Making the Connection: Genuine Professional Relationships

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How do you create genuine professional relationships in the age of AI and remote work? This show explores that question with professionals from all walks of life. We also celebrate leaders on Shoutout FriYAYs!

  1. How to Stay Visible (and Connected) in a Remote World w/ Susan Collins

    6D AGO

    How to Stay Visible (and Connected) in a Remote World w/ Susan Collins

    Most people think building strong professional relationships takes big, impressive moments, but in reality, it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest impact. In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Susan Collins, founder of The Network Concierge, for a thoughtful and refreshingly practical conversation on what it really takes to build meaningful professional relationships–especially in a remote-first world. Susan shares simple but powerful strategies for staying connected, from tracking personal milestones in your calendar to the underrated impact of a well-timed handwritten note. We talk about how small, intentional actions can turn everyday interactions into lasting relationships. Our conversation expands into the realities of remote work, where visibility, communication, and trust play a critical role in career growth. Susan offers actionable advice for both team members and leaders: how to create “virtual water cooler” moments, build trust through consistent communication, and foster a culture where mistakes are openly discussed—not hidden. Drawing from her years in talent acquisition and executive coaching, Susan also dives into the deeper work behind career growth. She shares how patterns and behaviors can hold professionals back, why self-awareness matters more than we think, and what it really looks like to let go of the habits that once made us successful in order to grow. We dive into: How to build genuine relationships through small, intentional actionsStaying visible and connected while working remotelyCreating trust and accountability on remote teamsWhy making space for mistakes leads to stronger leadershipIdentifying and breaking patterns that limit career growthThinking ahead: how to approach long-term career planning with intentionThis episode is a reminder that strong relationships (and strong careers) aren’t built on big moments, but on consistent, thoughtful connection over time. To learn more about Susan’s work, check out: https://www.thenetworkconcierge.com/ —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

    33 min
  2. What a Year of Hugging Strangers Can Teach Us About Work Relationships w/ Melinda Lee Schmitt

    MAR 26

    What a Year of Hugging Strangers Can Teach Us About Work Relationships w/ Melinda Lee Schmitt

    How do you build genuine professional relationships—especially in a remote or digital work environment? In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Melinda Lee Schmitt, author of Rebel Hugger, to explore how vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional connection can transform the way we show up at work. After completing a year-long experiment hugging thousands of strangers, Melinda shares what that experience taught her about human connection—and how those same principles apply to professional relationships, leadership, and workplace culture. Together, they discuss: How to build authentic relationships at work (even remotely) The role of vulnerability in professional settings How to set healthy boundaries without damaging relationships Moving from people-pleasing to self-acceptance How to handle difficult coworkers and misaligned working styles Why listening—both to what’s said and unsaid—is a key leadership skill Whether you’re a founder, part of a marketing team, or navigating corporate life, this conversation offers practical insights on building stronger, more human connections in the workplace. If you’re looking to improve communication at work, strengthen professional relationships, or create a more connected team culture, this episode is for you. To learn more about Melinda’s work, check out: https://melindaleeschmitt.com/ —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

    38 min
  3. Connection Before Tasks: Rethinking Virtual Collaboration

    FEB 6

    Connection Before Tasks: Rethinking Virtual Collaboration

    In a world where so much of our work happens through screens, building genuine professional relationships can feel harder than ever. In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Cathy Baillargeon, Owner and Chief “Cathy” Officer of Virtual Cathy, to talk about what real connection looks like in a virtual-first workplace. We explore how relationships are built on commonality, not surface-level networking, and why showing your personality early can completely change the tone of a professional relationship. We also dig into delegation — not as a weakness, but as a skill that takes practice — and what it really means to build trust, rapport, and culture on a remote team. In this episode, we cover: What creates genuine connection in professional relationshipsWhy impactful questions matter more than small talk (especially virtually)How to show personality without oversharingThe mindset shifts required to successfully delegateHow to build trust and rapport with virtual assistants and remote teamsPractical tips for getting started with a VA the right wayWhether you’re hiring support, managing a virtual team, or simply trying to build better professional relationships, this conversation is full of thoughtful, practical takeaways you can apply right away.

    26 min
  4. Worthy Intent: The Foundation of Relationship-Driven Sales w/ Lynn Whitbeck

    JAN 22

    Worthy Intent: The Foundation of Relationship-Driven Sales w/ Lynn Whitbeck

    On this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Lynn Whitbeck, sales strategist and relationship-driven leader, to explore what it truly takes to build genuine professional relationships—especially in sales. Lynn shares her philosophy of leading with “worthy intent,” why curiosity and care matter more than closing tactics, and how long-term relationships can turn clients into promoters—even when a sale never happens. We also dive into: How to build authentic relationships in sales without feeling transactional Navigating personality clashes and repairing trust when things go sideways Why thinking like your customer unlocks better results and deeper trust Providing real value without giving everything away Reframing sales from short-term wins to long-term partnerships This episode is a must-listen if you believe connection should always come before conversion. To learn more about Lynn’s business, visit: https://strategicsalesqueen.com/ —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

    25 min
  5. The Connection Expansion System: How to Build Relationships That Fuel Growth w/ Devin Sizemore

    11/25/2025

    The Connection Expansion System: How to Build Relationships That Fuel Growth w/ Devin Sizemore

    In this episode of Making the Connection, Angela sits down with Devin, a strategic growth consultant and author of Connection Expansion, to unpack what it really takes to build genuine business relationships in today’s remote-first world. Devin breaks down his Connection Expansion System—an approachable, repeatable framework for networking, nurturing relationships, and scaling your business through people, not pressure. From how to structure a connection meeting, to why giving value freely actually accelerates growth, to the magic of making three meaningful introductions, Devin shares the exact process he uses to generate consistent opportunities and authentic connections. Whether you’re struggling to book meetings without feeling salesy, want to build a stronger referral network, or simply want to deepen your relational skills in an AI-driven era, this conversation is packed with actionable, human-centered insights you can implement immediately. You’ll learn: What a strategic growth consultant actually doesHow to structure a high-impact connection meetingA simple system for booking and nurturing authentic networking callsWhy generosity and curiosity outperform sales scriptsHow community building is evolving—and why it matters now more than everTune in for a refreshing, practical conversation that proves meaningful connections are still the most powerful growth strategy in business today.

    39 min
  6. Collaboration, Creating Synergy, & Dropping the Ego with Michelle Westfall

    10/23/2025

    Collaboration, Creating Synergy, & Dropping the Ego with Michelle Westfall

    On this episode of Making the Connection, I chat with Michelle Westfall, broadcast journalist turned podcast producer and the creative force behind Universal Orlando’s official podcast.  Michelle shares her journey from doing morning announcements as a kid to producing large-scale podcasts with major entertainment teams—and how staying authentic, dropping ego, and trusting your gut has shaped her career. We also dive into: How to make authentic professional connections without feeling transactional Behind-the-scenes stories of launching and producing Universal Orlando’s podcast The power of empathy, compromise, and trust in building synergy across large teams Navigating challenges in corporate environments while staying true to yourself Lessons from mentorship and experiences that propel your career forward To learn more about 52Launch, visit https://www.52launch.com/ —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

    32 min

  7. 09/26/2025

    Shoutout FriYAY: David Jones

    Happy Shoutout FriYAY, where my guests have the opportunity to "shout-out" colleagues or bosses who have left a lasting impression on them in the way they genuinely connect with others. This week is David's turn! And don't forget to listen in to our awesome convo! Happy FriYAY!! —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

    2 min
  8. Authentic Leadership: Building Trust, Flourishing, and Lasting Relationships w/ David Jones

    09/25/2025

    Authentic Leadership: Building Trust, Flourishing, and Lasting Relationships w/ David Jones

    How do you build genuine professional relationships that truly last—and lead teams effectively while doing it? On today’s episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with David Jones, a seasoned leader with years of experience guiding hundreds of team members. We dive deep into the principles of trust, servant leadership, and authentic connection in the workplace. David shares practical strategies for: building trust quicklycoaching leaders to care for their teamsidentifying what flourishing looks like for individuals both personally and professionallythe balance between personal vulnerability and professional boundarieshow to leverage personality frameworks like Working Genius without putting people in a boxWhether you’re leading a team, building your career, or simply looking to deepen your professional relationships, David’s insights provide a roadmap for connecting with people in a genuine, impactful way. To learn more about Mission Advancement, visit https://missionadvancement.com/ To learn more about Booster, visit https://boosterthon.com/ —------- Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships. Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram  @ makingtheconnectionpodcast

    34 min
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How do you create genuine professional relationships in the age of AI and remote work? This show explores that question with professionals from all walks of life. We also celebrate leaders on Shoutout FriYAYs!

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