 enterprises unify content, automate workflows, and achieve measurable AI return on investment. He's focused on building AI systems that solve actual business problems. Over 16 years at Wells Fargo, he led customer experience strategy for the bank's 23 million retail customers and helped lead the 10,000+ agent contact center. He also created and led a financial coaching program so successful it landed in the bank's annual report, TV ads, and a feature story on Good Morning America. Earlier in his career, Evan spent a decade as a strategy and transformation consultant at Bain & Company, EY, and CSC. This background gives him a unique perspective on why business initiatives succeed or fail across industries. He holds a BA from Brown University and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has written articles for The Financial Brand, BAI Banking Strategies, and Deloitte Insights. His podcast appearances include shows from Bain & Company and Deloitte Consulting, where he cuts through buzzwords to talk about what works What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about? 1. Thought Leadership & Networking How I combine thought leadership and networking to open doors with consulting partners and bank and credit union executives, turning published insight and a strong viewpoint into real relationships with the people who actually buy. 2. Financial Wellness at Wells Fargo How I used a passion for financial wellness and networking inside a massive organization to build a coaching program from scratch that ended up in Wells Fargo's annual report, TV commercials, and on Good Morning America. 3. Regaining Credibility After a Failed AI Pilot Regaining credibility after a failed AI pilot with another vendor takes more than fixing the technology, it takes rebuilding trust internally through networking, something I see constantly with the clients I work with at eGain. What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast? New connections with Michael Forman's network. A reusable episode I can share across my channels. Greater eGain awareness among the audience. Any website you wish to share with the audience? https://www.egain.com/ This is a link to an article I recently wrote that was published by Deloitte Consulting https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/knowledge-management-plan.html?id=us:2em:3na:4diUS188956:5awa:6di:MMDDYY:author&pkid=1014435 Any social media links you wish to share with the audience? https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-siegel-ab436845/ Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently. Digital Courses https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Evan Siegel and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker
  3. Oct 13

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Saurabh Kakkar and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

    SAURABH KAKKAR skresearch81@gmail.com Please share a brief Bio. Saurabh Kakkar is an AI, data, and risk transformation leader with extensive experience in banking and financial services. His work focuses on applying AI/ML, generative AI, data analytics, and intelligent automation to complex credit-risk and regulatory challenges. He is also an author, researcher, inventor, keynote speaker, and technology judge, with a particular interest in responsible and explainable AI in highly regulated industries. What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about? 1. How AI and Generative AI are transforming banking, credit risk, and regulated industries. 2. Moving from AI experimentation to responsible, explainable, enterprise-scale implementation. 3. How sustained study and applied research in AI can translate into practical innovation — including developing patented AI solutions, publishing a book on AI/ML in credit risk, and using that body of work to inform enterprise transformation and thought leadership. What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast? Share practical lessons that can help leaders and professionals adopt AI responsibly. Connect with other AI, technology, banking, and transformation leaders. Expand meaningful conversations around responsible AI, innovation, and the future of financial services. Any website you wish to share with the audience? saurabhkakkar.com Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently. https://www.michaelaforman.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/ https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ Digital Courses https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Saurabh Kakkar and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker
  4. Oct 12

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Natalie Jackson and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

    Natalie K. Jackson natalie.jackson@thecrescentconsultancy.com Please share a brief Bio. Natalie K. Jackson is a Customer Experience (CX) strategist and founder of Crescent Consultancy, where she helps organizations design customer and employee experiences that reduce friction, strengthen trust, and drive measurable business outcomes. With more than two decades of cross‑industry experience, she has led large‑scale CX and EX initiatives across consulting, sales, quality, operations, and enterprise transformation. Natalie serves on the 2026 U.S. Customer Experience Professional Association (CXPA) Council, where she contributes to elevating the CX profession and educating executive leaders on the strategic value of experience disciplines. She also hosts national CX/EX roundtables and webinars that bring senior leaders together to explore the future of customer and employee experience. She is the author of Now Keep Listening™, a publication dedicated to the power of intentional listening inside organizations. Her work introduces the concept of listening architecture -- a practical framework for closing the Listening Gap™ and dissolving silos that undermine effective CX and EX. Natalie is also a new member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), where she is developing her speaking platform focused on strategic listening, organizational alignment, and the next era of customer and employee experience. What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about? 1. How Natalie uses networking as a strategic tool to grow her CX/EX business by building relationships that fuel insights, innovation, and client success. 2. The story behind launching Crescent Experiences and why Natalie created a networking community focused on skill-building, connection, and meaningful conversations. 3. The CX leadership mindset that makes networking more effective — listening architecture, emotional intelligence, and showing up with intention, ideally in the right rooms to match your strengths. What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast? 1. Increase awareness of how CX/EX drives business growth 2. Share how intentional networking helped me build Crescent Experiences — a community designed for meaningful connection and skill-building. Any website you wish to share with the audience? https://www.thecrescentconsultancy.com/ Any social media links you wish to share with the audience? https://www.linkedin.com/company/crescent-consultancy https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-k-jackson-ccxp-8644b21/ Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently. Digital Courses https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Natalie Jackson and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker
  5. Oct 9

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Nelson Brooks and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

    Nelson Brooks nelson@cabanaboyshospitality.com Please share a brief Bio. I'm a hospitality professional who has built a 10-location brand for private events. I've been on Shark Tank, featured in the New York Times, and run the number one batched experience company in the country. What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about? I love to talk about how building a business doesn't need a fully fleshed-out business plan. I also like talking about creating unforgettable moments and celebrating life, and I like talking about Shark Tank. What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast? Hoping to share my story to inspire others to take that first step in building their business and hopefully bring some awareness to my brand as well. Any website you wish to share with the audience? cocktail-crew.com partyhostboys.com Any social media links you wish to share with the audience? @cocktailcrewbartending @parythostboys Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently. https://www.michaelaforman.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/ https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ Digital Courses https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Nelson Brooks and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker
  6. Oct 6

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Marja Fox and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

    Marja Fox marja@mfoxconsult.com I am a former Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company with broad strategy, business development and commercial operations expertise across multiple industries. Before turning independent, I was a VP of Marketing and Strategy & Business Development at Ecolab, responsible for growth strategy, innovation, new product launches, sales support and marketing communications of a $1B growth business. As an independent consultant, I focus on strategy (growth, portfolio, go-to-market, strategic execution) and setting my clients up for high impact (top-team alignment, de-biased decision making, change management). I have found that client service - helping you succeed - is where my heart is; it’s what gets me up in the morning. My education is in the sciences. I hold a BS in Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I bring my analytical background and ongoing drive to understand how things work to every project. My hobbies include choir, theater, home improvement and all manner of crafting. I enjoy the stage, but am happy to share the spotlight; the best performances are always a team effort. I find great fulfillment in conceiving of a new idea, tackling the challenges in bringing it to life and standing back to admire the finished product. Even better when the accomplishment is shared with others equally invested in the outcome. What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?* 1) Communication at scale - why talking to your team isn't all that different than networking one-on-one 2) Third-party support is wise - managing the conversation with diverse perspectives around a tough problem is hard work; outsourcing it is a smart move 3) Benefit of the long-game - in networking and strategy, doing the "right" thing usually yields results, if we're patient enough to wait for them What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?* 1) Exposure to potential clients, partners - get them to visit my website, follow me on LinkedIn 2) Testing of messages - what resonates, what's clear? Any website you wish to share with the audience? marjafox.com Any social media links you wish to share with the audience? https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjafox/ Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently. https://www.michaelaforman.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/ https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ Digital Courses https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Marja Fox and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker
  7. Oct 5

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Lachandra Baker and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

    Lachandra B. Baker lachandra@lbbedutainment.com Please share a brief Bio. Lachandra B. Baker, MBA, CDP, is an award-winning workforce optimization strategist, author, five-time TEDx contributor, and the founder of LBB Edutainment. Known as a powerful "Conduit for Connection," she helps organizations turn corporate complexity and burnout into clarity, confidence, and collective momentum. By aligning mindset, behavior, and structural systems, she equips teams to move from passive disengagement to high-performing alignment with grit and grace. A multi-Quill Award winner and a Columbus Future50 leader, Lachandra is the author of Your Own Biggest Cheerleader and leverages her deep multi-industry leadership experience to build inclusive, human-centered workplace cultures nationwide. What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about? Your network is your net worth; the power of authentic leadership; living your truth and attracting the right partners What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast? Gaining new audiences and potential partners Any website you wish to share with the audience? https://www.lbbedutainment.com Any social media links you wish to share with the audience? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachandrabbaker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586173501365 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LBBEdutainment TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lachandrabbaker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbbedutainment/ Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently. https://www.michaelaforman.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/ https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ Digital Courses https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Lachandra Baker and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker
  8. Sep 22

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Kate Peterman and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

    Lachandra B. Baker lachandra@lbbedutainment.com Please share a brief Bio. Lachandra B. Baker, MBA, CDP, is an award-winning workforce optimization strategist, author, five-time TEDx contributor, and the founder of LBB Edutainment. Known as a powerful "Conduit for Connection," she helps organizations turn corporate complexity and burnout into clarity, confidence, and collective momentum. By aligning mindset, behavior, and structural systems, she equips teams to move from passive disengagement to high-performing alignment with grit and grace. A multi-Quill Award winner and a Columbus Future50 leader, Lachandra is the author of Your Own Biggest Cheerleader and leverages her deep multi-industry leadership experience to build inclusive, human-centered workplace cultures nationwide. What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about? Your network is your net worth; the power of authentic leadership; living your truth and attracting the right partners What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast? Gaining new audiences and potential partners Any website you wish to share with the audience? https://www.lbbedutainment.com Any social media links you wish to share with the audience? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachandrabbaker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586173501365 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LBBEdutainment TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lachandrabbaker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbbedutainment/ Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently. https://www.michaelaforman.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/ https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ Digital Courses https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/ #BusinessNetworking #CorporateSuccess #Leadership #CommunicationSkills

    Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Kate Peterman and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

This is the Podcast for Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections, Define what you want to achieve through networking. Are you looking for new clients, partnerships, or career opportunities? Having clear goals will guide your efforts and make your networking more purposeful. Networking is about building genuine relationships. Be yourself and show genuine interest in others. Effective communication is not just about talking but also about listening. Pay attention to what others are saying, ask questions, and show empathy. After meeting someone, follow up with a personalized message. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of who you are. Networking is not a one-time activity. Hosted by Georgia keynote speaker Michael A. Forman, Networking Unleashed helps professionals turn conversations into clients through powerful communication and relationship strategy.