Remote Work: Making the Connection

Happy Shoutout FriYAY, where my guests have the opportunity to "shout-out" colleagues or bosses who have left a lasting impression on them in the way they genuinely connect with others.

This week is Marla's turn! And don't forget to listen in to our awesome convo!

Happy FriYAY!!


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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

In this episode of Making the Connection, we’re joined by marketing expert and fractional CMO, Marla Malkin for a rich conversation about building professional relationships that go far beyond the surface. With over two decades of experience as a business owner and strategist, Marla shares how leading with authenticity, generosity, and long-term thinking has helped her form meaningful partnerships—both within organizations and across industries.

From fostering collaboration across siloed departments to turning industry peers (yes, even competitors) into trusted allies, Marla offers practical, grounded advice for anyone navigating today’s fragmented, digital-first work environment. 

We discuss:

• What makes a strong strategic partnership
  
  
  
• Why you shouldn't be afraid to network within your own industry
  
  
  
• Simple ways to build connection with your team—even virtually
  
  
  
• How to choose the right networking groups without spreading yourself thin
  
  
  
• The launch of Marla’s new national networking organization for high-level professionals
  
  
  
• How to maintain lasting relationships across cities, roles, and decades

Whether you're a team leader, entrepreneur, or independent consultant, this episode will inspire you to show up more meaningfully and collaborate more effectively. Tune in and learn how to build relationships that last—no sales pitch required.

To learn more about Marla’s business, visit https://malkinmarketing.com/

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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

Happy Shoutout FriYAY, where my guests have the opportunity to "shout-out" colleagues or bosses who have left a lasting impression on them in the way they genuinely connect with others.

This week is Ike's turn! And don't forget to listen in to our awesome convo!

Happy FriYAY!!


—-------
Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

In this episode of Making the Connection, we’re joined by Ike Ubasineke, Founder of the app, Growdie, and the Grow or Die Club. He fully understands that connection doesn’t just happen—it’s built, one intentional moment at a time. After launching his business and realizing that leadership can be a lonely road, he set out to create a space where authenticity, support, and consistency are the norm—not the exception.

We explore how categorizing relationships into roles like mentor, mentee, and friend can help you manage your energy, why being yourself (online and off) builds trust faster than anything else, and what it really takes to lead with your team instead of above it. From navigating burnout to building emotional resilience, this conversation is full of heart, hard-won wisdom, and practical insights you can start using right away.

Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or just trying to build deeper connections in your work life—this one’s for you.

To learn more about Ike’s business and app, check out his website: 

https://growordie.club/

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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

Happy Shoutout FriYAY, where my guests have the opportunity to "shout-out" colleagues or bosses who have left a lasting impression on them in the way they genuinely connect with others.

This week is Penny's turn! And don't forget to listen in to our awesome convo!

Happy FriYAY!!


—-------
Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts—it’s about building real, meaningful connections that open doors in unexpected ways.

In this episode of Making the Connection, host, Angela Chong, sits down with the dynamic Penny Rose (CPA), who has mastered the art of networking through conferences, online communities, and unexpected spaces. 

They discuss the power of showing up consistently, the impact of remembering names and personal details, and why leading with value is the best way to build lasting professional relationships. 

Remember, the best opportunities come from the strongest connections—so don’t be afraid to talk to that person next to you in line! 

To learn more about Penny Rose, CPA, check out her website at https://mombizkidstrategy.com/legacy-launchpad

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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

Happy Shoutout FriYAY, where my guests have the opportunity to "shout-out" colleagues or bosses who have left a lasting impression on them in the way they genuinely connect with others.

This week is Teddy's turn! And don't forget to listen in to our awesome convo!

Happy FriYAY!!


—-------
Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

What makes a truly connected, high-performing team? In this episode of Making the Connection, Angela is joined by Teddy Cheek, Marketing Leader at The Escape Game. They sit down to explore how aligning teams around mission, vision, and values leads to deeper trust, better performance, and a more fulfilling workplace culture.

Timestamps for your listening notes:

[6:15] Why a strong mission matters more than perks

[12:30] How hiring the right people creates natural team chemistry

[18:45] The role of guest feedback in shaping company culture

[25:10] Creating experiences that foster connection beyond the workplace

[32:20] Lessons from immersive entertainment that apply to leadership

Book Recs:

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles

Setting the Table by Danny Meyer

Good to Great by Jim Collins

The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni

To book your next Escape Game, visit their website at https://theescapegame.com/

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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

Happy Shoutout FriYAY, where my guests have the opportunity to "shout-out" colleagues or bosses who have left a lasting impression on them in the way they genuinely connect with others.

This week is Kelsey's turn! And don't forget to listen in to our awesome convo!

Happy FriYAY!!


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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast

In this episode of Making the Connection, Angela is joined by Kelsey Ley, Leadership and Development Consultant at Kelsey Ley Consulting. They sit down to explore the power of self-reflection in building authentic workplace relationships. Kelsey shares how her own journey as a manager led her to discover the deep connection between leadership effectiveness and personal growth.

Together, they dive into the challenges managers face in fostering strong team dynamics, from overcoming resistance to assessments to balancing boundaries and rapport. Kelsey offers actionable strategies for helping managers develop self-awareness, build trust, and create a culture where differences are honored and communication thrives.

Timestamps for your listening notes:

[1:00] The importance of self-reflection in building genuine connections

[3:23] The role of assessments in management and team development

[6:00] The misconception of quick relationship-building vs. the reality of consistent effort 

[9:12] Why managers should care about building relationships with their team

[11:42] Perspectives on choosing to stay an individual contributor vs. pursuing management

[12:30] The role of boundaries in leadership and how they serve different individuals

[17:00] Avoiding black-and-white thinking in team dynamics

[19:16] Having difficult conversations

[26:51] Where to begin when something feels “off”

To learn more about Kelsey, visit her website at https://www.kelseyley.com/

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Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.

Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram 

@ makingtheconnectionpodcast