Shows
The Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina Zanganas3 Part Series: How to Get Back to Series-In-Person Networking After Covid - 3. How to Stay Top of Mind after a Networking EventThe final episode of the three-part series on how to get back to in-person networking after Covid is about what to do after the event to stay top of mind with your connections. Once the event is over and you’ve accomplished your networking goals, you may think all the work is done, but it’s really just started. In this episode, I talk about:how to follow up after a networking eventhow to stay top of mind with your networkand why not every connection is meant to work out2022-06-2107 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina Zanganas3 Part Series: How to Get Back to Series-In-Person Networking After Covid - 2. How to Show Up as Your Best Self at a Networking EventPart two of the three-part series on getting back to in-person networking after Covid is all about how to show up as your best self at the event. In this episode, I cover everything from: how to dress for the eventwhere to standhow to approach someoneto how to leave the eventI’m going to share practical tips such as how to use power poses to get you in the right headspace. This episode is a deep dive that will leave you feeling con...2022-05-1710 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina Zanganas3 Part Series: How to Get Back to Series-In-Person Networking After Covid - 1. How to Find & Prepare for Networking EventsThe next three episodes of the podcast is a 3-part series on getting back to in-person networking after Covid. Whether you’re a networking newbie, or you just need to sharpen those networking skills, I’m going to share some tips to help you find events, prepare for them, and what to do to follow up and make the most of your connections. Part 1 of the series is all about how to find and prepare for networking events. In this episode, I’ll cover: why you need to define your networking goalsho...2022-04-1908 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasWhy networking is importantThis episode is all about why networking is important and why you should network. Even though I’m going to talk about why networking is important for you, networking, at its core, is about building relationships and supporting others. In this episode, I’ll share how I went from being a shy kid who lacked self-confidence to a networking expert, and how you can too. Remember: it’s not only about career growth; it’s about so much more. I’ll also talk about some of the research around the benefits of networking and some great advice from senior leader at...2022-03-1508 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasWhat is Networking?Season 3, episode 1 kicks off 2022 with a slightly new format. In this season, I’ll still be interviewing amazing women who are expert networkers, but I’ll mostly be selecting a specific topic about networking and doing a deep dive on it. This episode is all about answering the question, “What is networking?” I start this episode off by addressing common misconceptions about networking that people often have all wrong. I talk about what networking actually is and all the different ways you can network that aren’t as scary as going to a big event, meeting total strangers...2022-02-1510 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina Zanganas2021 Recap: A Look Back at the Episodes From This Past YearEpisode 7 is the last show of 2021. Over the past 12 months, I’ve had sixteen different guests, and each of them have had their own unique approach to networking. Some of the women I spoke to were born to network, some were terrified but overcame that fear, and some are still afraid of networking but have found ways to work around their fear…and have amassed a huge community as a result. There were two consistent themes with all my guests:That networking isn’t about trying to close a deal or being schmoozy, it’s about building...2021-12-2113 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasJulie Brown - Speaker | Author This Sh!t Works | Host: This Sh!t Works Podcast | Networking CoachEpisode 6 finds me speaking with Speaker, Author, Podcast Host, Networking Coach, and Business Development Strategist: Julie Brown. Julie is one of the few guests I’ve interviewed that I had never met in person. In fact, we were never formally introduced, nor have we bumped into each other at an event. (We’re living proof that there are more ways to network than you might think!) After learning she was a fellow networking guru, I bought her book, did some research, and very soon realized I wanted to bring her on to the show. I was thrilled when she acce...2021-12-0750 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasStacey Berry - Government Relations Consultant, Author, President & Founder of Bstellar Group Inc.In Episode 5, I got to interview Government Relations Consultant, Author, President & Founder of Bstellar Group Inc., Stacey Berry. Stacey and I met a few years back at a Lean In event, and as is the case with so many of my guests, the two of us share a passion for networking. Which is why I was super intrigued to learn about her year-long “digital detox.” This exercise forced her to find other ways to network and helped her discover the only and only social platform she wanted to return to after the year was up. Tune in to hear...2021-11-2343 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasTracey Bissett - Financial Fitness Educator, Coach and PodcasterIn Episode 4, I had a great time interviewing Financial Fitness Educator, Coach, and Podcaster: Tracey Bissett. Tracey and I were first introduced by a mutual connection back in 2018. Unfortunately, life got busy and I completely dropped the ball when it came to keeping in touch — a true networking ‘no no.’ After being re-introduced quite recently, I’m so glad I can say that she’s now officially part of my network. It was awesome to get a second chance to get to know such an amazing woman... and to chat about our shared passions (networking and podcasts!). Ready to be a fl...2021-11-0939 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasAngela Payne - Co-Founder, LeedHR | National Board President, Lean In Canada | Leadership Expert | SpeakerTune in to Episode 3, where I’ll be interviewing Businesswoman, Leadership Expert, Speaker, and President of Lean in Canada: Angela Payne. As Co-Founder of Lean in Canada myself, I can’t help but feel that the two of us were destined to meet — and luckily, we hit it off when we did. Now Angela is a good friend and a true asset to my network. It’s not surprising that everyone who knows her recognizes that the connections she makes are authentic and lasting. In this episode, Angela and I have a lively discussion about networking, including:...2021-10-2655 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasMarguerite Orane - Expert on Leading, Living and Working with JoyIn Episode 2, you’ll find me chatting about the “heart of networking” with Executive Leadership Coach, Group Process Facilitator, Public Speaker, and Author: Marguerite Orane. Once upon a time, Marguerite and I were both what she calls “reluctant networkers” who were inspired to face our fears and get out there by the same woman (who just happens to be the first guest I ever interviewed on this podcast — check it out!). A few years ago, we were lucky to be connected by our mutual career coach, and it truly brings me joy to have such a positive person like Marguer...2021-10-1247 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasLeslie Hughes - LinkedIn Profile Writer and Principal of PUNCH!mediaAnd I’m back for Season 2, chatting about the importance of networking on Linkedin with Author, Social Media Guru, and Linkedin Profile Writer: Leslie Hughes. A woman after my own heart, Leslie helps high-profile clients step outside of their comfort zone — on her favourite social platform, of course. Perhaps not surprisingly, Leslie and I first met when I was looking for someone to help me with my Linkedin profile, and I’m so glad one of my lovely Lean In Canada volunteers was kind enough to introduce us. Tune in this week as we talk All Things Linkedin. We’ll be di...2021-09-2845 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasSeason 1 - Wrap-upFor the closing episode of Season 1, I talk about the inevitable “a-ha” moment I experienced while speaking with Every. Single. One of my guests. Sure, I may know a thing or two about networking, but there wasn’t an episode that aired where I didn’t learn at least one new thing. Considering the amazing line-up of women I interviewed, I’m not surprised. From the mentor who helped me get to where I am today, to the woman nicknamed “The Negotiator,” to Canada’s Financial Confidante, some truly phenomenal women have shared some truly insightful gems with me this past year...2021-06-2805 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasManjula Selvarajah – Journalist, Syndicated Columnist, Guest Host, SpeakerEpisode 10 is my final interview of the season, and what an awesome note to end on! This episode finds me chatting with Manjula Selverajah — respected journalist, technology & education columnist for CBC Radio, and guest host for CBC Ontario. The two of us met pre-Covid thanks to The List, a monthly collection of networking events for women that I compile and share with the Toronto community. After I included Manjula's organization, Tamil Women Rising, she reached out and we instantly formed a great connection. Each of us ad...2021-06-141h 02The Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasSandra Pellegrini - Founder & CEO, MyConxn LimitedIn Episode 9, I interview the woman behind Wengage, a technology that connects like-minded women on the lookout for good company — in real-time. An app after my own heart! Her name is Sandra Pellegrini, and the two of us met after a series of online encounters. First, we followed each other on social media. Then, I entered a contest on her company website and won. And finally, I got an invite to a party they were hosting for subscribers. (I ended up making a lot of great connections and eventually met Sa...2021-05-3149 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasDr. Jean Kim - Award-winning Educator, Co-Founder @ LYP Program, Global Communication SpecialistEpisode 8 finds me chatting with the co-founder of Live Your Potential Women’s Career & Development Program. Her name is Dr. Jean Kim — and we’ve never actually met in person. (In fact, this was the first time we even saw each other on video.) In 2017, we were introduced by a mutual connection, and we’ve only ever spoken on the phone since. And yet, we are now invaluable pieces of each other’s network. We share a deep respect for one another, and have committed to (finally!) meeting in person after COVID. (And to think people assume that networking...2021-05-1759 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasJackie Porter CFP - Canada's Financial ConfidanteIn today’s episode, I sit down with Jackie Porter — my friend and an amazing woman whose title may as well be Queen of All Things Finance. Recognized as Canada’s Financial Confidante, Jackie wears many (financial) hats: Certified Financial Planner, Financial Advisor, Financial Speaker and Strategist. Not to mention she’s an expert networker. Whew! She was also a pre-pandemic brunch buddy of mine — we both miss our favourite spot on St. Clair terribly. Tune in to one of Connect and Bloom’s funnier episodes, and enjoy some chuckles and chit-chat about:- why you shou...2021-05-0346 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasDeborah Rosati - Founder and CEO of Women Get on Board, Corporate Director, Speaker & AuthorIn episode 6, I interview the founder and CEO of an organization that is dedicated to getting women on boards of directors, aptly named Women Get on Board. Her name is Deborah Rosati, and I love that she helps advance gender diversity in the boardroom by connecting women with the right people and opportunities. Perhaps not surprisingly, Deborah and I met at a networking event back in 2015, and we continue to keep in touch to this day. Tune in as Deborah and I discuss all things networking, including:how to network when...2021-04-1950 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasFotini Iconomopoulos - Negotiation Expert and AuthorIn episode 5, I interview a friend who also happens to be a negotiation expert and author: Fotini Iconomopoulos. Before our chat, she was kind enough to give me an advance copy of her upcoming book, Say Less, Get More — and I couldn’t put it down. Much like the invaluable workshops she offers, this book is overflowing with sage negotiation advice for women. In fact, she was nicknamed “The Negotiator” as a child — and you’ll see why in a moment. Tune in as Fotini and I talk about the little known...2021-04-051h 07The Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasJennifer Hargreaves - Founder and CEO of tellentThis next episode finds me connecting with a female entrepreneur committed to connecting other women to inclusive and flexible work opportunities — all the more important in today’s Brave New World. Her name is Jennifer Hargreaves, and she’s the Brave New Woman behind tellent, an organization she founded to help “bridge the talent gap in the new work economy.” As a fellow woman who’s feeling the post-pandemic pressure, I was super excited to hear her take on things like:how to network to find a jobthe best questions to ask when first meeting new peoplewhy networking ‘mishaps’ can s...2021-03-2255 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasChanele McFarlane – Certified Career Strategist, TEDx Speaker & WriterIn episode 3, I’m captivated as I chat with award-winning career strategist, TEDx speaker, and changemaker, Chanèle McFarlane. And no wonder — she’s been recognized as one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada and is a Top 25 Women of Influence. An on-air career expert, Chanèle has appeared on Breakfast Television, CHCH Morning Live, Rogers TV Ottawa, and The Morning Show. So I’m more than a little honoured that she agreed to sit down with me today. Tune in as we talk about:why personal branding is critical to networking success2021-03-0852 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasSadaf Virji - Relationship Builder. Educator. NetworkerIn Episode 2, I’m excited to feature a badass woman who came to Canada when she was 18 years young. Knowing no one, Sadaf Virji had to learn how to network — fast. Now she helps newcomers to Canada integrate by teaching them how to (net)work it. Sadaf is really passionate about helping newcomers build this invaluable skill, and I think that’s one of the main things that drew me to her: our shared passion when it comes to helping others make life-changing connections. In today’s episode, we’ll be chatting about: why networking is so critical...2021-03-0854 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasJudi Hughes – Business Consultant & Coach | Speaker | Author of The Balanced Business WheelFor Connect and Bloom’s pilot episode, it is only fitting that my guest today is Judi Hughes. She holds a special place in my heart — as my long-time mentor and business coach. Judi is also the very important person who gave me the ‘nudge’ I needed when networking felt really scary, if not impossible. In this very first episode, stay tuned for some super honest Q&A, a ton of awesome advice, and a few laughs, too. We’ll be chatting about all this and more:the biggest misconceptions about networking networking in times of COVIDthe challenges women face...2021-03-0855 minThe Connect and Bloom Podcast with Despina ZanganasConnect and Bloom TrailerReady to harness the power of networking? Whether a wallflower or an expert mingler, you’re invited to tune in to Connect and Boom, a networking podcast that features prominent women from all walks of life. This is the trailer episode for the first season of Connect and Bloom launching on March 4th2021-02-1503 min
Real Estate And Coffee with Kenneth LarozaReal Estate and Coffee with Despina ZanganasIn this episode I speak with Co-Founder of Lean In Canada and sales rep Despina Zanganas and we discuss where to invest, technology and why her target audience is women.
find us on instagram: @iam.despina, @leanincanada and @kennethlaroza2020-04-1318 min