Today’s guest leads executive networking and executive talent initiatives at Insight Venture Partners. Insight is a leading global venture capital and private equity firm investing in high-growth technology and software companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. Founded in 1995, Insight has raised more than $18 billion and invested in over 300 companies worldwide.
Prior to joining Insight, she was a Principal at True Search, an international executive search firm, where she led and drove executive searches across scaling venture and private-equity backed technology companies.
I was eager to interview her after reading her blog post “Networking is a Craft, Not a Chore” written in response to a New York Times article by Adam Grant in which he argues that networking is overrated. I’ll include a link to both articles in the show notes.
Please join me in welcoming Helen Hua.
Would you leave an honest rating and review on iTunes? Or Stitcher? They are extremely helpful and I read each and every one of them. Thanks for the inspiration!
In this episode we discuss:
- her view on leadership: “Leadership is doing something scary that makes you feel brave. You can be a leader in a million different ways.”
- how she was naturally a leader because of her ability to find gaps and step up to fill them.
- her passion for helping entrepreneurs who are working to make their dreams a reality.
- how she aims to be thoughtful around networking relationships to ensure she is offering value to the people she engages with.
- her method for finding and nurturing mentoring relationships.
- her passion for the work she does at Insight and working with many amazing people.
LINKS
- Helen Hua on LinkedIn and Twitter
- www.insightpartners.com and on Twitter
Books:
- “Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences” by Robbie Samuels
Other Resources:
- ScheduleOnce makes it easy to schedule meetings without all the usual back and forth messages.
- “Good News for Young Strivers: Networking Is Overrated” by Adam Grant
- “Networking is a Craft, Not a Chore” by Helen Hua
- Listen to my interview with Dorie Clark.
Work with Robbie:
- Interested in booking Robbie to speak? Learn about his signature Art of the Schmooze session on effective and inclusive networking, and the other sessions he offers.
- Thinking of hosting a podcast? Writing a book? Want to launch an Amazon bestseller? Robbie offered several free Masterclasses on these topics. Each one of these Masterclass replays is over an hour-long and contain valuable takeaways to help you grow your business or in your career. Find all the free Masterclasses at www.robbiesamuels.com/masterclass.
- Looking to get M.O.R.E.? A few times a year Robbie runs The M.O.R.E. Program for Entrepreneurial Women. He meets bi-weekly online with four women who want more Money, Opportunities, Referrals, and Engagement. It’s a mix of mastermind hot seats and content-rich masterclass sessions scheduled over 90 days. Learn more and schedule a complimentary strategy session with Robbie at www.robbiesamuels.com/more-program.
Stay Connected:
- Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn
- @RobbieSamuels on Twitter and Instagram
- New to this website? Start here
- On the Schmooze podcast archive and show notes for recent episodes
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Affiliate Links: Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links above are “affiliate links”. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products and services I use personally and believe will add value to my listeners. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”