In this episode of "Determined to Succeed," host Dawn Mullarney, also known as the Unique Connector, welcomes Saraphina Churchill, a former teacher who transitioned into the fields of commercial photography and graphic design. Dawn and Saraphina discuss the significance of finish lines and starting lines, particularly in the context of the end of the school year and the beginning of summer.

Saraphina shares her journey from a stable teaching career to pursuing her passion for the creative arts during an economic downturn. She highlights the importance of embracing new seasons in life, trying new things, and finding joy in change. Saraphina also talks about her current work with a seasonal magazine on Cape Cod and her role as a mentor in the E for All entrepreneurship program.

The episode emphasizes the value of tasting different career paths, continuous learning, and the non-linear nature of professional and personal growth. Dawn and Saraphina inspire listeners to explore new opportunities, embrace change, and recognize the beauty in evolving through various life stages.

Connect with Dawn: ⁠

Follow: Determined to Succeed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmullarney

Check out Dawn's website to learn more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uniqueconnector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Saraphina:

Website: ⁠www.imagesbysaraphina.com⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/imagesbysaraphina

In this episode of "Determined to Succeed," host Dawn Mullarney, also known as the Unique Connector, engages in a dynamic conversation with Uri Yudewitz about the value and nuances of in-person networking. Uri shares his passion for meeting people face-to-face and how serendipitous events, like getting trapped in an elevator with 19 others, can lead to unexpected and meaningful connections. He recounts his recent trip to New York, where he organized a networking event that brought together diverse individuals who would not typically cross paths, highlighting the importance of expanding one's network beyond the virtual realm.

Dawn and Uri delve into the concept of creating unique networking opportunities, whether through large events or intimate gatherings, and the lasting impact these interactions can have. Uri explains his strategic approach to networking, emphasizing the importance of cultivating relationships and recognizing potential opportunities for collaboration. He shares anecdotes of how seemingly random encounters, such as sharing an Uber pool ride, have led to significant business connections.

The conversation also touches on the personal growth aspect of networking. Dawn reflects on her journey from introversion to becoming a master connector, finding joy in bringing people together and observing the synergies that arise. Uri offers practical advice on leveraging one's existing network, suggesting that the best opportunities often lie within the connections we already have but may have overlooked.

Both Dawn and Uri emphasize the importance of being open to new experiences and embracing the potential of every interaction. They encourage listeners to invest in their networks, not just for business gains but for personal enrichment and community building. Uri’s final piece of advice is to see the value in little investments in your network, as they can lead to significant outcomes.

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Dawn and Uri, highlighting their shared passion for connecting people and fostering meaningful relationships. Dawn encourages listeners to reconnect with their existing networks and stay determined in their endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

• The value of face-to-face interactions and the unique bonds they can create.
• The importance of strategic and serendipitous networking.
• Practical tips for leveraging and investing in your existing network.
• Personal growth through networking and the joy of connecting people.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how to harness the power of networking and embrace opportunities that come your way, both expected and unexpected.

Connect with Dawn: ⁠

Follow: Determined to Succeed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmullarney

Check out Dawn's website to learn more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uniqueconnector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Uri's bio:

Uri Yudewitz serves as the Vice President of Business Development for CH Group, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. With a dynamic background in strategic partnerships, market expansion, and revenue growth, Uri plays a pivotal role in driving the company's success and fostering key relationships, bridging the gap between Western business and Islamic culture.
In his capacity, Uri spearheads initiatives to identify new business opportunities, forge strategic alliances, and cultivate partnerships. His keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior allows him to develop innovative strategies that align with CH Group's overarching goals and objectives, including in each of CH Group’s focus areas (distribution, partnership, financing, certification and non-profit endeavors).

Website: https://chgroupus.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uri-yudewitz-5109301/

In this episode of "Determined to Succeed," host Dawn Mullarney, also known as the Unique Connector, welcomes Kristine Cherek to discuss embracing life amidst chaos and transitions. Dawn and Kristine first met at an event where Kristine was the keynote speaker, and Dawn was part of a panel. They delve into how Kristine, after relocating from Florida to the Midwest, is managing significant life changes and embracing the chaos and new experiences that come with it.

Kristine shares her journey from working in a demanding corporate law environment to seeking work-life balance in various roles, including teaching at a law school. She reflects on how her approach to life had to change to find true fulfillment and the importance of not just checking boxes to achieve happiness.

They discuss the challenges women face in male-dominated industries and the scarcity of senior leadership positions for women, often leading to feelings of competition among female colleagues. Kristine emphasizes the need for women to stand together, support each other, and advocate for more representation in leadership roles. She also highlights the importance of speaking up against microaggressions and biases in the workplace.

Throughout their conversation, Dawn and Kristine stress the value of redefining success, finding joy in the journey, and the significance of empowering and uplifting other women. They both express their commitment to making a difference and creating ripples in their communities by fostering connections and building supportive relationships.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear more about Kristine's experiences, her advice for embracing life and chaos, and the importance of solidarity among women in achieving true success and fulfillment.

Connect with Dawn: ⁠

Follow: Determined to Succeed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmullarney

Check out Dawn's website to learn more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uniqueconnector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Kristine:

Kristine Cherek is an attorney, former law professor, former corporate executive, writer, and philanthropist. She is the author of the Amazon bestseller Tread Loudly: Call Out the Bullsh*t and Fight for Equality in the Workplace.

Kristine began her career practicing commercial real estate at an international law firm. By the age of 33, she was the general counsel of the nation's largest developer of healthcare facilities. She later was a partner at a regional corporate law firm before joining the faculty of a law school in Florida.

Kristine now focuses on writing, speaking, and advocating for gender equality in the workplace and on philanthropy. Her philanthropic work centers on equity and access in higher education, arts education, food security, and animal welfare.

Kristine received her B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude, from Marquette University and her J.D., Order of the Coif, cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She is a former college cheerleader and a 6-time marathon and 24-time half marathon runner. Kristine and her husband reside in Chicago with their senior rescue cat.

In Tread Loudy, Kristine shares her experiences as a female professional in male-dominated workplaces. Through her two-decade journey as an attorney, corporate executive, and law professor, she has cultivated a plethora of wisdom and guidance to share about how to persevere in the biased world of business...and life in general.

LinkedIn: @Kristine Cherek

Instagram: @kcherek and @treadloudly

Facebook: @kristine cherek and @tread loudly

Threads: @kcherek and @treadloudly

Tik Tok: @treadloudly

Check out her website and her book: https://kristinecherek.com/