Community is more than a nice-to-have — it’s a catalyst for career growth. The Community pillar in the Build Your Table, the career guide by Beverly Vanterpool highlights that success is rarely a solo act. It’s built on authentic relationships, strategic networking, and mutual support that create momentum you can’t generate alone. Beverly uses the analogy of the table as one of the key frameworks in her book. In the last blog we explored the knowledge and experience pillar and in this piece we bring to life the second pillar or leg of the table, Community through the stories and experiences shared by the guests on the Stories by Career Sistas podcast.
In episode 3 of the Stories by Career Sistas podcast, our guest Selina Thompson, strategist and connector, said networking is most powerful when it’s intentional. “It’s not about collecting business cards — it’s about clarity,” she said. “Know exactly what you need, and be able to articulate it. That’s how you make connections that matter.” Selina’s approach focuses on long-term relationship building rather than quick wins, ensuring that every connection is nurtured over time so it becomes mutually beneficial. Her network isn’t just broad — it’s deep, filled with people who understand her goals and trust her enough to open doors.
Entrepreneur Jo Wong, guest of episode 1 learned early on that sharing her vision within supportive communities accelerated her business growth. “When you’re building something, you can’t just keep it in your head — you have to tell people, invite them in, and let them believe in it with you,” she explained. Jo built networks not just for potential clients, but for collaborators, mentors, and peers who could challenge her thinking. For her, community is both a sounding board and a growth engine.
For Pearl Oguchi, guest of episode 8 of Stories by Career Sistas, community has been a lifeline in moments of uncertainty. After redundancy, she realised that creating safe spaces for underrepresented groups wasn’t just valuable — it was necessary. She founded a Facebook group for Black women in tech, giving members a platform to share experiences, resources, and opportunities without judgment. “Connection is central to resilience,” Pearl reflected. “When things feel uncertain, knowing you’re not alone changes everything.”
Across their experiences, the thread is clear: networking is not about numbers, but about depth, trust, and reciprocity. A strong community doesn’t just provide opportunities — it sustains you through challenges, offers fresh perspectives, and reinforces your place in your field. As Selina put it, “Your network should be more than a contact list — it should be a circle that grows with you.”
Episode 3: Selina Thompson
New City, New Circles: Building your network from scratch
Listen Here
Episode 1: Jo Wong
Money & Gatekeepers: Funding our dreams as women of colour
Listen Here
Episode 8: Pearl Oguchi
Resilience & Reinvention: Overcoming Career Setbacks & the Power of Community
Listen Here
