Peer Support and Networking

Success can be isolating - but what if the cure for loneliness lies not in being less ambitious, dimming your light, or settling below your potential, but in connecting with others just as driven as you? We continue from our post yesterday, addressing women in leadership who identify as successful, yet feeling lonely or alone in their leadership journey. Now, for many women leaders, the pressures of leadership can create barriers to meaningful connections. However, research shows that support networks both within and outside of work are powerful antidotes to this isolation. Building these intentional connections provides the emotional support, authentic relationships, shared experiences, and practical support that help women leaders not just survive, but truly thrive. Fostering these networks can be a game-changer for you as a woman in leadership. Research from Harvard Business Review reveals that women in senior leadership roles often find it difficult to form genuine peer networks within their organizations. Thus, it becomes harder to find the emotional safety needed to discuss the unique pressures you face. Intentional networking with other women in leadership, both inside and outside of the organization, is crucial. These networks don’t just provide career advancement opportunities, but they create a space for shared experiences, where women can openly discuss challenges, strategies, and successes without fear of judgment. This area is personal to me because it was part of my experience as a senior leader. I had a couple of false starts as I began looking for help. The initial people I reached out to and ask for support were not able to grasp what it was that I was looking for. That was really disappointing. However, the need was still there. I continued to search and explore possible spaces I could fit in as well as peers who could relate with what I was going through. Step by step out of my comfort zone led me to a thriving support community that continues to this day. Research from HBR shows that leaders who have strong support networks experience higher resilience, better decision-making, and increased job satisfaction, all of which enhance both personal well-being and professional performance. Building a support network isn’t just a way to cope with loneliness. It is a pathway to more fulfilling and impactful leadership. When women leaders invest in authentic connections with friends, peers, mentors, and coaches, they open doors to shared wisdom, mutual encouragement, and new perspectives that empower them to lead with confidence. A supportive network essential for women leaders who want to thrive, inspire others, and create lasting change. Do you have a support network in place? Or, are you searching for one? #leadership #africa #leadershipdevelopment #professionalwomen #personaldevelopment

Clinician well-being has a direct impact on the quality of patient care. Along with exhaustion and moral injury, social isolation is a critical driver of burnout across healthcare. The evidence is clear: we need stronger structures of belonging and support, starting with peers. A recent paper in the Future Healthcare Journal highlights what many already know: Junior doctors are at highest risk of burnout and feeling unsupported. Group-based peer support and reflective practice protect well-being and build resilience. Clinicians are far more likely to turn to peers than formal services when under strain Across the field, efforts are underway to embed peer-support and belonging practices into healthcare as a core part of how teams train, work, and lead. A few questions for my colleagues in this space: - What peer-support or reflective group practices have you seen work best? - What topics or structures create the deepest sense of belonging? - What measurable results (individual or organizational) have you witnessed? - Who else is leading in this space that we all should learn from? When clinicians feel connected and supported, patients, teams, and whole systems benefit. #ClinicianWellbeing #HealthcareLeadership #Belonging #PeerSupport #EndingClinicianBurnout #Coaching

I’m hearing from more and more exceptionally talented professionals who are actively searching for a new role for the first time in their careers. Many have previously progressed their career organically or through referrals, but now they’re navigating job boards in what feels like an increasingly tough, competitive and (dare I say) perplexing market. The mental load and pressure that comes with this transition, particularly the resilience required, is often overlooked. Searching for a new role, especially without the safety net of a strong local network, can be isolating and challenging in ways that aren’t talked about enough. There’s a valuable lesson here: proactive networking needs to be a part of your job search strategy, having advocates made up of peers, leaders and recruiters that you trust is a non negotiable if you want to get ahead of the curve. This is especially true in markets like Perth and even more so when searching for a role in the senior leadership space, where relationships and reputations (important: this includes both employee and employer) play a significant and influential role throughout the hiring process. A good reminder that building and nurturing authentic connections can make a real difference, not just in uncovering hidden opportunities but also in providing support, guidance and perspective throughout different stages in your career.

70% of founders report feeling lonely on their journey. This isn't just an emotional issue. It's a strategic vulnerability. Why isolation kills startups: Decision quality suffers When you have no one to pressure-test ideas with. Blind spots multiply Without diverse perspectives, you miss critical risks. Stress compounds Problems feel bigger when you carry them alone. Learning slows No peer feedback means repeating others' mistakes. The antidote isn't networking events. It's intentional relationship building. The founder connection framework: Find your decision council: 3-5 people who've walked similar paths Schedule regular check-ins: Monthly calls, not just crisis calls Share real struggles: Not just wins and fundraising updates Offer value first: Help others before asking for help The data is clear: Founders with strong peer networks raise funds faster, make better decisions, and have better mental health outcomes. Your network isn't just who you know. It's who knows your real challenges. Who in your founder network have you had a real conversation with this month?

If we want real change in alternatives to incarceration, we need to center peer support. Programs alone are not enough. People need connection. They need to feel understood, not just supervised. That’s where peers come in. Peer support is the missing link between systems and transformation. We’ve lived through the chaos, the courts, the cages, and the consequences. That lived experience allows us to reach people who don’t trust the process because they’ve been failed by it. Here’s what peers bring to the table in ATI programs: 1. Relatability that opens doors Clients may not trust a clinician, judge, or officer, but they will often talk to a peer who has walked a similar path. 2. Real-life strategies We do more than listen. We share tools, routines, and insights that have helped us survive and evolve. 3. Improved outcomes Peers can help clinicians reach the goals set for clients by increasing engagement, reducing dropout, and improving follow through. 4. Reduced recidivism When people feel seen and supported, they are less likely to return to jail and more likely to stay connected to care. 5. A human-centered approach We shift the focus from punishment to purpose. From compliance to connection. From control to compassion. You can’t fix what you don’t understand. And you can’t transform lives without trust. Peer support is not a luxury in justice reform. It is a necessity. Let’s stop doing this work without the people who understand it best. Put peers in the plan, and watch the results speak for themselves. Share if you Support LONG LAST CHANGE #PeerSupport #AlternativesToIncarceration #ATIPrograms #LivedExperience #RecoveryCommunity #CRPA #JusticeReform #PeerLeadership #SystemChange #HarmReduction #DaevonEaley #MentalHealthMatters #ReentrySupport #TraumaInformedCare

Networking changed my career for the better! I haven’t always been the best at keeping relationships, especially after leaving a role. However, I’ve been networking within my industry for the past several years, and it has changed everything. First, I began to attend events in my field. I joined the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches to continue learning more about resume writing and career coaching. Over time, I began to get to know my fellow peers. I started to reach out and respond to those who contacted me. Sometimes, we messaged on LinkedIn and that was it. Other times, I had Zoom calls. And in a special case, I set up bi-weekly Happy Hours to talk business and share ideas. So why network? - Insights and Knowledge: Interacting with professionals in your field can provide a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives. I’ve learned so much from Denise Bitler, MRW, CPRW, CDBS, CICNC, CIC, Mark Misiano, MBA, CPRW, CDCS, and John Suarez, MBA, CPRW. - Mentorship: Networking can connect you with potential mentors who can guide your career development. Angie M. Callen, CPRW, CPCC became a friend and mentor. We discuss business strategy and how to bring more value to my clients. I’ve evolved countless times since meeting Angie. - Career Opportunities: Often, new job prospects come from within your network. It’s about being in the right place with the right connections. Because I was vocal during webinars, Margaret Phares asked me to lead a webinar series for PARWCC. From there, I later landed a role on the leadership team, developing and administering the CPRW (a resume writing exam). How can you network effectively? - Be Genuine: Authenticity in networking creates meaningful connections. Don’t wait to be laid off from your role. Make connections constantly. - Attend Professional Events: Conferences, seminars, and industry meet-ups are great places to meet like-minded professionals. - Engage in Online Forums: Platforms like LinkedIn groups, industry-specific forums, and virtual webinars offer global connections. - Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can help others as well. Let’s discuss: How has networking influenced your career? Do you have any tips for effective networking? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! 💬 #professionalnetworking #careerdevelopment #careergrowth #networkingtips

How I found support while building my business without feeling isolated. Step 1: Connect with like-minded peers. Join a mastermind group or online community. Build relationships with those who understand your journey. Example: Share wins and challenges weekly with a small group of solopreneurs. The Payoff: You’ll feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep going. Step 2: Seek trusted advice. Find a mentor or accountability partner. Their insights can shorten your learning curve. Example: Discuss your goals bi-weekly with someone who has walked the same path. The Payoff: You gain clarity and confidence in your next steps. Step 3: Invest in your network. Attend events or participate in forums. Focus on meaningful connections, not just numbers. Example: Reach out to someone you admire and offer value in return. The Payoff: A stronger business and a richer sense of community. Who do you lean on for support in your business?

As you advance at work, your support network should evolve with you because leadership can feel challenging, uncertain and lonely at times. So for women advancing into higher levels of leadership - don't allow doubt and challenges to hinder you, instead find a new level of support to advance you. Men naturally have this support by nature they are already present with one another in most decision-making rooms. How do you find this? Try accessing the five support networks you have around you: 1️⃣ Immediate Network (friends, family, co-workers) 🔹 Try this: Ask them for a 30:30 meeting where you can help them resolve an issue and then they help you. 2️⃣ Acquaintance Network (Connections once removed) 🔹 Try this: Ask for an introduction or message the person on social media. Remember that connection goes both ways, so highlight how a meeting could help you both. 3️⃣ Corporate Network (Company Resources) 🔹 Try this: Notice what corporate events people gravitate towards that may be an attractive support system for you. Reach out about their next event to attend. 4️⃣ Community Network (Local Interest Groups, Events) 🔹 Try this: Grab a friend and attend a local meet-up or community event. 5️⃣ Industry Network (Groups based on your indistry) 🔹 Try this: Attend a monthly meet-up or annual conference event to be in the room with other women at your career stage for validation, tips and support. If you can't find the support you want, perhaps this is an opportunity for YOU to create what is missing. Start a group yourself in the workplace or in your community! Where do you plug in for support? #womenleaders #careers #confidence #leadershipdevelopment

We are the company we keep; it becomes our biggest influence. Over the years, I’ve learned that good teachers are also found outside a classroom or a book. They are often found in the relationships you cultivate with those who truly understand your journey. As a leader, founder or business-owner, it's often a lonely journey, dealing with business challenges, growth hindrances, and maintaining a positive mindset. This is where a Peer Group comes to our rescue. Having the right peer group that is non-judgemental, who understands what we are going through, can be your sounding board, does not hesitate to share their experiences, and offers their support despite everything, can be a wonderful teacher. Over the last decade, my biggest teaching experience has been with my peer group in ‘ASCENT’, an initiative started by Harsh Mariwala in 2012.  Within this group I have found mentorship, guidance, and invaluable coaching that is practical and relevant. It is a safe space where like-minded entrepreneurs can connect, share and grow together. So if you are looking at growing as a leader, founder, or a business owner, I strongly urge you to join a peer group; it will help you become better. Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey, and a good peer group makes the journey easier. I would like to ask you - ✅Who has been your biggest teacher?  ✅Have you found a peer group to support and guide you?  ♻️Repost to help others find their peer group. PS: Stay tuned for an update to my newsletter that releases every fortnight where I speak about my journey as an entrepreneur and share my lessons in building my organisation.

The entrepreneurial journey can feel isolating, but the most successful founders know a secret... Your peer network isn’t just valuable, it’s mission-critical. Did you know that studies show entrepreneurs are 24% more likely to face mental health challenges than non-entrepreneurs, making community not just a nice to have, but an essential for survival and success? THE POWER OF LIVE EVENTS... I've attended numerous startup ecosystem events recently, connecting with everyone from serial entrepreneurs with multiple exits to first-time founders still finding their feet. What strikes me most is that no matter the experience level, EVERYONE has a unique perspective and something meaningful to contribute to our ecosystem. BEYOND NETWORKING The magic of founder communities goes beyond just networking: ➡️ Peer support can accelerate business growth by 2-3X normal levels ➡️ 70% of professionals land opportunities at companies where they have connections ➡️ Referred customers generate 30-57% more new business than non-referred ones ➡️ Diverse perspectives from cross-industry peers can spark innovation that staying in your bubble never could Perhaps most importantly, we all have the power to support each other through meaningful introductions. That person in your network who seems irrelevant to your journey might be exactly who another founder needs to meet. This is precisely what Matthew Stafford and Katie Lewis recognised when creating 9others, "A trusted network is something no entrepreneur should be without." When the summer party invitation landed in my inbox this week, I felt that familiar excitement. Like their Christmas gathering, it's always a highlight I eagerly anticipate. Check them out. UNDERSTANDING As founders, we need people who truly understand our unique challenges. In cities like London, the opportunities to connect are plentiful, though it takes time to filter through the noise and build relationships that truly add value. What has been your most valuable founder connection, and how did it transform your business journey? And maybe more importantly... who could benefit from an introduction to someone in your network today? Pictured with: Itziar Martos & Biju Menon Also good to bump into Camilla Siggaard Andersen, Danat Abdrakhmanov, CFA, Josh, Nick, and to meet Sonny Wells (Congrats on winning the Virgin StartUp #ElevatorOfDreams competition, announced this week 😉) #networking #community #founders #support #champions