How a breakfast 15 years ago led to a masterclass for 688 people

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of delivering a masterclass to 688 people from around the world as part of Sedgwick 's annual Growth Week.

This all came about because of a little bit of confidence, connection, and a lot of conversations.

As we know, business today is predicated on relationships, communication, and connection.

About 15 years ago I went to one of my least favourite things – a breakfast filled with strangers. Or, as my friend Lisa would say, friends I hadn’t yet met.

She was right about that.

That day I sat next to Angela, we talked, we laughed, we exchanged details, we caught up again. And again. And again. And today she is one of my dearest friends.

A few years later, Angela introduced me to Belinda, who introduced me to another Angela (who, coincidentally, shares a birthday with the first Angela!). We became business associates and over time, also became friends.

Many events, conversations, and connections later, the second Angela met a woman at a conference who set off another chain of relationships, connections, and conversations, that led to me being introduced to the American organisers of Sedgwick Growth Week, and the rest is history.

So, what is the point of this story?

When you have the courage to put yourself out there, doors that you didn’t even know existed can open, often creating opportunities many years later.

Networking is all about playing the long game!

For most of us, it takes courage to attend events, to initiate conversations, and to step into rooms filled with people?we don’t know. Networking isn’t just about the business cards exchanged or the LinkedIn connections made – it’s about the real relationships that form when you take a chance on someone new.

It’s easy to hesitate or say no because of fear – fear of rejection, fear of not fitting in, fear of saying the wrong thing.

But the reality is, when we say yes to opportunities, or even, sometimes, doing things that scare us, good things can happen. Great things even!

Every connection has the power to be the start of something bigger, something that has the potential to transform your career, your business, or your life.

The ripple effect of one connection leading to another is like waves at the beach.

The wave starts small and grows bigger and bigger as it gets to shore, influencing all the water around it.

One wave leads to another wave, just as one connection leads to another.

One courageous step opens doors to more opportunities, to more growth, and to more meaningful relationships. Had I not attended that breakfast 15 years ago, I wouldn’t have built the relationships that ultimately connected me to Sedgwick Growth Week.

The key is to start.

Start by showing up.

Start by having a conversation.

Start by trusting that your courage to engage will create opportunities you never imagined.

Networking isn’t just a transactional act; it’s an ongoing commitment to connection. So, my challenge to you is to be courageous.

Say yes to the next event, the next introduction, the next opportunity to put yourself out there.

You never know where it might lead.

When did you last take a courageous step?

I’d love to know.?

Mel Kettle is a leadership communication advisor, strategist, and keynote speaker. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate with confidence, so they create real connections and sustained engagement.

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