Build Your Parachute Before the Plane Shakes

When I worked in the corporate world, I learned quickly that competence alone doesn’t open doors. I remember delivering a flawless presentation—well-researched, data-backed, polished. Yet, it went nowhere.

Why? Because I hadn’t invested in relationships. I hadn’t thought about who in the room really mattered.

Now, as a coach working with leaders and founders across the globe, that lesson feels sharper than ever. Success rarely hinges on skill or effort alone—it depends on who knows you, trusts you, and believes in you.

And just like a parachute, waiting until you need a network is risky. Networking feels transactional when it’s done last minute—like trying to fix your parachute mid-air.

When you approach it early, during calm skies, with genuine curiosity and care, networking becomes natural, powerful, and human. The real magic lies in relationships, not reach.

Networking Is a Practice, Not an Event

Too many people treat networking as something to do when they’re looking for a new job, launching a business, or stepping into a transition.

But true networking isn’t an emergency response—it’s an ongoing practice.

The most successful leaders I coach treat networking as part of how they lead. They connect regularly, not just when they need something. They nurture relationships the way you’d maintain a well-packed parachute—checking, strengthening, and folding new fabric over time.

Intentional networking means being curious, following up, staying in touch, and remembering small details about people. It’s about planting seeds long before you need the shade. 🌱

Why Intentional Networking Matters

Because connections shift. People move. Priorities evolve.

If you only network when you’re in transition, your parachute may be full of holes.

Intentional networking brings you:

✨ Fresh perspectives – insight from people outside your usual circle.

✨ Unexpected opportunities – collaborations and introductions you’d never have found alone.

✨ Trust and advocacy – people who’ll speak for you when you’re not in the room.

✨ Smoother transitions – because you’ve built a web of support before you ever need it.

Networking isn’t about collecting names; it’s about collecting trust.

A note: seniority doesn’t protect you from shifting dynamics or changing influence. In fact, the higher you go, the more important your network becomes. Power structures evolve, alliances move, and perceptions shift quickly.

 A strong network helps you stay connected, relevant, and informed—long before those changes reach you.

The Neuroscience Nugget 🧠

Our brains are wired for connection. The social brain network—including the medial prefrontal cortex—activates when we think about others, take their perspective, or imagine a conversation.

That’s why genuine networking feels energising, while forced networking feels draining. When we connect authentically, our brain releases oxytocin, building trust and reducing stress.

In other words, when you build relationships based on genuine interest, you’re not just growing your network—you’re literally strengthening your brain’s wiring for empathy and influence.

Map Your Network (and Stakeholders)

A helpful way to visualise your connections is through two simple tools that work beautifully together: the Networking Circles and the Stakeholder Map.

The Networking Circles help you focus on relationships and connection:

🔹 Inner Circle – trusted allies, mentors, or sponsors who’d pick up your call anytime.

🔹 Middle Circle – colleagues, peers, or partners you know but want to strengthen ties with.

🔹 Outer Circle – people you admire or want to get to know—future collaborators, clients, or thought leaders.

These circles remind you to balance maintaining strong, trusted relationships while also reaching out and expanding your network. A strong parachute needs both: solid straps (inner circle) and new fabric (outer circle).

Alongside your networking circles, the Stakeholder Map gives you a strategic lens—it’s not just about who you know, but who matters most in your current context.

Use the Power/Interest Grid to identify and manage influence:

🟢 Advocates – your strongest supporters (keep them close).

🟠 Neutrals – those you can still engage and influence.

🔴 Critics – engage them early, understand their perspective.

When you regularly update both—your networking circles and your stakeholder map—you gain a double advantage: you nurture relationships that matter now and strengthen those that might become crucial later.

Together, they help you stay connected and strategic—anchored in relationships, but always aware of where influence flows.

💡 If you’d like to receive my Networking & Stakeholder Map Template to get started, just email me at katrin@kbccoaching.com.

Create a Networking Rhythm

Consistency matters more than scale. Build a rhythm that fits your energy and leadership style:

• One virtual coffee a week – to reconnect or deepen a relationship.

• One event or panel per quarter – to meet new people and share ideas.

• One meaningful introduction a month – give before you ask.

• One thoughtful message a week – to check in or say thank you.

Networking is not about being everywhere—it’s about being intentional where you are.

 A Story From Practice

A Story From Practice A client once told me, “I’m not good at networking.” When we explored further, we realised she equated networking with self-promotion.

We reframed it: instead of “selling herself,” she focused on curiosity and contribution—asking great questions, listening, and sharing insights generously. Within months, she’d built genuine relationships that led to unexpected collaborations and a new opportunity.

Her parachute was ready long before she needed it.

The Link to Executive Presence 🎯

Stakeholder management isn’t just a project skill—it’s a leadership skill. It directly shapes executive presence:

• Gravitas in how you anticipate challenges and stay composed.

• Communication in how you tailor messages for different audiences.

• Appearance in how you show up credible, prepared, and intentional.

  
  

In short: your stakeholder work is part of how others experience you as a leader. Your parachute doesn’t just keep you safe—it helps you stand tall.

The Bottom Line

Networking or Stakeholder Management (it does not matter how you call it) is like packing your parachute—you can’t do it mid-air.

When you treat it as a living practice—rooted in curiosity, generosity, and consistency—it becomes a source of stability, opportunity, and confidence.

So, who’s in your parachute?

And when was the last time you strengthened a strap—or added a new piece of fabric?

✨ I work with leaders, teams and organisations navigating transitions and building influence with purpose and clarity.

If you’d like support in mapping, engaging, and leveraging your stakeholders more intentionally, message me and I’ll send you my Stakeholder Networking Worksheet. Or you can book a complimentary call with me here: Book a Call Book a Call

#ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipCoaching #StakeholderManagement #ExecutivePresence #ChangeManagement #KBCcoaching #KindDisrupter #SciencemeetsSoul

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