J. Kelly Hoey is an acclaimed business columnist and networking expert and author of Build Your Dream Network.  As a connector, and networking expert, Kelly has been lauded from Forbes (“1 of 5 Women Changing the World of VC/Entrepreneurship”) to Fast Company (“25 Smartest Women On Twitter”). She has a column on Inc.com, blogs on myturnstone.com (as well as Medium and jkellyhoey.co) and tweets frequently (@jkhoey). Kelly has appeared as an investor panelist on CNBC’s Power Pitch and is the host of the BroadMic podcast.

As much as I love sharing the message on the importance of networking and relationships, I love learning about it from others. One thing I learned from Kelly is that diversity goes beyond race and gender. Our network should also consist of a mix of psychographics and demographics. This interview is an absolute value add:

• The mindset, activity, and process of networking.
• Are introverts or extroverts better networkers?
• How we can “Stop committing random acts of networking?”
• Diversity of networking from women, mentorship, and a lot more!

Quote: "Sometimes your network sees more in you than yourself." J. Kelly Hoey

Be sure to pick up Hoey's new book Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships in a Hyper-Connected World

Website: http://jkellyhoey.co

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jkhoey

It was an absolute pleasure to have a conversation with long time friend Isom Kuade Washington founder of IWonder Group, LLC. This brother is full of wisdom and authenticity when it comes to balancing life and understanding people. 

In this episode we discuss:

• The process of progress when it comes to lifestyle and success.
• How to hire people and rally your team.
• The state of Hip-Hop
• Alicia Keys "no make-up" stance and why other celebrities and women should follow suite.

For more information visit Isom Kuade Washington.

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today! Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Remember Martin Luther King Jr life and legacy.

We Want To Be Free speech took place on May 26, 1963 a Freedom Rally at Wrigley Field and was recorded by KPFK.

Favorite quotes:

• We discuss:

  • ​Asheli's education journey from undergrad, MBA, and PhD program.
  • Her decision making process for graduate school.
  • The differences between an HBCU and PWI.
  • Her work within the African American entrepreneurs and how to support black businesses

First and foremost, thanks for following me into 2017. I hope your year is filled with peace, laughter, and success.

This week I do a short episode based on my Facebook 2016 wrap up post:

2016 what can I say?

Plans have failed. Expectations were exceeded. Friendships were created, amended and some are faint. Business continues to cycle. The pain allows me to grow. The mind always reflects. The laughter continues to heal. Your company keeps me sane. I always figure it out. Always.

I could talk about my shortcomings, but God hasn't allowed me to come short. I could talk about my life's highlights, but it was His light that allows me to receive. Grace is before me. Through it all I remain Grateful.