In today's digital landscape, it is becoming clearer that building a robust professional network can often feel like a daunting challenge, especially for those who spend most of their days behind a computer screen.
At our recent Beyond Umuzi, we had a chat with two dynamic individuals, Stephanie de Beer and Alfi Oloo, who have found a way to turn networking into a rewarding adventure through their podcast, The Edit Undo Podcast.
Let's dive into their journey and glean some valuable insights and networking tips from their recent talk.
Meet the Duo
Stephanie de Beer, a UX designer in the travel industry, is known for her love of travelling and working in cosy cafes. Her affinity for daily lattes and her co-founding role at CardCahoots balance her vibrant personality. Steph's yoga teacher abilities bring a sense of calm to the Edit Undo Podcast partnership.
Alfi Oloo, also a UX designer and an aspiring entrepreneur, is an enthusiastic speaker and leader. He's on a continuous quest for knowledge, often found engrossed in audiobooks and TED talks. His boundless energy complements Steph's tranquillity, making them a dynamic duo.
Validate. Engage. Connect.
Their collaboration showcases the power of diversity in partnerships. Steph's passion for design and its consumer-centric approach fueled her networking journey. She found that freelancing helped her break out of her shell and connect with a broader audience. The idea of starting a podcast clicked for Steph as a way to make networking more meaningful. Podcasting allowed her to engage with a diverse range of individuals and with that said, having a guiding hand can make a world of difference and both Steph and Alfi agree that it helps to have a good mentor.
Steph and Alfi's careers began in advertising, and they crossed paths while working at ABSA. Their shared background laid the foundation for their collaboration. Steph is the introvert and Alfi is the extrovert of the dynamic duo. However, they both believe that the key to a successful partnership is understanding where your strengths and weaknesses complement each other. Collaboration is about finding the right fit. Finding someone who is strong, where you are weak.
The Power of Relationships
Building a network is all about creating relationships. Steph and Alfi’s podcast is a brilliant example of that. People are more likely to recommend someone they know and trust, so building relationships helps build a network. Validating someone is a fundamental step in establishing a connection. A simple comment or gesture of admiration can open doors to meaningful engagement. Steph recommends always asking questions and allowing others to share their thoughts. Active listening and genuine curiosity fuel engaging conversations. Sometimes, it's crucial to follow your instincts and start a project even when you don't have all the answers.
The Human Need for Connection
We, as humans, crave connection and Steph encourages finding ways to tap into this because it is a fundamental need to make significant progress. Alfi's extroverted nature found a perfect outlet in podcasting, allowing him to connect with people outside his design work, from diverse backgrounds. Alfi refers to the "Culture Map" by Erin Meyer - a must-read for those looking to navigate the complexities of cross-cultural communication. Always be willing to learn, stay humble, and bring your authentic self to the table. Skills acquired in your personal and professional life are transferable. What you learn in one context can benefit you in others.
Consistency is a vital element of success. It not only helps you build habits but also teaches you invaluable lessons. Alfi and Steph’s suggestion is to discover a communication style that works for you and be consistent. Consistency enables you to constantly be learning. It could be as simple as writing regular LinkedIn articles or creating an Instagram profile to post to, which reflects your voice. Understand that your voice is valid, and it can make a difference. Embrace the fear of failure as a stepping stone to growth.
Stephanie de Beer and Alfi Oloo's journey, as we recently heard in our Beyond Umuzi chat with them, is a testament to the power of collaboration, networking, and lifelong learning. The Edit Undo Podcast duo's insights are a source of inspiration for anyone looking to expand their professional network and embark on a transformative career journey. Remember, it's all about embracing your uniqueness and connecting with others authentically.