Following up is one of the most crucial and powerful networking tools, but it is frequently neglected and also highly underrated. Follow-ups can transform casual conversations into long-term connections, open up or create new opportunities, show appreciation, keep projects on track, or invigorate and deepen existing relationships. Only, most of us (definitely me included) struggleContinue reading “The Follow-Up Makes the Difference”
Author Archives: christinaccwillis
Self-Care at Conferences
Conferences are special. They are cornucopias of knowledge, ideas, and connection, brimming with opportunity… which makes it easy to get carried away. For the very same reasons they are exciting places to be, conferences can be exhausting and anxiety-inducing. In our effort to make the most of every moment, we can run ourselves ragged, leavingContinue reading “Self-Care at Conferences”
Informational Interviews
Build Your Network & Make Smarter Career Decisions with Informational Interviews The Informational Interview is a powerful tool for strengthening your network and making informed career decisions. And yet, many scientists and engineers haven’t heard of it. It wasn’t until I transitioned from my career as an industry scientist and into a policy fellowship thatContinue reading “Informational Interviews”
Poopket Theory
People are complicated. People, even those we know well, can behave in unpredictable and even contradictory ways. I’m always fascinated by the reports of how thoroughly numerous serial killers are able to fool close friends and neighbors. For example, serial killer Dennis Rader murdered at least ten people in Wichita, Kansas, between 1974 and 1991.Continue reading “Poopket Theory”
Opportunity Momentum: Ride the Wave
Networking is a powerful tool that can help you accomplish your goals and be more successful. One of the ways that this works is through a concept I call Opportunity Momentum. I define this as a phenomenon where increased participation in an activity leads to building more skills related to that activity and being associatedContinue reading “Opportunity Momentum: Ride the Wave”
Rules for Public Speaking—Learned the Hard Way
During my time practicing public speaking, I’ve learned many lessons through feedback, experience, and, frankly, by screwing up. But screw-ups are great learning opportunities! Sure, it’s nice to skip the embarrassment and suffering associated with screwing up, but that’s what makes mistakes such powerful learning experiences. Below is a list of rules I’ve established forContinue reading “Rules for Public Speaking—Learned the Hard Way”
Better Slide Design Through Science
Why We Should Care About Slide Design Love it or hate it, many of us regularly have to give presentations. That means making slides. Only, most of us never get any formal education in slide design. Not that one has to have a formal education to design good slides. It just means there’s a lotContinue reading “Better Slide Design Through Science”
Self-Awareness and Empathy as Trainable Skills
I’m going to open today’s newsletter with what might be a controversial opinion: I don’t believe in natural talent. I believe in training, practice, and passion. When you see someone who has mastered a skill—such as playing an instrument, performing a one-armed handstand, or becoming a chess grandmaster—what you are seeing is the result ofContinue reading “Self-Awareness and Empathy as Trainable Skills”
Networking for Equity
Professional networking is a powerful multitool for community building, productivity, and career success. For fans of the long-running BBC show Dr. Who, you can think of your network as the sonic screwdriver of your career. In the show, a sonic screwdriver could do anything narratively convenient that the Doctor needed it to do: send andContinue reading “Networking for Equity”
Sustainable Networking 