"Some of the best networking comes when it is non-transactional, when it's asking, “What are you up to?”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Melissa Moody to talk about her journey from corporate life at Google to the dynamic world of startups. Together, Rebecca and Melissa discuss how human-centered networking can move you towards your career goals, and how embracing your life chapters can lead to more fulfilling work. 

Melissa explains the distinction between building a network and cultivating an audience, explaining how leaders can grow meaningful relationships without the pressure to “go big” on social media. She also shares her experience with Matcha and the Wednesday Women project, which aims to connect communities and amplify extraordinary women executives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• The value of aligning your career with your authentic self for lasting success 
• The key differences between building networks and audiences for professional growth  
• How fostering connections can empower women leaders and build stronger communities  

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:07) The Wednesday Women initiative

(04:27) Matcha: enhancing community connections

(06:56) Embracing new beginnings

(13:10) When to build a network vs. an audience

(16:04) The power of non-transactional networking

(30:20) Putting the “human” back in business

Connect with Melissa:

Website: https://matcha.so/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissammoody/

X: https://twitter.com/moody_mobile?lang=en

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/