Lisa Fain: Building Developmental Networks & The Courage to Ask for Help

17/09/2025 45 min Episodio 78
Lisa Fain: Building Developmental Networks & The Courage to Ask for Help

Listen "Lisa Fain: Building Developmental Networks & The Courage to Ask for Help"

Episode Synopsis

#78: In this conversation, Lisa Fain discusses the concept of developmental networks and the role of courage in creating intentional learning relationships. She emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and reciprocity in mentoring relationships, and how these elements contribute to personal and professional growth. Lisa also shares insights on navigating career transitions, the significance of identity, and the power of intentional connections in fostering a supportive environment for learning and development.
 
Key Topics:

Developmental networks - intentional learning relationships for growth
The courage to ask - being the first mover and requesting what you need
Effective mentoring elements - learning, reciprocity, and co-creation
Common failures - "pair and pray" programs without structure
Career transitions - leveraging networks during job searches
Identity's role - how our lens shapes mentoring experiences

 
Standout Quotes:
"Impact isn't built alone."
"Everything is figureoutable, but everything is not figureoutable on your own."
"If you're gonna share your wisdom, make sure it ends with a question mark and not with a period."
 
Chapters:
00:00 Exploring Developmental Networks and Courage
10:06 The Importance of Community and Connection
19:59 Understanding Mentoring Relationships
30:12 Navigating Career Transitions and Identity
39:52 The Power of Intentional Connections
 
Key Takeaways:

Structure matters - Successful mentoring requires intentional frameworks
Mentees drive learning - Come prepared with specific goals
Reciprocity is real - Everyone has something valuable to offer
Think beyond hierarchy - Peer and reverse mentoring work too
Avoid "brain picking" - Be specific about what you want to learn

 
Get in touch with Lisa Fain:

Website: http://www.centerformentoring.com
TEDx Talk: "The Power of Intentional Connections in Your Career": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ4JEvEsO2c
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazfain

 
Connect with The Courage Effect:

Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration
Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect
Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller
Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about