Dive Deep into Networking Insights with Melissa, Billy, and John on the Best Networking Mentors Podcast. Listen as Melissa, Billy, and John provide a robust follow-up on the Best Networking Mentors contest, marking 22 years since Melissa first launched the acclaimed Best Networkers contest. This special podcast episode gives listeners a front-row seat to this prestigious networking recognition's evolution and enduring impact in the professional world.

They discuss how the contest has evolved to meet the changing demands of professional networking and the significant role it continues to play in career and business development.

The discussion includes a look back at the contest's beginnings at a Regus facility in Chicago, highlighting its role in recognizing and promoting top networkers, to its present focus on identifying and celebrating exceptional mentoring talents. They share personal stories, discuss the profound impacts of the contest on participants' careers, and the ongoing benefits of being part of this influential networking community.

Why Tune In?

• Exclusive Insights: Gain firsthand insights from leaders who have not only witnessed but also shaped the course of networking excellence over the last two decades.
• Inspirational Stories: Discover the lasting legacy of the contest and its impact on the professional journeys of networking professionals.
• Effective Networking Strategies: Learn actionable strategies for building and leveraging professional relationships in today’s dynamic environment.

In his awe-inspiring book, Steve Pemberton turns the page on his tumultuous childhood to share how a single act of kindness from a mysterious "book angel" became his lifeline. Rising from the shadows of a challenging foster care experience, Steve's narrative is a profound testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. His remarkable path led him to influential roles at Monster.com and Walgreens, where he shaped his legacy of leadership and advocacy for the underrepresented.

Join Steve as he unveils the pivotal moments and the extraordinary people who propelled him from uncertainty to unstoppable — a journey that reminds us all of the profound impact of kindness and the enduring strength of hope.

Embrace the story that is more than just a memoir; it's an invitation to believe in the possibility of change and the strength we all hold within.

Stephen has an unparalleled commitment to improving humanity. This model is powerful because he is serious about making a difference. The CORE Algorithm has the capacity to solve a lot of problems for individuals, organizations, and society.
—Michael Fullan, OC, Professor Emeritus, OISE/University of Toronto, Co-Director of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning

Stephen’s passion for helping is infectious. His work has made me more effective and efficient in navigating very difficult and complex people situations. This model has been good for me and good for everyone around me, at work and in my life.

—Dr. Richard Keizer, MD, PhD. Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics Surgeon-Scientist, Thorlakson Chair in Surgical Research

Stephen de Groot has devoted his life to helping others. He has worked with a diverse group of people, including troubled teens and their families, gang members, adult prisoners, federal corrections officers, CEOs, presidents, and high-level leaders in various industries. As the President and co-founder of Brivia, a company committed to improving work and life for everyone, he has worked with over 300 organizations across 12 countries.

Stephen is the author of two books: Responsive Leadership (SAGE, 2016) and Getting to Better: A New Model for Elevating Human Potential and Performance, to be released this Fall 2024. He is a former adjunct professor of human behavior theory, international speaker, and coach to many high-level leaders in different fields, having presented to over 50,000 people.

Stephen prides himself on being a practice leader rather than just a thought leader. He believes in working directly with leaders and their staff, providing them with simple, practical, and actionable recipe cards to improve and sustain preferred individual and collective results for organizations and the people they serve.

Despite his involvement in many projects, Stephen's primary focus is developing and validating a comprehensive model for human betterment for leaders, parents, teachers, and coaches. It is called the CORE Algorithm, and he works daily to simplify, verify, and validate it.