Built on Relationships with Mindy East

Mindy East
  • 5.0 (10)
  • 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. 15h ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 7

    How to Adapt, Stay Visible, and Build a Career You Love with Alexis King

    Are you waiting for your career to move forward — or are you actively making it happen? In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Alexis King, keynote speaker, author, LinkedIn learning and development professional, and entrepreneur, to talk about what it really takes to navigate career transitions, stay relevant, and become unignorable at work. Alexis shares her journey from banking to corporate training to tech — and how each unexpected turn actually prepared her for the next one. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for anyone who wants to take ownership of their career, build multiple income streams, and show up with more intention. In this episode, we talk about: Alexis's career journey from bank teller to LinkedIn Learning — and the pivotal layoff that changed everythingWhy being laid off in 2012 led her to uncover what she actually loved doing — and how a great coach made all the differenceThe power of LinkedIn for career growth and why it is still one of the most underutilized tools for professionalsHow Alexis built a real estate investment business during the pandemic and what that taught her about entrepreneurship and multiple income streamsWhy you don't have to quit your job to start something on the side — and what ruthless prioritization actually looks like in practiceThe five P's framework from her book The Career Ninja Mindset: Plan, Prioritize, Practice, Persistence, and PassionWhat it means to become unignorable at work — and why visibility plus relationships is the formula that creates real opportunityListen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're looking to grow where you are or take your career in a whole new direction. About Alexis King: Alexis King, MBA, CPTD®, is a keynote speaker, leadership strategist, executive coach, and Amazon Best-Selling Author who helps organizations navigate rapid, disruptive change—especially in the age of AI—so their people stay engaged, adaptable, and driving results instead of falling behind. Drawing from a career spanning banking, tech leadership, entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and talent development, Alexis equips audiences with actionable tools they can immediately apply during periods of uncertainty and transition. Her work focuses on helping individuals and teams move from overwhelmed and reactive to agile, proactive, and high-performing contributors. Connect with Alexis King: Website: alexiskingconsulting.com Book: The Career Ninja Mindset — 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. Jun 23

    Personal Power vs. Positional Power: Career Lessons from McDonald's Former Chief Field Officer Karen King

    Have you ever had a boss who saw more in you than you saw in yourself — and pushed you to become it? In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Karen King, my former boss at McDonald's Corporation, to explore an extraordinary 40-plus year career that took her from crew member to Chief Field Officer. Karen shares the leadership lessons, the candid advice from mentors, and the personal sacrifices that shaped her path — including being the first woman in multiple roles at McDonald's and what it really took to break through. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom on mentorship, advocacy, and what it means to lead with personal power instead of just positional power. In this episode, we talk about: Karen's path from 19-year-old crew member to Chief Field Officer, including 14 relocations across her careerThe pivotal advice from a McDonald's US president that shaped how Karen led: build personal power, not just positional powerNegotiating her own advancement before agreeing to a stretch role — and why women especially need to speak their goals into truthBeing a "first" in multiple roles at McDonald's, and the pay gaps and biases that came with it, including being demoted during pregnancyWhy Karen considers developing and advocating for talent the most meaningful part of her legacyHow her late husband Matt's support at home was the anchor that allowed her career to thriveThe role of networking and saying yes to opportunities in building a personal and professional development strategyWhy authentic, people-first leadership — not just operational excellence — is what people remember mostListen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away. About Karen King: Karen King began her career at McDonald's Corporation in 1975 as a crew member in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and went on to build one of the most accomplished leadership journeys in the company's history. Over more than four decades, she relocated 14 times, rising through operations and franchising into executive leadership roles including Regional Manager, East Division President, Chief People Officer, and ultimately Chief Field Officer — overseeing the entire U.S. business outside of marketing and product development. Karen was a trailblazer for women at McDonald's, becoming the first female restaurant manager, supervisor, and consultant, and she is widely known for her commitment to developing and advocating for talent throughout her career. Since retiring from McDonald's, she has continued to share her leadership insights through board service and mentorship, helping the next generation of leaders — particularly women — find their own path forward. Connect with Karen on LinkedIn  Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

  8. Jun 9

    The Summer Networking Advantage

    Is summer slowing down your networking? It shouldn't be. In this short solo episode, Mindy East makes the case that summer is one of the best-kept secrets in professional networking — and shares a simple, no-overwhelm plan to help you stay connected all season long. With the end of Q2 and the start of Q3 landing right in the middle of summer, now is not the time to go quiet. Mindy breaks down why the season works in your favor and exactly what to do about it. In this episode you will learn: • Why summer gives you a competitive networking edge • The one simple opener that works every time this time of year • Creative, low-pressure ways to connect that fit into your summer schedule • How to use travel, community events, and even parenting as natural conversation starters • How to stay visible on LinkedIn when everyone else goes quiet • A simple four-part action plan to keep your network warm all summer long Your Summer Networking Action Plan: • One to two casual meetups per month — a walk, a coffee, an outdoor lunch • One to two LinkedIn posts per week to stay top of mind • One reconnect message per week to someone already in your network • One thing you are already doing that you can invite someone else to You cannot cram relationships. You have to build them before you need them. Summer is not your pause — it is your head start. Free Resource: Ready to connect with the right people on LinkedIn? Download Mindy's free guide, How to Find Your Ideal Connection on LinkedIn, and start building relationships that actually move the needle. Download the free guide here. 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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About

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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