Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!
Tired of the conventional method of networking? Ready to explore a more collaborative, lifelong approach to building business relationships? Tune in to "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!"
Join us as we investigate the power of connection and how it shapes our lives. We uncover the mysteries behind successful networking partnerships and reveal how you can also become "Awake in the Network." We'll take it one step further— networking live with our guests.
In each episode, we talk to thriving individuals who've made their dreams a reality by mastering the art of networking to create significant opportunities for all. You'll get insider tricks and practical advice to help you become a networking expert and transform your life.
Learn how to:
- Embrace the unexpected and experience surprising synergistic outcomes.
- Make every interaction with your network partners work to your advantage.
- Communicate more meaningfully.
- Understand the process for creating mega opportunities.
- Develop an efficient plan for a dynamic, impactful network that benefits not just you, but every person you connect with.
If you're ready to awaken your networking potential and create the life of your dreams, join us every other episode. Your destiny awaits!r Wednesday to become: "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!"
Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!
From Chicago's South Side to the C-Suite
Meet Nicole Barnes-Marshall: The Leader Who Turned Networking Into an Art Form
What happens when a political science major becomes one of America's most respected DEI executives? You get a masterclass in authentic relationship building that spans 30 years, 20,000+ vinyl records, and countless lives transformed.
This Episode Will Change How You Think About:
🌟 Building Networks from Scratch
Watch Nicole reveal how she rebuilt her entire professional network after moving from Chicago to Columbus—and the intentional strategies that made it work.
🎯 Turning Passion Into Professional Power
Discover how Nicole's love for house music became a metaphor for inclusive leadership and authentic connection.
💼 Leveraging Your Unique Background
Learn why Nicole credits her political science degree and childhood experiences with foster siblings as the secret weapons in her corporate success.
🚀 Creating Opportunities for Others
Hear the inspiring story of how Nicole consistently filled "hard-to-fill" tech positions by building trust and sharing opportunities across diverse communities.
The Moments That Will Stay With You:
"I was raised with more than 20 different children through foster care... I have all the trappings of experiences of having siblings, but also some of the experiences of being an only child."
"You're not only dating me, you're dating house music. It's a package deal."
"The narrative has been dominated by people with opinions, not necessarily the facts or the lived experience of actually leading this work and being successful at it."
Behind the Scenes Magic:
🤝 The Network That Started It All
Hear the incredible story of how hosts Billy Dexter and Nicole's paths crossed 30 years ago in the Chicago Association of Minority Recruiters—and how Billy's leadership team included his future wife!
📚 The Book Connection
Nicole is working on "Beyond the Backlash"—a groundbreaking book about building bridges in our divided world, with each chapter tied to the history of house music.
🎵 The House Music Love Story
From 20,000+ records to a pharmaceutical executive husband who became a DJ, discover how music became the soundtrack to Nicole's approach to inclusive leadership.
Why This Episode Matters Now:
In today's polarized world, Nicole offers a masterclass in:
- Building authentic relationships across differences
- Leading with both heart and strategy
- Turning challenges into opportunities for growth
- Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive
Perfect For:
✅ Corporate Leaders navigating cultural change
✅ Career Changers building networks in new cities
✅ Anyone who believes in the power of genuine connection
✅ Music Lovers who understand community and culture
What You'll Walk Away With:
🔑 Concrete strategies for network building as an adult
🔑 Insights on leveraging your unique background
🔑 Inspiration from a leader who's created real change
🔑 Understanding of how inclusive leadership actually works
🔑 A new perspective on turning passion into professional power
"I can have a conversation with anyone
Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/
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