Still, on the topic of currency, we are taking a slightly different direction into the world of social capital. What is that, you might ask? Rika Nakazawa is sharing all about it and why it is important to your future.

Rika understands how much life is a string of chance coming together to form a glorious story. Born to a German mother and a Japanese father, Rika grew up in the middle of inborn multicultural diversity. After growing up in Japan, Rika moved to the US to become a Princeton Tiger. She has worked for many large international corporations, including Sony and American Express. She is an author, speaker, CEO, and founder of Board Seat Meet Inc.

Over the years, just as tech has transitioned from the waterfall methodology to agile, the mindsets of individuals when it comes to their professional future has also evolved. We no longer see work as a linear start to finish culminating in a gold watch at retirement. We now iterate our carriers, learning and growing in short sprints, working to become the best iteration of ourselves. We aren’t looking to put a corvette out as our first iteration. We are ok going from skateboard to bike to beater car to high octane efficiency. With this focus on learning and improving, more doors are opening to those in underrepresented groups.

No matter the group we belong to, we all have a default station hardwired in us. Our job is to learn what we can uniquely tune into and find others on the same frequency. We discover this by being exposed to others and their experiences. Our ability to sympathize or empathize with someone else has the potential to connect us, both personally and professionally. As we uncover our story and the tribe we are best able to share it with, we find that our arc, our journey, can inspire those around us and pave the way for others.

As a leader, you are expanding your connections and your influence, understanding the importance of social capital can help pave the road for your journey and those who will follow after you. The professional relationships that you reinforce socially allow you to grow a network of advocates and those you can advocate for. In the digital age, new avenues for cultivating social capital are springing up. To stand out, you have to know what makes you different and what you have to offer in any setting, personally or professionally. When you have the opportunity to be heard, take it. Self-expression is key. It doesn’t have to be perfect – each opportunity is a new chance to iterate and become who you are going to be.

If you can take anything away from Rika and apply it immediately, it is this: Practice is important. Think of a person who has been an idol in your life, maybe a leader or an author. Find them on LinkedIn and request to connect. Be specific in why you want to connect and how you are already connected to them. Practice reaching out to stand out.

Rise. Shine. Impact. Find your station, find your tribe.

Resources

Board Seat Meet
Dear Chairwomam,: Letters from Today’s Trailblazing Women Board Leaders to the Fearless Directors of Tomorrow By Rika Nakazawa

Connect with Rika

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikanakazawa/

Email: rika@boardseatmeet.com

Connect with John:

www.standoutmovement.com

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/johnwstandout