Built on Relationships with Mindy East

Mindy East
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Built on Relationships with Mindy East is your source of strategies for growing your business through the relationships you build. Join me every Wednesday for honest conversations about networking, visibility, and the connections that move a business forward. I spent 30 years in HR leadership at Disney, McDonald's, Gap and Old Navy, and two global nonprofits, and I learned the same thing in every one of them. Nothing moves without relationships. Today I run a business that comes 98% from referrals. Not because I got lucky, and not because I'm the loudest person in the room. Because I stopped leaving my relationships to chance. Here's the thing. Most of us were never taught how to do this well. We were told to show up, hand out cards, and hope something came of it. That's why networking feels like a waste of time to so many capable people. Each week we get into what actually works. How to walk into a room and leave with more than a stack of cards. How to use LinkedIn as the tool it is instead of the billboard most people treat it as. How to follow up so people remember you. We'll also get into the relationships that keep a business running once the introduction is over. Clients who stay, partners who show up, the people you lead and the people who open doors for you. Whether you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or a professional building your reputation, you'll walk away from every episode with something you can use this week. Visit www.mindyeast.com to learn more, and listen every Wednesday.

  1. 4d ago

    Your Network Is Your Net Worth

    Mindy East talks with Dana Williams about how strengths work, intentional relationships, and internal leadership can shape career transitions and business growth. Dana shares how her Southwest Airlines background, coaching experience, and new book connect through one theme: helping people understand their value and show up authentically.In this episode, Mindy and Dana explore why relationships can be a powerful source of business, how strengths can support hiring and team alignment, and how Dana built her work around helping people live in their unique talents every day. Key topics Dana’s 25-plus-year career at Southwest Airlines, spanning operations, HR, hiring, training, and marketing.How HR and marketing overlap in recruiting, retention, culture, and internal communication.How Southwest began using CliftonStrengths during the AirTran acquisition to help employees understand themselves and integrate into the company.How strengths coaching led to opportunities inside Southwest and eventually to Dana’s own business.The story behind Dana’s strengths journal and her goal of keeping strengths work alive after workshops.Why relationships matter in business, including staying connected with former colleagues and creating opportunities to gather.How Dana’s business has grown through referrals and her Southwest network.Networking through clear introductions, community, and consistent follow-up.Dana’s book, The Internal Revolution, about authentic leadership, personal branding from within, and managing yourself first.Timestamps 00:00 Opening the conversation and why Mindy invited Dana01:08 Dana’s Southwest Airlines career in operations, HR, hiring, and training03:19 Why HR and marketing are closely connected07:46 COVID, organizational change, and the decision to start a business12:17 Why business can come from your network, not just advertising13:26 Staying connected through panels, lunches, and listening spaces15:58 The story behind The Internal Revolution21:22 Identity beyond your job title22:44 Where Dana’s business comes from and how she builds new connections25:45 Why in-person events feel especially valuable28:41 Choosing networking that fits your values and personality30:02 Measuring impact through stories, not just immediate leads31:48 Where to find Dana and her booksNotable quotes “I help people birth their purpose and live in their unique talents every day.” “Changing me changes everything.” “We have been taught that our title is our identity, but we're never shown our value.” About Dana Williams Dana Williams is a leadership identity expert, Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and founder of Dana Williams Consulting with more than 25 years of leadership experience at Southwest Airlines. Through her consulting, speaking, and workshops, she and her team help high-achieving leaders and their employees align who they are with how they lead and work. As the creator of the Authentic Imprint™ framework and author of The Internal Revolution, she equips executives to lead from their authentic identity instead of performance pressure and burnout. Dana is also the host of the Dominate Your Day podcast and creator of The Strengths Journal™, the only Gallup-certified daily strengths planner. Learn more about Dana’s work with executives and teams at www.danawilliamsco.comTake the free, 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment to receive your leadershipscorecard:danawilliamsco.scoreapp.comGet your copy of Dana’s book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within:www.danawilliamsco.com/bookGet your copy of The Strengths Journal™:thestrengthsjournal.com Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

  2. Sep 23

    Networking Is Not Selling

    Visibility plus relationships equals opportunity In this solo episode, Mindy East breaks down the core equation behind her approach to business growth: visibility plus relationships equals opportunity. She explains why either one on its own falls short, and how combining the two creates referrals, warmer conversations, and opportunities that find you instead of the other way around.Mindy also shares her own networking example, including how LinkedIn and in-person events worked together to create a real opportunity before she even walked into the room. Key topics Mindy East introduces the show’s foundational equation: visibility plus relationships equals opportunity.Why relationships without visibility go cold, even when the relationship itself is strong.Why visibility without relationships rarely creates referrals, because people need trust before they risk their reputation.How being “out of sight, out of mind” can quietly cost you opportunities.What changes when both sides are working: your name comes up in rooms you are not in, and people reach out already familiar with you.Why referrals are the result of trust, not just recognition.Mindy’s own business model, where 98% of her business comes from referrals.A networking example from San Antonio showing LinkedIn visibility creating momentum before an in-person event.Why modern networking requires both in-person connection and LinkedIn presence.The three steps in Mindy’s Remember Me Roadmap: define your direction, build your visibility, and strengthen relationships.Timestamps 00:00 - The question that reveals whether your name comes up when it matters 00:48 - The equation behind business growth: visibility plus relationships 03:17 - When strong relationships go cold because you are no longer visible 06:15 - Why visibility alone does not create referrals without trust 07:34 - What happens when both visibility and relationships are working 09:38 - Your name starts showing up in rooms you are not in 11:29 - Why Mindy says 98% of her business comes from referrals 12:33 - A San Antonio networking event where LinkedIn opened the door first 14:32 - How posting on LinkedIn supported the in-person opportunity 15:07 - Why modern networking requires both in-person and virtual presence 16:28 - In-person without LinkedIn versus LinkedIn without in-person 17:25 - The Remember Me Roadmap inside networking school 18:22 - The three steps: direction, visibility, and relationships 19:24 - Choose the side of the equation that is weakest right now Action items Identify which side of the equation is weaker for you right now: visibility or relationships.If relationships have gone quiet, re-enter other people’s worlds consistently.If visibility is weak, show up more consistently on LinkedIn and in person.Use both channels together so people see you, trust you, and remember you.Ask yourself whether people can quickly name what you do when your name comes up.Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

  3. Sep 16

    The Real Cost of Staying Quiet at Work

    In this episode, Dr. Kristine Sickels shares insights from her upcoming book 'The Clearest Voice in the Room,' focusing on how women can speak with power and intention at work. We explore the barriers women face in voicing their ideas and practical strategies to overcome them. Key Topics The seven silencers that prevent women from speaking upPractical tips to overcome barriers to voiceThe importance of defining personal values for effective communicationHow organizational culture influences speaking upThe Voice Framework: knowing your values, outcome, identity, energy, and consistencyThe role of leadership in fostering a culture of open communicationTimestamps 0:01 – Intro & welcome back Dr. Kristine Sickels 2:32 – What prompted the book, The Clearest Voice in the Room 4:51 – The seven silencers that keep women from speaking up (overview) 7:43 – Silencers broken down one by one (fear of "no," not feeling good at it, men dominating conversation, fear of judgment, fear of job loss, not wanting to talk too much, not knowing what to say) 14:26 – Defining your personal values (curiosity, optimism, candor) as the foundation of voice 17:50 – Everyday, low-stakes ways to build your "speaking up" muscle 20:20 – The training story that became a catalyst for the book 25:14 – The Voice Framework (values, outcome, identity, energy, consistency) 28:08 – Advice for male listeners/leaders on creating space for others to speak 32:34 – Closing thoughts and where to find the book Notable Quotes "It's better to speak up than to stay silent."  "Define your values to clarify your voice."  "Candor is care and clarity." Action Items Identify your "silencer" — Reflect on which of the seven silencers most often stops you from speaking up in meetings, and name it explicitly before your next high-stakes conversation.Define your core values — Write down 2–3 personal values that matter most to you at work, and use them as a filter for deciding when and how to voice an opinion.Apply the Voice Framework — Before your next meeting where you're tempted to stay quiet, run through the five elements (values, outcome, identity, energy, consistency) to prepare what you want to say and how.About Dr. Kristine Sickels Dr. Kristine Sickels rose up the corporate ladder for 20 years, becoming SVP of Marketing for a $2 billion dollar multi-brand portfolio—including Crockpot, Calphalon, Mr. Coffee, and Oster. During her time in corporate, she revitalized beloved legacy brands like Rubbermaid for new generations, and became known as an executive who led with curiosity, candor, and optimism.      A former executive turned entrepreneur, she has co-founded several companies including C-Sweet, a multi-million-dollar, women-owned consulting firm where Kristine and her team advise companies including Conair, BaBylissPRO, BIC, Vitamix, GoodCook, and Kimball International.    In addition, Kristine is an owner and CEO of Mic Drop, a company that helps women hone their public speaking skills, book paid speaking engagements, and increase their income and impact. She also co-owns and invests in several women-centered ventures, including Lorraine’s Retail Group, a mother-daughter business that reflects her belief in generational empowerment and possibility.   Throughout her career, she noticed a major problem: women’s voices are often missing from the rooms where decisions get made. Determined to change this, she has dedicated the second half of her career to championing women’s voices. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she shows women how to speak with clarity and confidence at work.       Kristine holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. She splits her time between Washington and Georgia, marketing, teaching, leading women, and building what she once searched for in corporate: rooms where women are not silent, interrupted, talked over, or underestimated, and where they speak up and shape the future. Connect with Dr. Kristine Sickels drkristinespeaks.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristinesickels/ Click here to get her book The Clearest Voice in the Room. Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

  4. Sep 9

    When Your Networking Isn't Working

    Built on Relationships: Why strategic networking starts with one clear business goal Mindy East opens the newly renamed podcast, Built on Relationships, with a clear premise: business grows through relationships, not random networking. In this solo episode, she explains why networking can feel exhausting and ineffective, then gives a simple framework for turning scattered effort into intentional connection-building. Key topics: In this episode, Mindy explains the rebrand from The People's Success Circle to Built on Relationships, and why the new name reflects the show’s core belief that business is built on relationships, not tactics or templates.She calls out the common networking frustration: attending events, posting on LinkedIn, saying yes to coffees, and still seeing no meaningful growth in pipeline or referrals.Mindy reframes the real problem as networking without direction, not a lack of effort or charisma.She draws a distinction between networking as a vehicle and a business goal as the destination, comparing it to entering an address before driving.The episode’s central framework is three questions: What is my number one business goal right now?Who are the people connected to this goal?Where do those people actually spend their time?She encourages specificity in goals, such as signing three new clients by month-end or booking five speaking engagements by quarter-end, instead of vague aims like “get more clients.”Mindy broadens the idea of “connected people” beyond prospects to include the people you serve, the people who serve them, and the people already experienced in that space.She urges listeners to treat rooms as optional unless they align with the goal, recommending two or three strategic events instead of a packed calendar.She explains how intention changes follow-up, making conversations more memorable and relevant instead of ending with a generic “let’s stay in touch.”Her closing message is that relationships compound over time, and you cannot rush trust or “cram” relationships at the last minute.Timestamps: (00:00) Restarting the episode and introducing the new podcast name (02:09) Why Built on Relationships replaces The People's Success Circle (03:08) The pain of networking hard without seeing results (04:28) Why most people network without direction (05:08) Random networking creates random results (06:08) A mile wide and an inch deep: the cost of shallow connections (07:24) The real fix: choose rooms on purpose (07:55) Networking is the vehicle, not the strategy (08:51) Your goal should guide where you spend time (09:24) Question one: define your number one business goal clearly (10:23) Question two: identify the people connected to that goal (12:19) Question three: find where those people spend time (13:08) Use your answers as a filter for events and rooms (14:08) How clarity changes your introduction and listening (15:29) Why strong follow-up comes from real conversations (16:22) When networking stops feeling like a chore (17:12) The three questions to ask before your next event (18:21) Networking School and the closing reminder to network with intention Key framework The Strategic Networking Filter Define the business goal.Identify the people connected to that goal.Find the rooms, groups, and events where those people already spend time.Mindy’s rule for rooms. If a room does not put you near the people you want to build with, it is optional. Notable quotes Business does not get built on tactics or templates or how many events you went to last month. It gets built on relationships. Networking is actually not the strategy. Networking is the vehicle. The business goal is the definition. You can't cram relationships. You have to build them before you need them. Built on Relationships: Why strategic networking starts with one clear business goal Action items Write down your number one business goal before your next event.List the people connected to that goal.Identify the specific events, groups, associations, or conferences they attend.Attend only the rooms that align with that goal.Use conversations to gather real context for follow-up instead of collecting names.Write down your number one business goal before your next event.List the people connected to that goal.Identify the specific events, groups, associations, or conferences they attend.Attend only the rooms that align with that goal.Use conversations to gather real context for follow-up instead of collecting names.Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

  5. Aug 11

    HR for HR: How to Elevate Your Presence, Own Your Seat, and Lead with Confidence with Nakisha Hicks

    If you're the person in your organization responsible for developing everyone else — who's developing you? In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Nakisha Hicks, founder and president of The ElevateHer LLC, to talk about one of the most overlooked gaps in most organizations — the development, support, and empowerment of HR leaders themselves. Nakisha brings nearly two decades of HR executive experience to this conversation, and she does not hold back. We talk about what HR leaders actually need to thrive, how to stop shrinking in high-stakes rooms, and what it really looks like to own your seat at the table. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in HR — or anyone who leads people and wants to show up with more confidence and impact. In this episode, we talk about: Why Nakisha started The ElevateHer LLC in 2020 and what the question "who is HR for HR?" really meansThe three things HR leaders need most — community, development, and exposure — and why most organizations aren't providing any of themWhy HR must learn to speak the language of the business and understand its financial drivers to be taken seriously as a strategic partnerThe three levels of communication and why moving to level three — conviction, risk, and recommendation — is what executive presence actually looks likeHow to show up more confidently in meetings even as an introvert, starting with just one powerful sentenceWhy business acumen and AI literacy are the two most critical skills HR leaders need to develop right nowThe real cost of a bad hire — and how HR can flip the narrative from cost center to strategic contributorWhy workplace trauma is real and how it can cause leaders to lose their voice over timeListen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're an HR professional, a people leader, or anyone who wants to lead with more presence and purpose. About Kisha Hicks: Nakisha Hicks is a beacon of empowerment, devoted to helping women of color in the dynamic realm of human resources soar to extraordinary heights. Known as the Career Path Finder, Nakisha has ignited a fire within countless ambitious HR professionals, guiding them towards their dream jobs and unlocking their full potential. As the driving force behind The ElevateHer LLC, she has earned a stellar reputation for transforming mindsets, turbocharging careers, and unleashing exponential earnings growth. With nearly two decades of trailblazing experience in top-tier HR executive roles, Nakisha stands tall as an industry luminary whose insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal and countless podcasts and publications nationwide. Connect with Nakisha Hicks: Website: nakishahicks.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nakisha-hicks Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

  6. Aug 4

    Understanding Your Team from the Inside Out: How the Enneagram Can Transform Your Workplace with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober

    What if the key to better communication, less conflict, and higher engagement at work wasn't another process — it was actually understanding the people? In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, also known as Enneagram Ashton, community psychologist and Enneagram expert, to talk about one of the most powerful — and underutilized — tools for building stronger workplace cultures. Ashton shares how the Enneagram goes far beyond personality labels to uncover the motivations behind why people do what they do, and how that insight can change the way we lead, communicate, and collaborate at work. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for leaders, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs alike. In this episode, we talk about: What the Enneagram is, how it differs from other personality tools like Gallup Strengths and DISC, and why understanding motivation matters more than behaviorWhy tests are only about 60% accurate — and the better approach to discovering your true Enneagram typeHow one company reduced turnover dramatically in just six months after implementing the Enneagram with their teamWhy employee engagement jumps from 32% to 77% when people feel truly understood and valued at workHow leaders can use the Enneagram to manage individuals on a personal level instead of assuming everyone is wired the same wayThe right way to implement the Enneagram at work — and why a one-time workshop is never enoughHow entrepreneurs can use the Enneagram to understand their own strengths and blind spots, and even serve their clients betterAshton's three books on the Enneagram and her program, The Enneagram Advantage, for those who want to go deeperListen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're leading a team, building a business, or just trying to understand yourself a little better. About Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober: Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober is a Community Psychologist, certified Enneagram coach, speaker, and author known as Enneagram Ashton. With a master's degree in community psychology and social change, Ashton helps individuals, teams, and organizations use the Enneagram to understand the motivations behind why they do what they do — so they can communicate better, build stronger relationships, and create real, lasting change. She has led 150+ workshops and speaking events, helped more than 6,000 people, and published four books on the Enneagram. Ashton speaks to corporate teams, organizations, and communities, making self-awareness feel accessible, practical, and genuinely fun. Connect with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober: Website: enneagramashton.com Instagram: @enneagramashton The Enneagram Advantage Program: enneagramashton.mykajabi.com/advantage Free Self-Assessment: truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test Books: The Enneagram for Relationships, The Enneagram Made Simple, and A Little Bit of Enneagram — available on Amazon Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

  7. Jul 28

    Sleep Your Way to Better Performance: What Every Professional Needs to Know with Michele Kreuzer

    What if the thing that's hurting your performance, your patience, and your focus at work isn't your workload — it's your sleep? In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Michele Kreuzer, keynote speaker and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of workplace performance — sleep. Michele shares her journey from special education teacher to sleep expert, and unpacks the science, the habits, and the mindset shifts that can help professionals finally get the rest they need. This conversation is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away — and a few surprising truths about sleep that just might change how you think about your own. In this episode, we talk about: How Michele's work with children and families led her to discover the profound ripple effect that poor sleep has on behavior, performance, and wellbeingWhy the way we think and talk about our sleep has a direct effect on how well we actually sleepWhat insomnia really looks like — and why so many people don't realize they have itThe dangers of clock-watching in the middle of the night and the one simple habit that can helpWhat CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) is, how it works, and why just six to eight sessions can change everythingThe daily habits that either help or hurt your sleep — from meal timing and exercise to light exposure and alcoholWhat leaders can do to model healthy sleep boundaries and create a culture where their team isn't burning out in the darkWhy one in three people in your workforce are sleep deprived right now — and what to do about itListen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — because better sleep is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your performance, your health, and your leadership. About Michele Kreuzer: Michele Kreuzer is a keynote speaker and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist who helps organizations and professionals improve performance and well-being through evidence-based sleep strategies. As a teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michele hit a wall she couldn't power through — waking night after night at 2 or 3 a.m., exhausted but unable to sleep. It was watching the children she worked with regress due to poor sleep that changed everything, revealing the ripple effect that one person's sleep has on an entire family, team, and workplace. That experience led her back to school to become a Certified Behavioral Sleep Practitioner — and now she helps businesses see what exhaustion is really costing them. Michele offers corporate keynotes, team workshops, and 1:1 coaching, delivering science-backed strategies that spark real change. Connect with Michele Kreuzer: Website: michelekreuzer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-public-speaker/  Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

  8. Jul 21

    Reiki, KonMari, and the Art of Letting Go: How to Reduce Burnout and Create More Joy at Work with Michelle Shinagawa

    What if the clutter in your workspace — and your mind — is costing you more than you think? In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Michelle Shinagawa, Reiki master teacher and KonMari organizing consultant, to explore two powerful Japanese practices that can help professionals reduce stress, release mental clutter, and create more space for joy — both at work and in life. Michelle shares her own journey from a shy girl in Osaka to a keynote speaker teaching mindfulness and intentional living, and walks us through practical techniques you can start using right away. This conversation is packed with fresh perspectives on burnout prevention that go far beyond the usual advice. In this episode, we talk about: What Reiki is and how it works as an energy healing practice — including a live demonstration of a calming technique you can try right nowWhy releasing stress before layering on positive affirmations makes all the differenceThe KonMari method and how focusing on what sparks joy — rather than what to throw away — changes everythingHow physical clutter increases cortisol levels and quietly contributes to burnout, disengagement, and lost productivityWhy the average American worker spends forty hours a year just looking for things — and what to do about itHow to apply the KonMari method beyond your home: your office, your calendar, your meetings, and even your networkWhy leaders need to look inward first before they can help their teams reduce overwhelm and reconnect with their workListen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're leading a team or simply trying to create more breathing room in your day. About Michelle Shinagawa: Michelle Shinagawa helps professionals protect their energy, reduce stress, and create space, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so they can show up fully for their work and the people they serve. Originally from Japan, Michelle brings a mindfulness-based workplace solutions perspective to her speaking and training, combining modern stress-reduction strategies with the grounding practices of Reiki and the transformational clarity of KonMari. Through this integrated approach, she equips organizations and individuals with practical tools to prevent burnout, sustain performance, and build healthier workplace cultures — without sacrificing well-being. Connect with Michelle Shinagawa: Website LinkedIn Instagram Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

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Built on Relationships with Mindy East is your source of strategies for growing your business through the relationships you build. Join me every Wednesday for honest conversations about networking, visibility, and the connections that move a business forward. I spent 30 years in HR leadership at Disney, McDonald's, Gap and Old Navy, and two global nonprofits, and I learned the same thing in every one of them. Nothing moves without relationships. Today I run a business that comes 98% from referrals. Not because I got lucky, and not because I'm the loudest person in the room. Because I stopped leaving my relationships to chance. Here's the thing. Most of us were never taught how to do this well. We were told to show up, hand out cards, and hope something came of it. That's why networking feels like a waste of time to so many capable people. Each week we get into what actually works. How to walk into a room and leave with more than a stack of cards. How to use LinkedIn as the tool it is instead of the billboard most people treat it as. How to follow up so people remember you. We'll also get into the relationships that keep a business running once the introduction is over. Clients who stay, partners who show up, the people you lead and the people who open doors for you. Whether you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or a professional building your reputation, you'll walk away from every episode with something you can use this week. Visit www.mindyeast.com to learn more, and listen every Wednesday.

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