Do you dislike traditional networking and want to learn about a better way of developing lifelong business friendships that benefit all involved? Then tune in to “Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!”
Join us as we explore the power of connection and how our lives are shaped by the people, places, and things we encounter. We’ll delve into the mysteries of what makes for successful networking partnerships and how you can become “Awake in the Network.” Then we’ll go one step beyond—networking live with our guests.
In each episode, we’ll talk to successful individuals who have taken charge of their lives and made their dreams a reality through the power of mastering networking to give, exchange, and create significant opportunities for all parties involved. You will hear unique stories of networking experts, learn their secrets, and get practical advice on becoming awake in the network.
You will also learn how to:
- Be open to surprising synergistic outcomes.
- Maximize every interaction you have with your network partners.
- Dig deeper and communicate more meaningfully.
- Understand the process for being open to and then creating mega opportunities.
- Develop a plan to sustain a vibrant network that helps you, those with whom you network, and even the world.
So if you want to awaken your networking potential and create the life you want, Join us every Wednesday to become: “Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!”
Latest Episodes
Awake in the Network: Mark Schaefer on Why Humans Win in an AI World
What happens when competence becomes a commodity? Mark Schaefer has spent decades studying what makes businesses grow and people connect. He's written 12 bestselling books, teaches at Rutgers University, and…
Awake in the Network: When the Toughest Job in Sports Met Its Match
Most people negotiate with one billionaire in their lifetime. De Smith negotiated with 31 of them simultaneously. As CEO of the NFL Players Association for 15 years, the former homicide…
Awake in the Network: From Corporate Success to Purpose-Driven Impact with Sally Ruecking
What happens when a thriving corporate career collides with a mother's love? In this powerful episode of Awake In the Network, where destiny happens, we sit down with Sally Rucking—a woman…
Awake in the Network: When Business Meets the Unexplained: A Halloween Special
Are You Truly Awake to the Connections Around You? Life is a game of connected outs on many levels. Sometimes those connections lead to career opportunities and business success. Other…
Awake In the Network: The Career Survival Guide for the AI Age
The Boy Who Saw Tomorrow Picture this: It's 1980. An 11-year-old boy walks into Great Western Savings with his father, opens a business account, and launches "Effortless Programming," teaching BASIC…
When a Stranger Flies 4,000 Miles Just to Give You Back Your Past
When a Stranger Flies 4,000 Miles Just to Give You Back Your Past The Extraordinary Baseball Story That Reveals the Hidden Power of Trust Picture this: A man in England finds…
The Master’s Touch: Advanced Human Skills That Make Networking an Art Form
From "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens" - Part 2: The Deep Psychology of Human Connection Beyond the Basics: Why Master Networkers Are Artists, Not Algorithms While Part 1…
The Irreplaceable Human Touch: Why Real Networking Can Never Be Automated
The Heart-Centered Advantage: What AI Will Never Understand In a world increasingly dominated by digital connections and automated outreach, the most successful networkers understand a fundamental truth: authentic relationships are built…
When Was the Last Time You Had a Real Conversation That Changed Everything?
The Art of Connection: Key Insights from Melissa G. Wilson, along with Podcast Producer and Regular Co-Host of Awake in the Network, go "Book Riffing." In a dynamic episode of "Awake…
A Summer. A Bar. A 19-Year-Old kid Who Thought He Knew Everything.
Picture this: You're 19, your girlfriend just transferred to Colorado, your parents just moved to a new town, and you're completely lost. Then your dad bumps into an old college…
From Chicago’s South Side to the C-Suite
Meet Nicole Barnes-Marshall: The Leader Who Turned Networking Into an Art Form What happens when a political science major becomes one of America's most respected DEI executives? You get a…
Transform Your Story, Transform the World: Featured Guest: Anita Brick on “Awake in the Network”
What happens when you discover possibilities you never knew existed? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Anita Brick, who shares her remarkable journey of awakening to potential that…
Where Destiny Happens: The Podcast That’s Redefining What Real Networking Looks Like
What happens when you combine "The Voice of America," Chicago's networking maven, and a master storyteller? Pure magic. Welcome to "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens," through honest conversations,…
The Psychology & Power of Effective Negotiation
"Negotiation is our lifestyle. Every communication, every conversation, every dialogue that we have can be viewed as a negotiation." – Adam Dolejš Are you someone who thinks negotiation is just…
From Amsterdam to Miami: How Brand Anthropologist Anouk Pappers Builds Powerful Personal Brands
"You are who Google says you are." - Anouk Pappers In a world where first impressions increasingly happen online, understanding how to craft your personal brand has never been more…
The Privilege of Whimsy: A Powerful Conversation with Kim Foxx
From the projects of Cabrini Green to becoming the first Black woman to lead the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Kim Foxx's extraordinary journey is a masterclass in resilience, purpose,…
30 Years of Impact: Empowering Rural Healthcare with Michelle Rathman
Join us as we interview Michelle Rathman. Michelle founded Impact! Communications, Inc., in 1989. For over 30 years, Impact! has provided a broad range of strategic advisory, decision support, communications,…
Awake in the Network: Steve Reese and the Importance of Sleep
Steve P. Reese is a trailblazer on a mission to transform how we approach health and success—one night’s sleep at a time. With nearly three decades in sports technology, personal…
Awake in the Network: The Healthcare Revolution We Need: Robert Slayton on Business, Wellness & Human Connection
In this enlightening episode of "Awake in the Network," hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson sit down with healthcare innovator and author Robert Slayton to explore the intersection of…
Awake in the Network: Can Engineers Build Better Leaders? Cheryl Unlocks the Secrets
Join us for a transformative episode of the Awake in the Network Podcast featuring Cheryl Stokes. Cheryl is the CEO of CNEXT, a leadership development and executive networking company that…
Awake in the Network: Heart Over Hustle: Leadership Lessons with Barb Burgess
Join us for a transformative episode of the Awake in the Network Podcast featuring Barb Burgess, founder of Corluma and former COO of the Wright Foundation. With over three decades…
Awake in the Network: From Death-Defying Moments to Destiny: A Special End-of-Year Episode
Join us for an extraordinary end-of-year conversation that marks two remarkable years of "Awake in the Network" - where destiny truly happens. In this intimate episode, your hosts Billy Dexter…
Awake in the Network: Best of 2024
Want to get a lot of content in the shortest amount of time? Join John as he shares three of the best shows of 2024. Enjoy a hot cup of…
Awake in the Network with Author James Cogan
James' professional journey began at age 20, when he took a cosmic leap, teaching British Literature at a private school in London. Homerically returning stateside, he decided he didn't want…
Awake in the Network Welcomes Bert Allen
Bert Allen possesses a valuable combination of Private Equity and public company executive experience. CEO’s and their leadership teams, across a broad range of industry sectors, value Bert as a…
Awake in the Network Welcomes Dawn Kristy
Dawn Kristy, JD is an AI and Cybersecurity Advisor She is also a seasoned expert on emerging risks experienced in pollution, product liability, and professional liability risks. As a new lawyer,…
Awake in the Network Welcomes Mike Dexter
Mike Dexter, a native of Detroit, Michigan, has lived a life dedicated to serving others. As the founder and former senior pastor of Love of Christ Christian Center, Mike has…
Awake in the Network Welcomes Kristi Zuhlke, Founder | CEO | Technology | Generative AI for Insights
Join us for a vibrant conversation with Kristi Zuhlke, a seasoned marketing professional turned successful tech entrepreneur. Kristi began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she significantly grew household…
Awake in the Network Welcomes Valentina Escobar-Gonzalez
Join us withValentina Escobar-Gonzalez, a seasoned marketer, social media strategist, serial learner, speaker, and marketing educator specializing in helping individuals and their businesses build authentic connections with their social media to…
Journey into the Future: Where AI Meets Human Ingenuity –Tune in to the podcast that’s taking the tech world by storm!
Are you ready to embark on a mind-bending journey where cutting-edge AI intersects with real-world wisdom? Look no further! Our podcast is your ticket to the frontline of innovation, hosted…
Awake in the Network with Gregory (Greg) Wade
Gregory Wade: Expert in Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem-Led Growth Gregory (Greg) Wade is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience establishing strategic partnerships and driving global ecosystem-led growth.…
Awake in the Network with Tyronne Stoudemire: Mr. Red Carpet!
Welcome to Awake in the Network podcast! Today, we're honored to introduce Tyronne Stoudemire, a remarkable individual whose life embodies resilience, leadership, and a dedication to promoting inclusivity. Tyronne's story…
Creating Your Best Life with American actor Colin Egglesfield
Welcome to an inspiring new episode of "Awake in the Network," the podcast where dreams ignite reality, and today's landscapes of possibility are explored with those who have dared to…
Roger Crockett Is Making His Net Work With His New Book on Black Leaders
Welcome to "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens." Today, we're joined by Roger O. Crockett, the founder of ROC Leadership Advisory Inc. With a focus on developing inclusive leaders…
Best of Awake in the Network
Welcome to an exciting new concept we call "Reflection Riffing." Today, we revisit the wisdom of three unique, fun, and powerful past guests: Marcia Dempster, Steve Pemberton, and Malena Crawford.…
Awake in the Network with Gena C. Lovett and Her What’s Your Gumbo Story a la Quincy Jones
Gena C. Lovett, PhD and author of the very powerful new book, "The C-Suite Quotient." is a manufacturing and operations expert with over 25 years of experience at large-cap industrial…
Awake in the Network with Billy, John, and Melissa: Celebrating the Best Networking Mentors
Dive Deep into Networking Insights with Melissa, Billy, and John on the Best Networking Mentors episode. Listen as Melissa, Billy, and John provide a robust follow-up on the Best Networking…
Unbroken Wings: The Steve Pemberton Journey from Foster Care to Beacon of Hope
In his awe-inspiring book, Steve Pemberton turns the page on his tumultuous childhood to share how a single act of kindness from a mysterious "book angel" became his lifeline. Rising…
Awake in the Network with Stephen deGroot – “To suffer is human. To suffer alone is inhumane.”
Stephen has an unparalleled commitment to improving humanity. This model is powerful because he is serious about making a difference. The CORE Algorithm has the capacity to solve a lot…
Awake in the Network with Lynn Miller, “Lead from Within”
Lynn E. Miller is the founder of Straight Talk Writer LLC and author of the 10x Your Expertise strategic consulting process, with the mission to help seasoned professionals who want…
Awake in the Network with Rodney Patterson, One of the Nations Most Effective Diversity and Inclusion Facilitators
With over 30 years of experience, Rodney Patterson is one of the nation’s most effective and engaging diversity and inclusion facilitators. He served as the chief curriculum designer and lead…
Awake in the Network with Billy, Melissa, and John St. Augustine – Best Networking Mentor in the World Contest!
In professional networking, mentors play a pivotal role in shaping careers and guiding individuals toward success. We are excited to announce the launch of the "Best Networking Mentors of 2024"…
“Awake in the Network” with Donald Remy: The Room Where It Happens
Show Up For Tough Decisions And Build Lasting Relationships Welcome to "Awake in the Network," the essential podcast for current and aspiring leaders. Today, we're honored to feature Donald Remy,…
Uncorking Excellence: ‘Message in the Bottle’ – Author Tim Gaiser, Forbes 2023 One of the Best Holiday Wine Books Winner
Welcome to today's podcast, where we dive into the world of wines with an exciting new release from a renowned expert in the field. Picture this: you're holding a glass…
Blueprints of Resilience: Cornelius Griggs’ Rise from Chicago’s Streets to Business Leader
On this episode of "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens," we're honored to feature Cornelius Griggs, a testament to the extraordinary potential of human resilience and vision, particularly relevant…
“Awake in the Network” with Joyce Sullivan: Navigating Your Destiny from Boardrooms to Breakthroughs
Welcome to "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens"! We're thrilled to introduce Joyce Sullivan, our esteemed guest for today. Joyce is not just a witness to life but an…
“Awake in the Network” with Dominica McBride: From Trauma to Transformation for Women of Color
Join Billy and me as we talk with Dr. Dominica McBride, Author of “Becoming Change Makers: The Exquisite Path to Leadership and Liberation for Women of Color." This transformational book…
“Awake in the Network” with Dana Rubin: Voices of the Ages and the Legacy of Women Orators
We are delighted to introduce our next guest on "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens," Dana Rubin. Dana is an accomplished consultant, speechwriter, and speaker passionate about publicly empowering…
“Awake in the Network” with Robert Johnson: Pioneering Paths: At the Nexus of Law, Business, and Social Equity
We are delighted to introduce our next guest, Robert Johnson, on "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens." Robert is a social entrepreneur and self-described "lawpreneur" with a remarkable career…
“Awake in the Network” with Stacey Gonzales: Edu-Inspiration and The Journey from Passionate Educator to Edlightened Visionary
Stacey Gonzales, a seasoned educator and administrator with years of experience in public schools, is a shining example of an Enlightened Leader. Her passion for inspiring positive change in the…
“Awake in the Network” with James Rosseau: Firing Your Passion and Succeeding On Your Own Terms
Welcome to "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!" podcast with your hosts, Melissa G Wilson and Billy Dexter. In this captivating episode, they are joined by a very special…
“Awake in the Network” with Billy, Melissa, and John St. Augustine: How to Lead and Stay Agile while Under Pressure
Award winning talk radio host and producer, sought after speaker, author and consultant, extensive experience in media, communications, brand management, messaging and corporate training, executive media coaching. 25 years on…
“Awake in the Network” with Marc Howze: The Power of Relationships as the Currency of Business
Welcome to the "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens" podcast. We are thrilled to have Marc A. Howze as our special guest in this episode. Marc is a seasoned,…
“Awake in the Network” with Malena Crawford: Resilience and Courage in Confronting Your Struggles
Malena Crawford is an accomplished writer and author of the powerful and poignant memoir "A Fistful of Honey." In her book, Malena shares her journey of overcoming trauma, abuse, and…
“Awake in the Network” with Marti Konstant: Developing Agility to Adapt and Stay Relevant
Can you adapt to the accelerated pace of change to stay relevant in your work? Our guest, Marti Konstant, researches how people respond and adapt to change in the workplace.…
“Awake in the Network” with Marcia Dempster: Empowering Women in Technology
Join us as we sit down with Marcia Dempster, Senior Director of Channel Sales at Keeper Security, the leading Enterprise Password Security platform, to discuss her extensive experience in the…
“Awake in the Network” with Billy, Melissa, and John St. Augustine: The Journey of a Thousand Miles
Besides being movers and shakers, Billy, Melissa, and John St. Augustine have one another thing in common—the great state of Michigan. Billy and Melissa are just back from a trip…
“Awake in the Network” with Chris Brogan: The Human Connection in Technology
The Human Connection. As technology continues to bring people together, it's often easy to forget the human equation. Chris Brogan is a NY Times best-selling author and internationally recognized thought…
“Awake in the Network” with Larry Mohl: Hitting the High Notes
Join Larry Mohl, the founder of Rali Solutions, as he discusses reaching new heights in your career. With vast experience in multi-industry organizations, Larry shares his insights on building organization…
“Awake in the Network” with Billy, Melissa, and John St. Augustine: Increasing Consciousness Enhances Success
In this episode, Billy D. and Melissa G. collaborate to provide an insightful review of the first six episodes of the podcast, along with the valuable insights shared by recent…
“Awake in the Network” with Sunshine Chen: Create a Work of Art, not a Life of Work
Sunshine was trained in architecture at The University of Waterloo and worked for the City of Waterloo in Urban Planning, Design, and Downtown Redevelopment. As he expanded his talents, Sunshine…
“Awake in the Network” with Julie Anixter: Visualizing and Connecting to the Life You Want
Join Melissa G and Billy D as they interview Julie Anixter. She's worked side by side with the legendary business management author Tom Peters and is the vice president of…
“Awake in the Network” with Lisa Dietlin: Philanthropy, Personal Transformation, and the Power of Networking
"Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens" with Lisa Dietlin is an inspiring and thought-provoking show that explores the intersection of philanthropy, personal transformation, and the power of networking. Lisa…
“Awake in the Network” with Becky Blanton: The Power of Enduring Faith (and Staying Under the Radar)
She was a journalist for over 22 years, working as a reporter, photojournalist, and editor. Today, Becky Blanton is best known for her independent writing and ghostwriting books for top…
“Awake in the Network” with Tenia Davis, PhD: The Ripple Effect, Awareness, and No One Is an Island
In this inaugural episode, Billy D. and Melissa G. are in conversation with Tenia Davis, Ph.D., senior vice president and the first-ever chief human resources officer at NORC (the nonpartisan…