Have you ever wondered why some networking events leave you energized and truly connected, while others feel like a waste of time, and leave you drained? In this episode of Interrupted with Coach Laurie, Cyndi O’Neill-Dady, Founder and Chief Champion Connector of Exceptional Connections®, shares her insights from 20 years of cultivating authentic relationships and building a thriving professional community. She breaks down exactly what makes networking meaningful, what often causes connections to fizzle, and how to transform every interaction into a lasting collaboration.   Cyndi begins by exploring the foundation of Exceptional Connections®—the principle that relationships are king. She explains why building a network isn’t just about exchanging business cards, but about listening, discovering, and contributing in ways that create trust and mutual support. Drawing on her years of experience, Cyndi illustrates how even brief interactions can ripple into long-term partnerships and friendships when approached with intentionality and care.   One of the most powerful aspects of her approach is proactive connection. Cyndi demonstrates why connecting with people before you need something from them creates a foundation that will weather any professional transition. She introduces her signature 6-Step process to Exceptional Connecting—Connect, Discover, Listen, Contribute, Follow-up, & Nurture—showing how each step can transform ordinary networking into authentic, high-value relationships.   Cyndi also emphasizes the importance of generosity, curiosity, and celebration in networking. She explains why giving first, asking thoughtful questions, and spotlighting others’ achievements not only strengthens relationships but also amplifies your professional influence and personal fulfillment. Whether it’s a brief conversation at a luncheon, a virtual Wisdom Circle, or a one-on-one meeting, she provides practical ways to make every interaction meaningful.   By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how to stop approaching networking as a transactional chore and start cultivating genuine, impactful connections that grow your business, your influence, and your community. Cyndi’s insights will empower you to show up authentically, invest in relationships, and create a legacy of connection that extends far beyond the event itself.   To learn more go to: https://www.debbiepage.com or go to Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiekpage/   To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com  or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

For the first time, we are thrilled to honor our inaugural 2024 Recognized Champions. These exceptional leaders in our community have demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering genuine relationships that fuel business growth and create lasting impact.  Elisa Hawkinson Founder of How 2 Get Organized was recognized as our EC 2024 Champion of Engagement – Celebrating outstanding dedication and active participation at Exceptional Connection events & activities, exemplifying the spirit of engagement and connection within our community. Melissa Lavigne Founder of Infinite Love-Productions was recognized as our EC 2024 Champion Community Builder Award - Honoring exceptional dedication to building our community by inviting & bringing the most guests to our monthly ECN luncheons, thereby fostering growth and connection within Exceptional Connections. Glean pearls from these exceptional leaders in our community who have demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering genuine relationships that fuel business growth and create lasting impact. Through powerful storytelling and personal testimonials, our panelists will share the secrets to turning new contacts into loyal advocates and raving fans. Whether you’re a seasoned networker or just starting out, you’ll walk away inspired, empowered, and equipped with actionable strategies to deepen your connections and grow your business. What if networking wasn’t just about collecting business cards but about cultivating champions for your business? Join us for a powerful panel discussion featuring our 2024 Champion Connectors, who will reveal the key strategies and mindset shifts that have helped them build meaningful, lasting relationships that drive success. In this engaging conversation, our panelists will share: How they’ve used the 6 Steps to Exceptional Connecting to transform their businesses, networks, and personal growth. Real-life stories of connections that turned into game-changing collaborations. The essential habits and follow-up techniques that convert introductions into long-term advocates. Walk away with fresh insights, proven relationship-building techniques, and the inspiration to become a Champion Connector in your own business and community.will showcase our 2024 Champion Connectors, who have been recognized for exemplifying the 6 Steps to Exceptional Connecting—Connect, Discover, Listen, Contribute, Follow-up, and Nurture. To learn more, go to:    - Cyndi ONeill-Dady - ExceptionalConnections.com - Elisa Hawkinson - How2GetOrganized.com - Melissa Lavigne - infinitelove-productions.com   To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com,  or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

Debbie Page is the leading authority on women and money, and a dynamic business coach whose proven strategies consistently deliver outstanding results for her clients.  She's dedicated to empowering women worldwide to achieve financial independence and business excellence. Debbie is the proud pet parent to her lovable muppets; Buster her 10 year old rescue Labrador Retriever and Retired K9, and Walter the 2 year old Labrador Retriever. When you invest in relationships before you need them, you create a foundation of trust that weathers any business transition. Whether you're changing your hours, or relocating, your network becomes your bridge between where you've been and where you're going. The key isn't just collecting contacts – it's cultivating genuine connections that turn business relationships into lasting partnerships. Three Key Takeaways Proactive Relationship Building: Network when you're stable, not desperate The BRIDGE Framework: A systematic approach to building authentic, value-driven networks that support you through any business transition Transparent Communication: Keep your network informed about changes before they happen, turning potential disruptions into opportunities for deeper connection To learn more go to: https://www.debbiepage.com or go to Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiekpage/   To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com  or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

For 32 years Molly Klipp worked with thousands of women and developed some of the most successful leaders in all of Aloette Cosmetics as President of Aloette of Seattle.  Her franchise was one of the top 10 franchises for over 20 years.  In January of 2014, Molly was trained and was certified to be a permanent makeup artist. Carefree Beauty Permanent Makeup was born.  In April of 2015, Molly sold her cosmetics franchise and, in a year, turned her new business into a six-figure income using the skills she’d developed over her 32 years in business.   This past year, Molly is once again branching out to help women beauty business owners create a blueprint for daily operations to increase profits without stress. Beauty Business Mastery. Creating exceptional client experiences. Systemize using unique steps that keep your clients coming in to see you. Gaining referrals and how to get them. Reviews and why they are important and how you can encourage your clients to leave them.  Just the tip of the iceberg!  In this inspiring presentation, you will learn:  What is it about you that attracts your clients? You have the solution to your client's problem. Once you have your client - how do you keep them coming back to you and sending their friends? Maintaining the balance Profit Coaching Available To learn more, go to:  www.beautybusinessmastery.com   To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com,  or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

For over 13 years, Joanne has been studying and implementing transformational success principles. As a speaker, trainer, and certified coach, Joanne's coaching programs help people break through limitations and achieve greater results than they have ever known possible. Joanne specializes in helping women reignite their passion inside of them, rediscover their dreams, accelerate their results, and create richer, more fulfilling lives. Ready to turn your dreams into results? Join Joanne as she reveals three powerful principles from her “Mastering Results” framework. Discover the true source of your goals and dreams, uncover what might be silently holding you back, and walk away with proven tools that can skyrocket your success—if you're ready to take action! In this inspiring presentation, you will receive:  Greater clarity on your goals and dreams Three tools to help you achieve that goal or dream More confident in your ability to achieve those goals and dreams.  To learn more, go to:  joannegoldbaum.com or email Joanne at DA@joannegoldbaum.com   To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com,  or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

Born in Australia to German immigrants, Tina grew up with a deep love for nature and a big, blended family - her twin brother Andreas, older brother Michael, and half-sister Claudia in Berlin. Her first calling was as a chef, which took her across Europe and into studies in Switzerland. That journey led her to Africa for two unforgettable years. Eventually, Tina returned home and found peace (and passion) in Tasmania, spending 11 years as a woodworker. But her love of human movement and healing drew her to Boulder, Colorado, where she trained as a Rolfer, then later moved to Seattle to be close to the sea—her second home. The biggest joy of her life? Adopting her son Joaquin from Guatemala. At just 18 months, he chose Jeff, her amazing husband, to join their family—and it was the best decision he ever made. For nearly three decades, Tina has helped people feel better in their bodies—through Rolfing, nutrition, and now through MOVE ME, a new adventure to clean up our oceans, one powerful habit change at a time. You don't have to live near the Beach to clean the Oceans. Just clean your habits. Every time you refill a bottle, refuse a plastic straw, or choose a bar of soap over a plastic one, you are actively reducing Ocean Waste. Home is the new Frontier. Tina will be giving you simple changes that will only take 10 minutes a day to create a Massive change… Small changes in our daily habits create long lasting effects on our health and this magnificent Planet ... for future Generations. Takeaways from this talk: Where Move Me started Where Plastic hides in the Kitchen Where small daily changes in our daily habits can change Solutions to replace PLASTIC HABITS Join Learn Share is all about MOVE ME To learn more go to: https://move-me.org   To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com,  or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

Nicole Orozco is the owner of Mill Creek View Newspaper (millcreekview.us) and co-founder of The Flame Newspaper, which distributed over one million copies across the U.S. She also launched The Flame Podcast and is the author of five books, including the transformative The Frequency Code. Nicole is the founder of two purpose-driven platforms—ElixirPublishingHouse.com and Elixir.OlyLifeGlobal.com—dedicated to conscious publishing, healing, and personal transformation. A Chapman University graduate with a 3.8 GPA in psychology, Nicole is a keynote speaker, teacher, certified life coach, and frequency healing coach. Originally from Torrance and the Coachella Valley in California, she has called a suburb of Seattle, Washington, home for over 15 years. She has been happily married for 19 years and is the proud mother of four children and grandmother of five. In today’s world, leadership isn’t about having all the answers or wearing a polished mask of perfection—it’s about showing up, even when it's messy. In this powerful and personal talk, Nicole Orozco explores what it truly means to lead with integrity and authenticity. Drawing from her own journey as a publisher, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur, Nicole shares how vulnerability, honesty, and imperfect courage have shaped her leadership style and deepened her impact. Whether you’re running a company, leading a team, or showing up for your family or community, you’ll leave this session inspired to embrace your full self—flaws, fears, and all—as a source of strength. Discover how authenticity builds trust, drives connection, and creates resilient, heart-centered leadership in every area of life. Join us for a real conversation on showing up truthfully, especially when it's hard—and learn how to lead with the kind of integrity that changes lives. In this talk, Nicole Orozco shares how authentic leadership—leading with integrity, vulnerability, and courage—creates deeper trust and lasting impact. Drawing from her personal journey as a publisher, coach, and speaker, she reveals the power of embracing imperfection and staying true to your values, even when leadership gets messy. Through honest storytelling and practical insights, Nicole shows that being real—not perfect—is what makes great leaders unforgettable. Attendees will walk away inspired to lead with heart, alignment, and unapologetic authenticity. In this inspiring presentation, you will learn:  Authenticity builds trust — people are more likely to follow leaders who are real, not perfect. Integrity means alignment — when your actions match your values, you lead with confidence and clarity. Vulnerability is a strength — sharing your truth creates connection, not weakness. Perfection is not the goal — embracing your flaws allows others to do the same and cultivates a more human, resilient team. Leadership starts within — knowing and accepting yourself is the foundation of leading others well. To learn more, go to:  millcreekview.us elixir.olylifeglobal.com millcreekviewus@gmail.com   To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com,  or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

Marlee Huber is an author, speaker, coach, and photographer who is passionate about exploring beauty, creativity, wisdom, and wonder—and inspiring others to do the same. With a background as an academic librarian, Marlee brings a researcher’s depth and curiosity to every topic that captures her imagination. She has a gift for helping people tap into their unique creativity, find their authentic voice, and share their stories with confidence and clarity. Though once painfully shy, Marlee spent over 40 years in direct sales, where she learned how to genuinely connect with people anywhere, anytime. Through persistence and heart-centered leadership, she built a successful nationwide business with Noevir, a Japanese-based anti-aging skincare company, ultimately earning the prestigious title of Diamond Director. This year, Marlee and her husband—an engineer who keeps her grounded while she brings color to their world—celebrate 49 years of marriage. Together, they’ve raised two daughters and now delight in the lively adventures of their five grandchildren. Have you ever wanted to connect more easily with the people around you—whether at a networking event, in line at the store, or during your everyday interactions? In her insightful 20-minute talk, author and speaker Marlee Huber will show you how to tap into the Five Senses of Connection to create deeper, more authentic conversations—anytime, anywhere. Through engaging stories and practical tools, Marlee will inspire you to make simple 5% shifts—small, intentional changes that elevate your presence and transform the way you relate to others. In this inspiring presentation, you’ll discover: How to open a conversation with anyone by asking questions, making observations, or commenting on shared surroundings The Five Senses of Connection and how to use them to create powerful, lasting impressions: 👀 See – View others through eyes of grace; notice the person beyond the surface 👂 Hear – Listen deeply to the tone, stories, and history behind every voice 🍽️ Taste – Share a meal; it fosters understanding and unity 🤝 Touch – Offer a kind gesture or warm presence to make others feel safe and seen 👃 Smell – Trust your instincts; tune in to the energy and truth beneath the surface Leave empowered to connect with confidence—and build stronger, more human-centered relationships one meaningful moment at a time. To learn more, go to:  www.radiantlifemapping.com   To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com,  or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

In this inspiring episode, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady, Founder and Chief Connector of Exceptional Connections®, shares her personal journey from feeling invisible at networking events to creating a thriving community rooted in authenticity, generosity, and genuine connection. Discover Cyndi’s three powerful networking philosophies that transform ordinary interactions into meaningful relationships and powerful advocacy. Learn how to:✈️ Capture attention as an Exceptional Connector💡 Build and nurture relationships without overwhelm🌟 Turn business contacts into loyal advocates and raving fans This isn’t just about business cards—it’s about trust, contribution, and human connection. If you’re ready to elevate your networking game and cultivate lasting relationships that help you and others thrive, buckle up and get ready for takeoff!   Exceptional Connections cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com