In Episode 60 of The Incredible Machines podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden are joined by Helen Nicholson, founder and CEO of The Networking Company, author, speaker, and personal branding expert.
For the last twenty years, Helen has been helping people develop the power skills which affect their careers but are seldom found in official job descriptions. These skills include strategic networking, corporate politics, personal branding, communication in the workplace, and the building of relationships.
Her career is made up of various changes. Having studied accounting, she went to Dubai, where she set up and then sold her first business, before returning to South Africa and establishing The Networking Company there. She offers some practical methods for building stronger professional relationships, gaining greater visibility, and creating a network which supports your ambitions.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or professional looking to advance your career, this episode offers practical guidance on building relationships with intention and taking responsibility for the life you want to create.
Networking may come naturally to some people, but Helen believes that anyone is able to develop this skill.
Apart from knowing a large number of people, connectors pay attention to people's problems, notice opportunities, and put forward individuals who might be able to assist each other. This ability can be developed into a behavioural pattern through consistent practice.
Helen encourages people to identify four important roles within their professional network:
One person may fulfil more than one of these roles. The important step is to identify who can support the opportunity, project, or career move you want to pursue.
Helen offers a simple formula for starting better conversations at networking events: Observe, Ask, and Reveal.
She also recommends approaching groups of three. A pair may already be engaged in a private conversation, while a group of four can be difficult to enter. Three creates a natural opportunity to join the discussion.
Helen believes AI can be an incredibly powerful tool, but she has also noticed people becoming overwhelmed, distracted, and exhausted by it.
She suggests that AI should be introduced in stages, with each stage involving a bit of learning and experimentation. Rather than attempting to grasp all of it at once, it should be divided into smaller parts, and the main objective of the business or an individual, in the case of their career, should always be kept in mind.
“Stop waiting like you are the one you’ve been waiting for.”
~ Helen Nicholson
Thinkbox’s “Every Home Needs a Harvey” Advertisement: Helen Nicholson selected a classic advertisement because it demonstrates the power of standing out. In the advert, a rescue dog named Harvey uses a video to show the value he could bring to a potential owner. Helen uses the campaign as an example of effective personal branding, preparation, and communicating your value.
Thinkbox’s “Every Home Needs a Harvey” Advertisement:
Helen Nicholson’s story shows that meaningful networking isn't about collecting contacts or asking people for favours. It's about building trusted relationships through generosity, authenticity, curiosity, and consistent effort.
Whether you’re building your career, strengthening your network, or learning to perform without burning out, Helen’s story is a reminder that meaningful success begins with authentic relationships, intentional action, and taking ownership of the life you want to create.
Who is Helen Nicholson?
Helen Nicholson is the founder and CEO of The Networking Company. She is an author, speaker, and personal branding expert who helps professionals and organisations develop skills in networking, corporate politics, communication, and strategic intelligence.
What is The Networking Company?
The Networking Company helps organisations develop the power skills that influence workplace performance and career progression. Its programmes cover areas such as strategic networking, personal branding, corporate politics, communication, and change agility.
What does Observe, Ask and Reveal mean?
Observe, Ask and Reveal is Helen Nicholson’s formula for starting meaningful conversations. You begin with an observation, ask a relevant question, and then reveal something authentic about yourself to deepen the interaction.
What is the Incredible Machines podcast?
The Incredible Machines podcast is a thought leadership series produced by Tim Africa, featuring conversations with visionary entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers from across the continent.
Where can I listen to the full episode with Helen Nicholson?
You can listen on all major platforms including:
🎧 Spotify
🍎 Apple Podcasts
🌐 Tim Africa Podcast Hub
Helen Nicholson Website: https://helen-nicholson.com/
Helen Nicholson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helennicholson92/
Helen Nicholson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.nicholson.1428
Helen Nicholson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/networkwithhelen/
The Networking Company Website: https://thenetworkingco.com/
The Networking Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18739149/
The Networking Company Facebook: https://facebook.com/thenetworkingco
The Networking Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenetworkingco/