How to Stay Visible (and Connected) in a Remote World w/ Susan Collins

Most people think building strong professional relationships takes big, impressive moments, but in reality, it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest impact.In this episode of Making the Connection, I sit down with Susan Collins, founder of The Network Concierge, for a thoughtful and refreshingly practical conversation on what it really takes to build meaningful professional relationships–especially in a remote-first world.Susan shares simple but powerful strategies for staying connected, from tracking personal milestones in your calendar to the underrated impact of a well-timed handwritten note. We talk about how small, intentional actions can turn everyday interactions into lasting relationships.Our conversation expands into the realities of remote work, where visibility, communication, and trust play a critical role in career growth. Susan offers actionable advice for both team members and leaders: how to create “virtual water cooler” moments, build trust through consistent communication, and foster a culture where mistakes are openly discussed—not hidden.Drawing from her years in talent acquisition and executive coaching, Susan also dives into the deeper work behind career growth. She shares how patterns and behaviors can hold professionals back, why self-awareness matters more than we think, and what it really looks like to let go of the habits that once made us successful in order to grow.We dive into:How to build genuine relationships through small, intentional actionsStaying visible and connected while working remotelyCreating trust and accountability on remote teamsWhy making space for mistakes leads to stronger leadershipIdentifying and breaking patterns that limit career growthThinking ahead: how to approach long-term career planning with intentionThis episode is a reminder that strong relationships (and strong careers) aren’t built on big moments, but on consistent, thoughtful connection over time.To learn more about Susan’s work, check out: https://www.thenetworkconcierge.com/—-------Tune in to Making the Connection every other week to learn about how to develop genuine professional relationships.Stay in touch with host, Angela Chong, on LinkedIn & on Instagram @ makingtheconnectionpodcast