Description

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, Mary and Megan dig into one of the most quietly toxic questions in business and creative circles:

Are they actually lucky… or are we just not seeing the work behind their network?

If you’ve ever left an event feeling like everyone else walked out with deals, connections, and momentum while you walked out with cold fingers and existential dread — this one’s for you.

This conversation pulls apart the myth of “overnight success” and reframes luck as something far less mystical and far more actionable. Spoiler: it’s not about being charming, flashy, or everywhere at once. It’s about showing up consistently, caring genuinely, and building relationships that compound over time.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why envy and jealousy aren’t character flaws, but data points
• The difference between posturing and real momentum
• How “luck” is usually preparation plus proximity
• Why showing up in the right rooms matters more than going to every room
• The hidden labor behind “borrowed audiences” and big collaborations
• What real reciprocity looks like (and how to spot one-sided networking fast)
• Why social skills, curiosity, and generosity still outperform hacks and funnels
• How to stop waiting for a fairy godmother and start building your own leverage

This episode is especially for listeners who are tired of transactional networking, allergic to fake hype, and ready to build connections that actually lead somewhere — even if that path is slower, quieter, and far more sustainable.

You don’t need more luck.
 You need better rooms, better reps, and better relationships.

And yes… the numbers never lie — but neither does the room.

Keep in touch!

Follow Megan Eckman

• Fat Cap Design
• PDX Spellbound

Follow Mary Williams

• Sasquatch Media Grounds
• Sensible Woo