Karol Mendoza and Jeralmi Canela join the Wicked Connected crew to talk about their experience as networkers in the early days of their careers. 

About Karol: 

Hi! I am Karol Mendoza, and I am a second-year journalism student at Northeastern University, minoring in International Affairs. I originally came from Colombia and moved to Boston some years ago. Initially, my English proficiency was limited; however, through dedication and practice, I graduated as valedictorian of Excel High School in May 2024. The BUILD program has been crucial in enhancing my storytelling and public speaking abilities. Currently, I am a Development and Communications intern at BUILD and a Fellow in the BUILD Youth Fellowship. I aspire to travel the world, connect with diverse cultures, and engage with unfamiliar narratives! 

About Jeralmi:

Jeralmi Canela is a computer science student at Northampton Community College, a BUILD alum and a Communications & Development Intern at BUILD Boston. Raised in the Dominican Republic and later Boston, his interest in games began by secretly playing Brick Breaker on his aunt’s phone. Years later, a middle school programming class using Scratch connected the dots and he’s been hooked on game development ever since. Today, he’s focused on creating and releasing original titles.

Links: 
build.org/boston/

Cole Young of Woodward Cass joins the Wicked Connected crew to talk about the importance defining who you are and the niche you serve in order to network effectively.

Cole's Message: 

Know your product/service and act accordingly.  If you're super specialized - say you're the only equestrian lawyer in town - make that known to the world and work that.  If you're more of a generalist, like me, you need to be someone who can connect other people.  Let that be known and work that. 

Cole's Bio: 
Originally from Detroit, my wife and I moved to Boston on a whim.  Truly.  We are “city people,’ and after living in several great cities, we wanted to try a new one.  My first visit to Boston was in a moving van, moving all of our meager possessions, in 2011.  I can now think of nowhere I would rather live.  We love this city.  Professionally, as a civil engineer and attorney, I love all things real estate, construction and development. I work with real estate companies, developers and property management companies mostly in Boston, but also throughout the United States and several European and Asian countries. We have two kids and an adorable boxer puppy named Lucy Pickles.

Monique Richards joins the Wicked Connected podcast to talk about the power of networking to build not only business but also friendships.

Monique's Message:

Networking is not just for building business connections, there is a social side of networking as well.

About Monique:

With an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and a Master's from Yale in Molecular and Cellular Biology, as well as business development experience in the life sciences, Monique brings a unique and valuable perspective to networking as a business and social skill.

Barry Braunstein of Barry Braunstein Photography joins the Wicked Connected crew to share his thoughts on how networking fits into a effective marketing plan. 

Barry's Message: 

"Networking is fundamental to growing any small business - and it takes time. Don't expect instant results, you need to be in it for the long term. And there are different types of networking groups, each with their own pluses and minuses."

Barry's Bio:

"After a long, successful career in high technology marketing and sales, I decided to start a new career following a passion I've had since high school. I studied with some of the leading photographers in the industry to enhance my skills in areas such as lighting, posing, and facial expression coaching, and continue to learn by exploring new techniques, looks from other work I come across."

Links: 
linkedin.com/in/barrybraunstein
www.barrybraunsteinphotography.com

Rick Dumont joins the Wicked Connected crew to share his networking wisdom about listening, sharing experiences and bringing out the humanity of others.

Rick's Message: 

"Networking should be fun and enlightening as one gains insight into new people, their pursuits, finding out what their needs are and finding out ways that you can help."

About Rick: 

I started Sweaty Turtle Entertainment back in 2011 during the production of my second feature film as a way to offer my creative and my award winning journalism insights and experience to non-profits, small and large businesses as well as artists and musicians in order to help them further their efforts, audience reach, customer base increases and overall growth in their particular business path. Since that time, we have expanded our client base to: Wisconsin and New York as well as here in Boston and throughout New England. 

#Networking #Boston #WickedConnected 

Larry Gennari of the law firm Gennari Aronson LLP joins the Wicked Connected crew to share his nique take on networking, community building, and why thought partnership beats networking every time. 

Larry's Message: 

"Even when things change, communities stay resilient through connection."

About Larry: 

Larry Gennari, a corporate and transactional lawyer for three decades, advises public companies, venture-backed or angel-financed private companies, entrepreneurs, investors and board members. In addition, Larry’s long-time teaching at Boston College Law School, his hosting of the annual Authors & Innovators Business Ideas Forum, and his board leadership of one of New England’s largest non-profit organizations, reflect his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and building community.   

Links: 
galawpartners.com

Jackie Ireland of The Better Business Bureau joins the Wicked Connected crew to talk about networking for young professionals.

Jackie's Message:

"Networking isn’t just about swapping business cards—it’s about building real, meaningful relationships. When you show up as your authentic self and connect with intention, you create opportunities that go beyond just business."

About Jackie:

Jackie Ireland is the Business Engagement Coordinator at your local Better Business Bureau, helping businesses build trust, connect with their communities, and stand out for all the right reasons. She loves meeting passionate business owners, creating meaningful connections, and finding ways to help businesses grow with integrity. Whether she’s hosting events, sharing resources, or just chatting about what makes a business great, she’s all about making a positive impact. If you’re looking to strengthen your reputation and build trust, she’s your go-to!

Links:
linkedin.com/in/jackieireland444
Better Business Bureau | https://www.bbb.org/

#Networking #Boston #WickedConnected #YoungProfessionals

Ashley Harwood of Move Over Extroverts and Keller Williams Realty joins the Wicked Connected crew to share her message about one of our favorite topics - networking for introverts: 

"I'd like to encourage other introverts who are listening to this to find ways to network that are sustainable and to not be intimidated by the idea of networking. There are many ways to do it. 

About Ashley: 

Ashley Harwood is a REALTOR, national speaker, and coach/trainer in the entrepreneurship space. She's served real estate clients all over the greater Boston area since 2013 and has been coaching her fellow real estate agents since 2018, specializing in working with introverted agents. Her first book "Move Over Extroverts" was published this past April. 

Links: 
www.moveoverextroverts.com

#Networking #Boston #WickedConnected #Introverts

Joe Voss of The CFO Centre USA joins the Wicked Connected crew to talk about the role networking has played in his career as a finance professional and CFO. 

About Joe: 
Joe Voss is a dynamic and results-driven CFO, who provides Fractional / Portfolio CFO services. Joe brings more than three decades of experience, having played pivotal roles in both Fortune 100 companies and agile startups. His diverse expertise spans across multiple industries including technology, manufacturing, aviation, and SaaS.

To Learn More: 
www.linkedin.com/in/jmfvoss/
www.cfocentre.com/us/

Ande Lyons of Don't Be Caged by Your Age joins the Wicked Connected crew to talk about her wisdom and insights for Networking at any age. 

Ande has an awesome story (below) and an amazing networking message: 
Being the oldest person in the room - with all the wisdom, experience, and insight that brings - is a superpower! 

At 68 Ande Lyons is a 4x founder, a former global startup mentor, serial podcaster since 2012, founder of the New England Podcasters Group, a monthly in-person event for podcasters, and host of the popular pro-aging, edutaining and interview-style podcast Don't Be Caged By Your Age B, where Ande shatters age-related expectations, helps folks dissolve internalized ageist beliefs, and provides resources, inspiration and ideas so older adults can thrive after 65.

Join us LIVE on Monday (3/17) at 4:10pm ET  to hear her story and advice for networkers of any age. 

#Networking #Boston #WickedConnected #Podcast #DontBeCagedbyYourAge