Professional Development
How does Kevin Cruz use email newsletter responses to build stronger connections with his audience?
Kevin Cruz takes a unique approach to email engagement by personally responding to everyone who signs up for his newsletter. Unlike the standard auto-responder approach used by most experts, Kevin writes individual responses, sometimes a single line, sometimes paragraphs, or even records video answers to questions. He emphasizes creating real relationships by asking subscribers what they're working on and showing genuine interest in their work. This personalized approach has helped him build a loyal following, with Kevin noting that even connecting with just 10 people daily can create 4,000 raving fans in a year. While he admits he's not perfect (occasionally using out-of-office messages during book deadlines), his consistent commitment to accessibility stands in contrast to the 'velvet rope' approach many successful people adopt to appear more exclusive.
Watch clip answer (02:59m)What are the eight forms of wealth according to Robin Sharma's book 'The Wealth Money Can't Buy'?
Robin Sharma explains that while money is just one form of wealth, there are seven others that contribute to true richness in life. The first form is personal growth - developing yourself, confronting fears, and building intimacy with your genius. The second form is wellness - having energy and longevity. Other forms mentioned include family relationships and seeing your work as your craft. Sharma illustrates this concept with a story about a billionaire who, despite material abundance, confessed to being 'all alone' - demonstrating that one can be cash rich but life poor. The book aims to redefine success beyond financial metrics.
Watch clip answer (04:41m)What books does Jeff Weiner recommend for understanding compassionate leadership?
Jeff Weiner recommends two key books for understanding compassionate leadership. The first is 'The Art of Happiness' by Howard Cutler, which contains teachings of the Dalai Lama and helped Weiner distinguish between compassion and empathy. This book was so impactful that it's remained on his nightstand for 15 years. The second recommendation is 'Conscious Business' by Fred Kaufman, whom Weiner describes as an 'enlightened' economist with a unique perspective. Weiner values Kaufman's work so highly that he hired him to run talent and organizational development at LinkedIn.
Watch clip answer (01:30m)What is the key principle of effective networking for commerce students?
Effective networking operates on the principle of generosity. Rather than approaching connections with a mindset of 'what can you do for me?', successful networkers ask 'what can I do for you?' This generosity creates deeper, more meaningful relationships. Even students should recognize they have valuable perspectives to offer from their generation, academic position, or unique viewpoints. By being generous with knowledge and offering connections to others, individuals build stronger networks. Interestingly, weak ties often prove more valuable than strong connections since they provide access to different information and perspectives, ultimately creating more powerful networking opportunities.
Watch clip answer (03:20m)What are effective strategies for building a meaningful professional network?
Professional networking isn't just schmoozing on a golf course. A valuable network functions as a system of nerve endings and feedback mechanisms that provides crucial information and opportunities. The most effective networking approach is giving rather than taking - sending relevant articles, making thoughtful introductions, or sharing resources that might benefit others. These small acts of giving create connections that often yield unexpected returns later. For women especially, investing time in networking relationships during their 20s and 30s is critical, as research shows those with strong networks are more likely to advance in their careers than those who focus solely on job performance.
Watch clip answer (03:22m)How did Georgetown University influence Mary Callahan Erdoes' career development?
Mary describes her Georgetown years as some of the best of her life, emphasizing that it wasn't about specific formulas or grades but the entire educational environment. Being immersed in one of the world's greatest educational institutions in Washington D.C. exposed her to diverse global perspectives at a rapid pace, particularly valuable during election years. This immersion helped her become a more worldly person, providing confidence and perspective even when she wasn't sure if she was ready for the world of finance. Georgetown's unique positioning at the center of policy and global affairs offered an osmosis of knowledge and experiences that shaped her worldview and prepared her for leadership, even in ways she couldn't fully appreciate during her time as a student.
Watch clip answer (01:57m)