Cultivating Meaningful Connections: A New Approach to Networking

We do not build our networks by networking. We build our networks when we cultivate meaningful connections with others. Social connections are such a hard-wired part of the human experience that it should come to no surprise that it can also significantly influence our well - being and be just as important as our physical and mental health. This is why we’re excited to announce our first Member – Only event of 2025 - Cultivating Meaningful Connections: A New Approach to Networking.

In this 90-minute workshop led by Katie O’Malley from (En) Courage Coaching, Disability Lead Members will learn a new approach to networking rooted in curiosity, values, and a spirit of generosity. For folks who believe networking is a necessary evil or simply not for them, this experience will encourage you to revisit that perspective. By engaging in this workshop, participants will be able to confidently communicate to others who they are, what they want, and how they can be of service in this relational equation.

Following Katie’s presentation, there will be a structured networking session. We hope you will take advantage of time to connect with other leaders in our Network.

About The Event:

• Date: February 3, 2025
• Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. CST
• Location: Zoom Meeting

You will receive a Zoom link the day before the event and the option to add the event to your calendar.

‍Accessibility: ASL interpretation and CART via a Streamtext link will be provided. Auto captions will also be available on Zoom during the program and the breakout sessions. If you require any additional accommodations to fully participate, please contact Clare Killy, at ckilly@disabilitylead.org.

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Meet Our Speaker: Katie O’Malley

‍Katie O'Malley is an Executive Coach and Leadership Educator with twenty (20) years of professional experience serving the nonprofit, education and corporate sectors. Across these workplaces, Katie noticed her strengths and values consistently steered her towards the support and development of others. In 2012, Katie translated this observation into action, earning a master’s degree in counseling and a board certification in coaching.

Since 2018, Katie has worked alongside hundreds of individuals, teams, and organization clients as the Founder and Principal Coach of (En) Courage Coaching. Founded with the noble mission of providing exceptional, financially accessible coaching services to Chicago- area professionals, (En) Courage Coaching has grown to support individuals and businesses from coast to coast, as well as the United Kingdom.

Coaching clients in the design of authentic career paths, effective leadership practices, and courageous workplace cultures is in the DNA of (En) Courage Coaching. By leveraging a mix of evidence-based  practices from the fields of counseling, organizational development, and leadership education, Katie equips her clients with customized strategies to meet their unique needs and aspirational goals.

Prior to opening the doors of (En) Courage Coaching, Katie served as a coach and course instructor to MBA and graduate students at Chicago Booth. The University of Texas at Austin, and DePaul University. Recently featured in Fast Company and Thrive Global, Katie also delivers keynote addresses at industry conferences. Clients include: Automative News, SHRM, Women in Retail, and Women Impact Tech.

Learn more about Katie and (En) Courage Coaching: https://encouragecoaching.org/about/