Megan Patel: Investment in Connection – Navigating Personal and Professional Growth

The Power of Connections

In this episode, Rich and Megan discuss:

• The influence of Megan's family history on her values
• Megan's recounting of her grandfather's migrations
• The balancing act that startup founders face
• The significance of overcommunication for new CEOs and the art of relationship-building in professional networks
• The power of intentionality in forming relationships and the impact of small, thoughtful actions in nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose

Key Takeaways:

• Expressing emotions and affection stems not just from words, but from culturally imbibed actions that carry deep familial and personal significance.
• Environmental innovation can be driven by personal revelations, as evidenced by Megan's experience in Kenya which led to her commitment to supporting sustainable entrepreneurship.
• When blending friendship with business, the key to thriving lies in maintaining transparent communication and nurturing trust to repair and reinforce professional bonds when tested.
• Mentorship and example-setting are essential for new leaders. They not only establish trust but also empower teams to adopt the leader’s mindset for cohesive decision-making.
• Building purposeful relationships requires a deliberate approach, where understanding the nature and objectives of connections can lead to meaningful appreciation and engagement.

"The fabric of our relationships is woven with intentionality and the threads of shared experiences and moments of care." — Megan Patel

 

About Megan Patel:

Megan Patel led the Entrepreneur in Residence program at Schmidt Futures, former CEO of Google's impact fund. Megan founded the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program to guide and invest in founders building early-stage ventures. Prior to being on the investing side, Megan led innovation at a Guggenheim impact fund Chicago Beyond, headed up product at SwipeSense, and was a Business Designer at IDEO.

Connect with Megan Patel:

Website: http://www.meganpatel.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meganpatel/

Connect with Rich Woo:

Website: www.catalyst.nm.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richwoo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rich_woo/?hl=en

Book: The Relationship Recession - https://a.co/d/dXlXd71

Email: [e-mail]