Maybe. But there is definitely a wrong one — and most people discover it the hard way.
Networking is intangible. The ROI doesn’t always show up the next morning. It’s part strategy, part authenticity, and entirely a long game. Whether you like it or not, it also becomes your professional brand – people don’t remember your title — they remember how you show up.
To kick off the year, we’re bringing in one of the most interesting minds we know — Professor Michael Paul James. With four master’s degrees (yes, four) and a PhD on the way, he’ll break down how networking actually works when it stops being awkward and starts becoming a real business asset.
What to expect:
A new venue, appetizers, a sharp group of professionals and business owners, a fast-paced presentation that gets to the point — and, of course, networking at the end (but the good kind).
About the speaker
Michael-Paul (Jack Kelly) James doesn’t just talk about networking — he’s built his life around it.
From a small-town, first-generation college student to award-winning entrepreneur to finance scholar and university instructor, Michael-Paul has successfully navigated multiple professional worlds. Along the way, he earned several master’s degrees and is currently working toward his PhD — not for the titles, but because each step demanded learning how influence, reputation, and opportunity actually work.
This session isn’t theory. It’s lived experience.
Expect practical strategies from someone who has built client lists, led teams, hired people, navigated academia, and now mentors professionals who want to grow, pivot, or finally stop feeling like they’re guessing their way through networking. If you’ve ever felt like you were outside the room — this is your map in.
January 28th at 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM | $35 Members / $55 Non-members
